In order to create a solution, which meets the brief of creating a compostable bag/ sack solution for the supermarket brand, I look it to the definition of the word compostable so I could gain an understanding of what exactly I was being asked to produce for the brief.
Definition:
Compostable Plastic
This is pretty close to biodegradable plastic but "greener". According to the American Society for Testing & Materials, for plastic to be considered as compostable, it must be able to break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as paper. It also needs to look like compost, should not produce any toxic material and should be able to support plant life. Compostable items are made from plant materials such as corn, potato, cellulose, soy and sugar.
So:
Biodegradable - green, but can leave traces of toxins
Degradable - made from oil, but breaks down into harmless materials
Compostable - green from start to finish. Perhaps
It looks like the greenest choice is clear - compostable plastics are the most earth friendly option.
From this I am starting to question whether I am being asked to create a plastic bag solution. I don’t want my bag solution to be made form plastic. The reason being this is it would not fit in to my idea of using this as part of my direct mailer. Can we get a compostable solution using paper???
“It’s important that lawmakers, retailers and consumers have the facts about retail packaging alternatives,” said Bob Rovzar, managing director for Weyerhaeuser Company’s retailer segment.
“Recyclable paper bags are an environmentally sustainable, functional choice for stores and consumers,” he said. “They are made from recovered materials and are easily recycled, re-used or composted by consumers. This reduces waste and helps sustain the environment.”
The facts about paper bags
* 100% recyclable at convenient curbside recycling or at recycling stations.
* 100% compostable--paper breaks down quickly and naturally in the environment.
* Reusable--consumers may reuse paper bags to carry items, create arts & crafts projects, package items for shipping and mailing, collect recyclables and other uses.
* Recyclable paper bags meet or exceed industry specifications for durability. They hold up to 20 lbs of goods and keep their shape when loaded.
* Recyclable paper bags are very familiar to consumers, so they’re easy for everyone to use.
* Recyclable paper bags are clean, so items are not contaminated, soiled or damaged.
* Recovered wood fibre used in paper bags comes from manufacturing wood products--a productive use of an abundant and renewable natural resource--trees.
Using Paper for my bag solution will allow to me to create and use this as part of my direct mailer to encourage the consumer to visit the new eco friendly supermarket. Paper shopping bags are highly available, by using the right paper material can hold a lot of weight, and most importantly are compostable.
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