An Ultimate Guide To Biodegradable Film

22 September 2023

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impacts that materials have. Plastic production, use and disposal contribute about 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions annually, so it is no wonder that companies are manufacturing sustainable alternatives to their traditional products. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a biodegradable film and deep dive into what it means for a plastic material to be environmentally friendly.

What is biodegradable film?

Biodegradable film or wrap is 100% compostable, unlike others of its type. This makes it a real contribution to helping reduce the worldwide issue of plastic waste. Not only does it break down in natural conditions, but it also offers outstanding pallet stability, protecting goods from damage and the elements.

The benefits of biodegradable film

There are a number of benefits of opting for biodegradable wrap when selecting your packaging. These include:

• A reduction in carbon emissions: As the materials used to produce biodegradable film are plant-based, they release far less carbon emissions into the air than plastic.
• Non-toxic: Biodegradable film does not contain harmful by-products or chemicals. As a result, they do not emit or leach toxins during the breakdown process.
• Improved Corporate Social Responsibility and brand image: Consumers and clients are more aware of their impact on the environment and are increasingly taking to platforms such as social media to publicly confront companies that they feel are not taking environmental concerns seriously. Similarly, customers are becoming more invested and more loyal to companies that are making a visible effort to lower their carbon footprint.
• Less pollution: Biodegradable film breaks down naturally and eventually decomposes to be consumed by soil and other natural components. No chemical reaction needs to take place which means a reduction in pollution; contributing to a positive impact on the environment.
• Speed of decomposition: Biodegradable film takes between three to six months to fully decompose which is far quicker than other types of plastic which can take hundreds of years. Additives added during the manufacturing process help to decrease the time that film takes to break down.

How is it made?

Biodegradable film is made using a process that combines eco-friendly materials, including a sustainable polymer resin to produce an environmentally friendly packaging solution.

These materials are combined with renewable sources, such as sugarcane or cornstarch which when blended together with the resin enhance its flexibility and durability.

Through the extrusion and moulding process, the biodegradable polymer is transformed into thin sheets or rolls which can be them used to manufacture a wide array of products ranging from biodegradable pallet wrap to biodegradable postal bags for mailing products in the post.

What is biodegradable film used for?

There are many uses for biodegradable film and these include:

• Pallet wraps: An eco-friendly packaging solution that has gained popularity in recent years due to its positive environmental impact. A biodegradable pallet wrap offers the same level of protection and stability for palletised goods but also aligns with sustainability goals.
• Hygiene products: Biodegradable films are used in products like nappies, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence products. These offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic-backed products.
• Consumer electronics: Some electronic manufacturers use biodegradable film in the packaging of their products to reduce plastic waste.
• Agriculture: Biodegradable films can be used in agriculture as mulch films. These films help control weed growth, retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. They can then be ploughed into the soil, where they biodegrade, reducing the need for plastic removal and disposal.

How is biodegradable film broken down?

The term “biodegradable” is defined as “capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution”. This means that a biodegradable pallet wrap undergoes a natural decomposition process that is far more beneficial to the environment when compared to traditional pallet films.

The main factors contributing to the natural decomposition of biodegradable products are:

• The materials: Plant-based polymers and compostable plastics allow these sustainable products to be broken down naturally.
• Correct disposal: For something to biodegrade, it needs the right conditions. For most products, the best conditions are found in a landfill. However, the UK has taken huge steps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and aims to send no more than 10% of municipal waste to landfills by 2035.
• The natural environment: When exposed to moisture, oxygen or microorganisms in the natural environment, the biodegradable pallet wrap will fall apart and break down over a period of 2-3 years.

Biodegradable, recyclable or compostable?

There are specific, industry-recognised terms and specifications which determine whether a product can be advertised as biodegradable, recyclable or compostable. These are:

Biodegradable

Something that is biodegradable will eventually break down into smaller pieces by natural processes. However, it is often not specified whether a material will take 6 months or 1000 years to decompose. The process of biodegradation generally takes 3-6 months. EN regulations state that biodegradation must take place within a maximum time frame of 6 months.

Recyclable

This refers to a product that can be reused for another purpose or turned into something else by breaking it down to its raw materials. The materials that are used to manufacture the item do not need to be sustainable, as long as the item itself can be repurposed. The EN standard outlines the criteria that packaging must meet to be considered recoverable through material recycling. It also accounts for the ongoing advancements in packaging and recovery technologies and provides guidelines for evaluating compliance with these criteria.

Compostable

Something that is compostable is made from materials that have been certified to break down completely into non-toxic components. These components will not harm the environment because they are disposed of in the right conditions.

It is also worth noting that not all compostable materials are suitable for composting at home. Some require higher levels of water, heat, oxygen and micro-organisms and need industrial composting. Composting at home generally happens at around 25°C whereas industrial compositing takes place at over twice that, at around 58°C.

EN 13432 requires compostable plastics to disintegrate after 12 weeks and completely biodegrade after 6 months.

Let us help you improve your Corporate Social Responsibility with biodegradable polythene solutions

Industrial Polythene offers 50 years of expertise within the polythene packaging industry. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and offer a range of greener packaging solutions that offer a better environmental impact.

If you would like a free quote or would like to request a free sample, contact us today. We would love to hear from you.