Compostable packaging

Polybags' range of compostable bags are derived from natural, renewable resources to reduce the impact of the packaging on the environment.

This renewable packaging is manufactured from sugar cane, potato starch and other renewable resources that can be converted into chemicals and polymers using conversion processes similar to those of traditional polythene.

Ideal for collecting food waste, this ultra-green packaging is biodegradable and compostable, meeting EU compostability standard EN13432.

To find out more about Polybags' other eco-friendly packaging, please visit:

How long does compostable packaging take to compost?

Compostable packaging requires an active microbial environment such as a compost heap to fully degrade but, when placed in industrial composting conditions, will completely disintegrate into carbon dioxide (CO2), water and biomass within 10-12 weeks, leaving no harmful residue behind.

The composting process will take longer in home composting conditions, as these do not match the heat generated in an industrial composter. Home composting time will depend on factors such as location and composting conditions.

Our compostable range meets the EU standard for compostable packaging (EN13432) - see the section below for further details.

What is the shelf life of compostable packaging and how do I store it?

Our compostable range has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture as standard, as the compostable polymers used are designed to structurally break down and decompose after this point.

It is important to store compostable packaging in a cool, dry place, as exposure to direct heat, sunlight or moisture can reduce its shelf life.

European compostable standard EN13432

Polybags' range of compostable packaging meets the European Union compostable standard EN13432.

To comply with this standard, all packaging must meet the following key requirements:

• Biodegradation - At least 90% of materials must break down by biological action (into CO2, water and minerals) within six months
• Disintegration - The packaging must decompose into tiny pieces so that, after 12 weeks, at least 90% of it can pass through a 2x2mm mesh
• Chemical composition - The packaging must meet limits for volatile matter, flourine and 10 heavy metals, including copper, zinc, lead and mercury
• Compost quality - Adding the packaging to compost should not affect the quality of that compost. Ecotoxicity tests examine whether the germination and biomass production of plants are adversely affected by the introduction of the composted packaging

Full details of the requirements of the EN13432 standard are available at okcompost.be.

OK Compost

Products certified as OK Compost are guaranteed to meet all of the requirements of the EN13432 compostable standard (listed above). These products carry the OK Compost logo for easy verification purposes and are guaranteed to biodegrade in an industrial composting plant.

Advantages of compostable packaging

• Biodegradable and compostable
• Contains no polythene used to make regular plastic bags
• Conforms to European Union (EU) compostability standard EN 13432
• Disintegrates into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within 10-12 weeks in industrial composting conditions
• Leaves no harmful residue behind in compost
• Free from Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMO)
• Strong and durable - equivalent strength to standard plastic at the same thickness
• Food-use approved
• Soft gentle feel
• Keeps your kitchen caddy or food bin clean and free from bad bin odours

Disadvantages of compostable packaging

• More expensive than biodegradable polythene bags (regular polythene with additive that accelerates the degradation process)
• Requires the correct composting conditions - temperature, micro-organisms, humidity and oxygen - to biodegrade fully
• Whilst compostable packaging can be disposed of in a landfill, the biodegradation process takes much longer due to the lack of oxygen and moisture required to break the packaging down
• Shelf life of just 12 months - reduced if exposed to direct heat, sunlight or moisture