It's easy to assume "degradable" or "biodegradable" plastic bags are the eco-friendly choice — they break down, so they must be better, right? In reality, they can be just as harmful to the environment as regular plastic bags. Here's why.
Degradable bags
Degradable bags are designed to break into smaller pieces over time — but the plastic itself doesn't decompose, it just disperses as micro-plastics. Those fragments are still harmful, especially when ingested by marine life, and can magnify up the food chain. Research has found degradable material can have a similar environmental impact to regular plastic bags.
Biodegradable bags
Unlike degradable plastics, biodegradable plastics do decompose — but only under the right conditions, typically landfill or a composting facility. In the ocean there's no evidence they break down any faster than regular plastic, and some of the additives used may themselves be harmful.
The bottom line
Degradable and biodegradable bags can carry just as much environmental impact as regular plastic. The better move is to shift towards genuinely reusable options — and make it easy for customers to do the same.
The plastic bag ban
Lightweight single-use plastic shopping bags — including degradable and biodegradable types under 35 µm — are banned in Queensland and other states. QIS Packaging stocks plenty of compliant alternatives, including paper bags, calico bags and heavier-duty reusable plastic bags. For the full details on what's banned, see our Queensland plastic bag ban guide.
Questions about transitioning to sustainable bags? Call 1800 555 343.
