We do not support littering but as the majority of the packaging applications and
carrier bags do not end in a controlled way of disposal, the way to make the bags
degradable helps the environment.
One key factor is the energy required to make various materials; some are summarized in the table below:
Material Energy for production MJ/kg.
Polylactic acid (PLA) | 69 |
Polyhydroxy alkanoates | 89 |
Polyethylene | 29 (as well Addiflex®) |
Paper | ~ 600 |
It is apparent from this table that materials such as PLA, although made from annually renewable resources consume considerable resources in their manufacture. Furthermore paper, often touted as a better environmental option than plastic film, is no such thing. Partly because of the energy required the cost of PLA and PHA products are multiples of the equivalent PE product.