The two contenders of eco-friendly dog poo bags in 2024 are:
Recycled Plastic Waste Poo Bags and Compostable "Cornstarch" Poo Bags.
Our research found recycled plastic poo bags to be a clear winner, hence why we made our award-winning ReSEAcled Poo Bags.
However, a completely fair question that most would ask is:
"Although recycled, they are still plastic and create microplastics - surely those made from plant material are better for the planet?"
I'll try my best to explain.
They are both plastic
Contrary to what we've been led to believe, compostable "cornstarch" or "plant-based" poo bags are still plastic.
Plastic is a broad category of material. Just like how there are different kinds of metals and textiles, there are many different kinds of plastic, regardless of the raw materials that go into making them.
"Bioplastics" is the correct term for so called "plant-based" or "cornstarch" poo bags.
Plastics are characterised by their polymeric chemical structure and physical properties of "plasticity".
Any plant raw material is chemically changed on a molecular level, with other additives added (see below), to have a different structure altogether from its original form.
Therefore, the argument that one is plastic over the other does not stand. They both exhibit the properties and characteristics of plastics, have molecular polymeric structures of plastic, and will both shed microplastics.
The only benefit of the "compostable" bag, is that if placed in a compost environment where it can successfully biodegrade, it can be converted into organic matter.
This leads us to the next point...
They both end up in landfill or incineration
The eco-friendliness of a poo bag must be assessed alongside the disposal systems available for it.
The compostable poo bag is designed to be disposed of in compost environments. Their certifications of biodegradation are defined by COMPOST conditions.
However, almost all (95%) of poo bags in the UK are ending up in landfill or incineration.
In landfill, without the right conditions and microorganisms for successful aerobic biodegradation, compostable poo bags release methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
In incineration, everything is burnt, so whether a bag is compostable or recycled plastic is irrelevant. The differences in their environmental effects when incinerated is relatively negligible.
Therefore, recycling existing waste that is already destined for landfill or incineration is the more sustainable choice, as no new waste is being added.
The recycled poo bag is much better suited for the disposal systems we currently have.
Compostable plant-based poo bags still rely on fossil fuels
The "start-of-life" is just as important in influencing eco-friendliness - what are the environmental effects of making the poo bag?
Compostable poop bags available today contain three primary materials:
- Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) 60-80%
- Polylactic acid (PLA) 5-10%
- Cornstarch 15-30%
PBAT, the bulk of these bags, while biodegradable, is fossil-fuel derived.
Manufacturers often shout about the "cornstarch", leading people to believe these bags are 100% cornstarch or 100% plant-based.
Cornstarch does not necessarily mean sustainable either.
Agricultural practices to grow the crops demand huge amounts of land and water, contributing to deforestation and resource depletion. Heavy machinery and pesticide use also have a large environmental footprint. Furthermore, using scarce resources to grow crops for poo bags directly competes with human food production at a time when world hunger is a pressing issue.
On the other hand, our planet is already overflowing with existing waste. By taking this waste and reusing it, we significantly reduce the need for fresh resources and minimise the creation of new waste.
Summary
By clearing up the misconceptions and factoring in a "full life cycle" picture of these poo bags, Recycled Waste Poo Bags are the sustainable choice - for now.
As touched on above, an improvement in technology, infrastructure or types of raw materials available will influence poo bag eco-friendliness.
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