The difference between degradable and fully degradable plastic bags

      What is the difference between degradable and fully degradable plastic bags? Fully degradable and degradable plastic bags are two different types of environmentally friendly plastic products. They have the following differences in degradation ability and environmental protection effect.

      Degradable plastic bags: These plastic bags have a certain amount of additives added during the production process, such as starch, modified starch or other cellulose, photosensitizers, biodegradants, etc., which reduce their stability and make them easier to degrade in the natural environment. However, they are only partially degraded and are still landfilled or incinerated like traditional plastic bags after being discarded. They cannot be degraded by special industrial composting, so they still pollute the environment to a certain extent.

      Fully degradable plastic bags: Fully degradable plastic bags refer to plastic packaging bags that are completely degraded into water and carbon dioxide. The main source of this material is processed from corn, cassava, etc. into lactic acid, that is, polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a new type of bio-based material and renewable biodegradable material with good biodegradability. After use, it can be completely degraded by microorganisms in nature under specific conditions, and finally generate carbon dioxide and water, without polluting the environment.

      The main bio-based materials of fully degradable materials are usually composed of PLA and PBAT (polybutylene adipate), which can be completely decomposed into water and carbon dioxide in 3-6 months under composting conditions (60-70 degrees), without polluting the environment. Although degradable plastic bags also contain biodegradable components, they cannot be completely degraded. The disposal method after discarding is similar to that of traditional plastic bags. Therefore, fully degradable plastic bags are better in environmental performance.

      In daily life, fully degradable plastic bags are considered to be a more environmentally friendly choice due to their complete degradation characteristics, while degradable plastic bags are limited in their environmental protection effects due to incomplete degradation. With the improvement of people's environmental awareness and the development of technology, fully degradable plastic bags are expected to be more widely used in the future.