What is a biodegradable poly mailer?
A biodegradable poly mailer is an environmentally friendly packaging solution made from materials that can naturally break down over time. Unlike traditional plastic mailers, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable poly mailers decompose through processes like photodegradation, oxidation, and biological degradation, thus reducing environmental pollution. These mailers are known for their transparency, heat resistance, high tensile strength, impact resistance, rigidity, and toughness, with low heat shrinkage rates.
What materials are used to make biodegradable poly mailers?
Biodegradable poly mailers are primarily made from natural high molecular weight materials and biodegradable polymers. Here are some common types:
- Starch-based plastics: Made by blending starch with plastics, typically polyethylene, along with degradation agents and plasticizers.
- Polylactic acid (PLA): A biodegradable polyester derived from lactic acid through polymerization.
- Cellulose: A natural high molecular weight material used in creating biodegradable plastic mailers.
- Aliphatic polyesters, polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol: Biodegradable polymers created through microbial fermentation or synthetic processes.
- PBS (polybutylene succinate): This material can be produced from petrochemical raw materials or through the fermentation of renewable crops like starch and cellulose.
These materials are derived from natural plant fibers or biomass, making them edible, biodegradable, and relatively safe. Under composting conditions, they break down into carbon dioxide, water, and other natural substances. However, during production, chemicals may be added to enhance toughness and stability, which could have potential health and environmental risks. Therefore, it’s important to verify the biodegradability claims of these mailers through recognized certifications.
What are the benefits of using biodegradable poly mailers?
Biodegradable poly mailers offer several key advantages:
- Environmental friendliness: They naturally decompose over time, reducing long-term environmental pollution by breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and other natural substances.
- Pollution reduction: Unlike traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries, biodegradable plastics decompose much faster, alleviating the burden of plastic waste.
- Biocompatibility: Some biodegradable plastics are compatible with biological tissues, making them suitable for medical applications like surgical sutures and drug carriers.
- Sustainability: These mailers are often made from renewable resources like plant starch and cellulose, reducing reliance on finite petroleum resources.
- Versatility: Biodegradable plastics offer similar, if not superior, performance to traditional plastics, making them suitable for various packaging needs.
What certifications should biodegradable poly mailers have?
Biodegradable poly mailers should be certified by authoritative institutions to ensure their degradation performance, compliance with environmental standards, and quality control during production. Key certifications include:
- Degradation performance certification: Tests ensure that the mailers decompose into environmentally friendly substances within a specified period. These tests may include biodegradation and photodegradation assessments.
- Environmental standard certification: Compliance with international standards like ISO 14855-1, ISO 14855-2, and EU standard EN 13432 is essential. In China, national standards such as GB/T 20197-2006 and GB/T 21961-2008 apply.
- Quality certification: This includes quality control of raw materials, production processes, and product safety.
What types of biodegradable poly mailers are available?
There are several types of biodegradable poly mailers, each designed for specific needs:
- Microorganism-composed biodegradable poly mailers: Made from biopolymers like bio-polyesters, these mailers are fully decomposable by natural microorganisms.
- Polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable poly mailers: Derived from lactic acid produced by microbial fermentation, these mailers degrade after use and are suitable for medical materials.
- Starch-based poly mailers: Containing over 90% starch, these mailers degrade quickly (within 1 month to 1 year), leaving no pollution.
- Organic biodegradable poly mailers: Made from organic substances like polycarbonates, these mailers degrade without producing harmful substances.
- Biomimetic biodegradable poly mailers: Combining natural high molecular weight materials with synthetic ones, these mailers degrade without harming the environment.
These mailers can be further categorized by use, such as flat bags, carry bags, self-sealing bags, express delivery bags, garment bags, etc. Consumers should choose based on specific needs and ensure the products are certified for quality and environmental performance.
How are biodegradable poly mailers manufactured?
Raw Material Selection and Preparation:
- Material Selection:The process begins with selecting biodegradable materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PBS (Polybutylene Succinate). These materials are chosen for their eco-friendly properties, including their ability to degrade naturally over time.
- Preparation:The selected materials undergo cleaning and crushing to remove any impurities and ensure a consistent quality. This preparation is crucial for achieving uniformity in the final product.
Addition of Additives:
- Enhancement of Properties:Additives are mixed into the biodegradable materials to enhance specific properties. For instance, degradation agents are added to control the rate at which the material breaks down, while plasticizers improve the flexibility and tensile strength of the poly mailers.
Mixing and Pelletizing:
- Blending and Pelletizing:The biodegradable materials and additives are thoroughly blended to create a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is then extruded through a pelletizing machine, forming small, uniform pellets. These pellets serve as the raw material for the subsequent molding process.
Blow Molding:
- Film Extrusion:The pellets are fed into an extrusion machine, where they are melted and formed into a continuous film through blow molding. This process involves inflating the molten material into a thin, flexible tube, which is then cooled to create the film used for the mailers.
Printing:
- Customization:The extruded film is passed through a printing machine, where customized designs, logos, or branding information is printed onto the material. High-quality printing ensures that the branding remains clear and durable throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Bag Making:
- Shaping and Cutting:After printing, the film is processed in a bag-making machine, where it is cut and sealed to form the poly mailers. The machine precisely shapes the bags according to the required dimensions, ensuring consistency in size and shape.
- Sealing:The bags are sealed at the edges to ensure they are airtight and secure, which is critical for protecting the contents during shipping.
Each step requires strict quality control to ensure the mailers perform well and meet environmental standards.
What are the future trends for biodegradable poly mailers?
Future developments in biodegradable poly mailers will prioritize technological innovation, focusing on enhancing degradation speed, material strength, and durability to meet the diverse needs of various industries. Additionally, there will be ongoing efforts to optimize environmental performance by reducing energy consumption during production, lowering emissions, and improving recyclability. As costs decrease, these advancements will facilitate market expansion, allowing biodegradable poly mailers to find broader applications in sectors such as medical, agriculture, and construction, driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly products.
As the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions continues to grow, Package N’ Go stands at the forefront as a trusted supplier of biodegradable poly mailers. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, we offer a comprehensive range of biodegradable mailers that cater to various industries, from e-commerce to agriculture. Our mailers are crafted using cutting-edge technology and rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest environmental standards. By choosing Package N’ Go, businesses not only reduce their environmental footprint but also align with global trends towards greener, more sustainable packaging practices. Contact us now, let us partner with you in making a positive impact on the environment while meeting your packaging needs with excellence.
