The debate around compostable bags rages on: Are they a genuine fix for plastic pollution, or just another environmental Band-Aid that creates new problems? From misconceptions about “natural decomposition” to real-world issues like recycling contamination and infrastructure gaps, it’s easy to see why communities and businesses feel confused.
As a leader in biodegradable packaging with 12 years of experience, plseco doesn’t just sell compostable bags—we solve the problems that make them work (or fail) for the planet. In this blog, we’ll cut through the noise: we’ll explain why compostable bags can be a powerful solution, address the key issues that hold them back, and show how plseco’s design, education, and support turn “potential pollution” into “proven sustainability.”
To call a compostable bag a “solution,” it needs to check three boxes: genuine compostability, no toxic byproducts, and alignment with real-world waste systems. Let’s break down how plseco’s bags meet (and exceed) these standards—so you know you’re not just buying “greenwashed plastic.”
A common myth: “Compostable bags decompose anywhere, like in a park or landfill.” The truth? They need specific conditions—heat (55-60°C for industrial compost, 20-25°C for home compost), moisture (50-60% humidity), and oxygen—to break down into harmless soil, CO₂, and water.
plseco’s bags are certified to global standards that guarantee this:
- Industrial Compost Series: Meets EN13432 (EU) and ASTM D6400 (BPI, USA) standards—90% decomposition in 180 days at 55-60°C (ideal for businesses using industrial compost facilities).
- Home Compost Series: Certified OK Compost HOME (TÜV Austria)—fully breaks down in 120-180 days in backyard bins (perfect for consumers and local cafes).
We never use vague terms like “biodegradable”—every bag clearly labels its required compost environment, so users know exactly where to dispose of it.
Low-quality compostable bags often contain petroleum-based additives or heavy metals that leach into soil as they break down. plseco’s bags are made from 100% plant-based materials (non-GMO corn starch, PLA, PBAT) with zero toxic additives. Third-party lab tests confirm our decomposed bags leave no microplastics, heavy metals, or harmful sludge—just nutrient-rich humus that nourishes plants.
Compostable bags aren’t perfect—when misused or poorly designed, they can cause real harm. Let’s tackle the three biggest issues, and how plseco fixes them.
If a compostable bag ends up in a landfill (where there’s no oxygen or heat), it behaves like traditional plastic: it sits for years, releasing methane (a potent greenhouse gas). Worse, 40% of consumers admit to tossing compostable bags in general waste—because they don’t know better (2025 Global Waste Survey).
plseco’s Fix: Clear Labeling + Consumer EducationEvery plseco bag has a bold, easy-to-read label:
- “DO: Compost in industrial facility (find one at [localcompost.com]) or home bin.”
- “DON’T: Throw in general trash or recycling.”
We also provide free “Compost Guide” flyers to retailers and cafes—with maps of local compost drop-offs, step-by-step home compost tips, and a QR code linking to a 2-minute video explaining disposal. A café in Denver that used these flyers saw a 65% drop in customers tossing plseco bags in general waste.
Another big problem: consumers mix compostable bags with regular plastic recycling. Compostable bags are softer and more elastic than traditional plastic—they wrap around recycling plant rotors and augers, causing jams that shut down machines for hours. Even if they’re processed, they decompose in recycled plastic, creating “voids” that make the recycled material useless.
plseco’s Fix: “Recycling-Resistant” Design + Industry Partnerships
- Visual Cues: Our bags are tinted a soft green (not clear or white, like recyclable plastic) and printed with “NOT FOR RECYCLING—COMPOST ONLY” in bold letters. This helps sorting facilities (and consumers) spot them instantly.
- Partnerships with Recyclers: We work with 50+ North American and European recycling facilities to train staff on identifying plseco bags. Some facilities even use our sample bags in training workshops to teach workers how to separate them from recyclables.
A recycling plant in Toronto reported a 70% drop in compostable bag jams after partnering with plseco—saving them $30,000 annually in maintenance costs.
Many communities send food waste (and compostable bags) to AD plants (which turn waste into biogas). But compostable bags are 54% moisture—AD plants need to dry materials first, and wet bags extend drying time by 2-3 days, slowing down the entire process.
plseco’s Fix: Low-Moisture Blends for AD CompatibilityWe developed a special “AD-Ready” compostable bag for communities using AD facilities. By adjusting our PLA/PBAT blend (60% PLA, 40% PBAT), we reduced moisture content to 35%—cutting drying time at AD plants by 50%. These bags still decompose fully in AD systems, but they don’t disrupt operations. A city in the UK switched to plseco’s AD-Ready bags and saw their AD plant’s efficiency increase by 20%.
So, are compostable bags a solution or pollution? The answer depends on who makes them and how they’re used. Low-quality, uncertified bags that lack disposal guidance? They’re pollution. plseco’s bags—certified, designed for real waste systems, and backed by education? They’re a powerful solution that:
- Reduces reliance on non-recyclable single-use plastic.
- Turns packaging into nutrient-rich soil (instead of landfill waste).
- Aligns with the circular economy (no “take-make-waste” cycle).
Don’t just take our word for it: A small town in Oregon switched to plseco’s home compost bags for local cafes and households. After 1 year, they diverted 12 tons of plastic from landfills—and their community garden reported healthier soil (thanks to composted plseco bags).
Whether you’re a business owner, a community leader, or a consumer, here’s how to make compostable bags work for the planet:
- Choose certified bags only: Avoid “biodegradable” claims—ask for proof of EN13432, ASTM D6400, or OK Compost HOME certifications (plseco provides these upfront).
- Train your team: Teach staff to explain disposal to customers (e.g., “This bag goes in your home compost bin—here’s how to use it!”).
- Partner with local waste systems: Work with your city’s compost or AD facilities to ensure your bags fit their processes (plseco can help connect you).
- Check the label: Only compost bags in the environment they’re designed for (home vs. industrial).
- Use compost drop-offs: If you don’t have a home bin, use local compost sites (plseco’s website has a global map of drop-offs).
- Spread the word: Tell friends and family about proper disposal—small actions add up.
At plseco, we don’t just sell compostable bags—we sell a system that makes them work:
- Problem-Solving Design: Our bags are engineered to avoid recycling contamination, AD delays, and toxic residues.
- Free Education Resources: We provide retailers, schools, and communities with guides, videos, and posters to teach proper use.
- Waste System Alignment: We partner with compost facilities and AD plants to ensure our bags fit into real-world infrastructure.
When you choose plseco, you’re not just buying a bag—you’re joining a network that turns “potential pollution” into “proven change.”
Stop guessing if your “eco-friendly” bags are helping or hurting the planet. Contact plseco today to:
- Request free samples of our industrial/home/AD-ready compostable bags (test their quality and decomposition yourself).
- Get a customized “Sustainability Plan” (we’ll help you align your bags with local waste systems).
- Access our free “Compost Disposal Guide” (for businesses and consumers).
