The shelf life of biodegradable and fully biodegradable plastic bags differs, mainly depending on the type of biodegradable material used, environmental conditions, and the way the degradation process works. Here are the general shelf life and influencing factors of these two types of plastic bags:
1. Biodegradable Plastic Bags
Materials: Biodegradable plastic bags are usually made of polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PBAT), starch-based plastics, or other bio-based materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These materials can gradually degrade in the natural environment, but the degradation rate will be affected by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light.
Shelf life:
Shelf life when not in use: Biodegradable plastic bags usually have a shelf life of 1-3 years, but this period depends on the storage environment. If the storage conditions are dry and cool, and not exposed to ultraviolet rays, these bags can maintain their performance better.
Degradation process: Although the bags can remain relatively stable during long-term storage, they will gradually begin to degrade once exposed to sunlight, air, moisture and other environments. The degradation process generally takes several months to several years, depending on factors such as environmental humidity, temperature and light intensity.
2. Compostable Plastic Bags
Material: Compostable plastic bags are usually made of polylactic acid (PLA) or other fully compostable materials. These materials can be completely degraded in a specific composting environment without leaving any harmful substances. Compostable plastic bags degrade quickly and do not rely on aerobic or anaerobic conditions in the natural degradation process.
Shelf life:
Shelf life when unused: The shelf life of compostable plastic bags is usually short, generally 6 months to 1 year, depending on the raw materials used and the storage conditions. Since the materials of these bags are designed to degrade in a composting environment, they are easily affected by factors such as air humidity and light in ordinary storage environments.
Degradation process: Fully degradable plastic bags degrade relatively quickly, usually starting to completely degrade within a few months to a year, especially in a composting environment (under high temperature and high humidity conditions). If exposed to sunlight or the natural environment, they will also start to degrade quickly.
