Plastic has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives and is also used in many ways in the textile and clothing industry – among other things for polybags, which protect the clothing from environmental influences during delivery. However, these polybags also generate a lot of plastic waste that pollutes our environment. In order to reduce this problem and to set a good example, medico uses organic polybags.
There are two different types of these polybags, which are used by medico. On the one hand, “biodegradable” ones, which are made of corn starch and are used for orders from the production countries China and Bangladesh. On the other hand, “oxo-biodegradable” polybags are used, which make conventional plastics degradable through an additive formulation. These are used for orders from Turkey.
The polybags, which are made of corn starch, break down into water, carbon dioxide and compost under the right conditions. This is done by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. To allow the decomposition to begin, the polybag must come into contact with water and soil. So they don’t leave any harmful plastic residue, but are compostable and 100% biodegradable. This can take weeks or months depending on the type of composting (microorganisms present, temperature, etc.). Without suitable influences, this takes years, which makes the bags a suitable means for transporting clothes. Compared to conventional plastic, corn starch poly bags produce 40% less CO2 emissions. Moreover, they are non-toxic and free of harmful substances.
The oxo-biological polybags can be recycled together with ordinary oil-based plastics. However, they are not designed for composting. The additive allows them to decompose, but they retain their strength during their intended service life.
As for the cost of this type of polybags, they are more expensive than conventional polybags made from crude oil, but to become more sustainable, these costs are accepted. These types of polybags are used for deliveries of the brands Fila and for Tamaris.
