The use of degradable plastic bags as a substitute for conventional plastic shopping bags is a commendable move towards bettering the state of the environment. Nonetheless, it is crucial to ensure that these bags meet the standard criteria set by regulatory bodies to prevent any negative impacts on the environment. In a bid to prioritize consumer health and safety, the Sichuan Provincial Market Supervision Bureau has undertaken the responsibility of conducting product quality and safety risk monitoring for degradable plastic bag products. This measure, which follows the "early detection, early warning, and early disposal" risk monitoring requirement, involves collating data from online public opinion and consumer complaints. Furthermore, the bureau has issued pertinent consumption tips to caution customers on the safe and cautious use of degradable plastic bags.
Biodegradable plastic bags are becoming more and more popular as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags. These bags are made from biodegradable plastic resins that can break down naturally in the environment, unlike traditional plastic bags that can take hundreds of years to decompose.
There are several types of biodegradable plastic bags available, including those made from a blend of polylactic acid and polyadipic acid/butylene terephthalate (PLA+PBAT), polylactic acid+polyadipic acid/butylene terephthalate+starch blend (PLA+PBAT+St), and polylactic acid+polyadipic acid/butylene terephthalate+calcium carbonate blend (PLA+PBAT - CaCO3). Each type of bag has its own unique properties and advantages.
In addition to being better for the environment, biodegradable plastic bags can also be divided into two categories: food contact bags and non-food contact bags. Food contact bags are specially designed and tested to ensure that they do not contaminate food or compromise its safety. Non-food contact bags can be used for a variety of purposes, such as carrying clothing or other personal items.
Overall, biodegradable plastic bags are a great option for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the planet.
According to risk monitoring, the main quality and safety risks of degradable plastic bags are that the relative biodegradability index does not meet the requirements of national standards, and the main hazards include:
Affecting crop growth. Waste plastic products with a relative biodegradation rate that does not meet the standard requirements continue to accumulate in the soil, affecting the absorption of nutrients and water by crops, resulting in crop yield reduction, and affecting the sustainable use of land. Domestic garbage mixed with plastic whose relative biodegradation rate does not meet the standard requirements is not suitable for composting. It is necessary to sort out waste plastic from the garbage, increasing the cost of composting.
Posing a threat to the survival of animals. Wasted plastic products whose relative biodegradation rate does not meet the standard requirements that people casually discard are ingested by animals as food, which can easily lead to animal poisoning or death due to the fact that the ingested plastic remains in the stomach for a long time and is difficult to digest.
High temperature environments can decompose toxic substances. Plastic products do not contain toxic substances, but recycled plastic products do not meet national standards due to inadequate recycling equipment, simple processes, and indicators such as relative biodegradability. Recycled plastic products can release toxic substances when the temperature reaches 65 ℃. If used in food related products, they can seep into food, easily causing harm to human health, etc.