FAQs
Please read our frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer that you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Browse questions
Can you use biodegradable bags in compost?
No, you should not put biodegradable plastics into your compost.
Are all paper bags compostable?
No, unfortunately not, many papers have plastic coatings to protect the product inside, which makes them not recyclable or compostable.
What are compostable bags?
Compostable bags are types of packaging that will breakdown in a certified timeframe.
Are biodegradable bags compostable?
No, biodegradable bags are not compostable.
Can you freeze compostable bags?
No, you should not freeze compostable bags.
Are compostable bags recyclable?
Compostable is not the same as recyclable, recyclable is when you can recycle a product back into itself or another product. Recycling compostable packaging would contaminate the recycling waste stream. Although its organically recyclable and can be recycled with your food waste.
Compostable is when the material degrades under specific conditions into water, carbon dioxide CO2 and biomass.
How are compostable bags made?
They are produced in the same way as conventional plastic packaging, but using natural raw materials such as paper, cellulose and corn starch.
Are polyethylene bags recyclable?
Yes, this is one of the easiest plastics to recycle.
Are resealable plastic bags recyclable?
Yes, if made from a single polymer material, such as PE, polyethylene
Can plastic ziploc bags be recycled?
Yes, if made from a single polymer material, such as PE, polyethylene
What is compostable packaging made of?
Our compostable packaging is derived from a wide range of natural products such as paper, cellulose and corn starch.
What is compostable packaging?
Compostable Packaging is biodegradable packaging that under the specific composting conditions will breakdown into Carbon Dioxide CO2, water and biomass.
Is compostable packaging more expensive?
Yes, compostable packaging can be 2-3 times more expensive than conventional plastic packaging.
How to recycle compostable packaging?
Compostable packaging cannot be put in your recycle bin at home, but can be recycled with your food waste.
How to dispose of compostable packaging?
Compostable packaging needs to be in the right composting conditions in order to break down. Known as industrial composting, composting creates the perfect balance of microbes, moisture and warmth, so that compostable packaging can be included in food waste recycling.
What is the most popular finish?
Currently Matt finish, or Registered Matt finish is very popular.
What substrates/ materials are used?
We use a variety of materials from Paper, Polyester, Polypropylene and Polyethylene.
How many colours can be printed?
We print up to 10 colours.
How durable are bags for shipping of packed products?We can design products suitable for mail order, or full container shipping.
We can design products suitable for mail order, or full container shipping.
Can bags be stored in fridges/ freezers?
Yes our packaging is suitable for products that are refrigerated or stored in the freezer.
What are MOQ’s?
MOQ’s vary based on type of structure and bag but can start as low as 500 bags for digitally printed pouches.
What are lead times?
Leadtime’s vary dependant on structure and type of bag, but typically 8-10 weeks from artwork approval.
How should bags be stored before and after filling?
Our packaging should be stored, in dry conditions in originally outer packaging and kept out of direct sunlight.
Are bags FDA approved?
All our products are suitable for direct food contact, and we are fully BRC Accredited.
What zippers can I have on which type of bag?
We have various resealable zippers, and we recommend the zipper based on product being packed.
Will the recyclable bag tear open cleanly or does it need to be cut?
We can offer an easy open feature, without this feature they are hard to open, and you will need to use scissors.
Can I have a window?
Yes we can offer a window with excellent clarity.
What styles of bag can I have i.e. flat bottom, stand up etc?
All styles are available, Stand Up Pouches, Flat Bottom Pouches, SQ4 and FFS Films
What finished can I have?
All finishes are available, gloss, matt, registered matt and tactile varnishes.
What approvals do you have?
We have been approved by the Independent Certification of Recyclability scheme.
Can I put them in my home waste bin?
Currently not all local authorities collect (only 17.6%) so they need to be taken to larger stores and recycled with carrier bags.
Are they 100% recyclable?
Yes our bags are certified by an independent laboratory for recyclability.
What happens if compostable packaging gets into landfill?
If sent to landfill, the packaging would react in the same way as other organic waste, such as wood and paper.
How long do our bags take to compost?
In the correct conditions, the packaging can break down in as little as 12 weeks for industrial composting.
What is the relative cost of compostable packaging?
In general, we would estimate is to be up to 2-3 times the cost of conventional plastic packaging.
What is the shelf life of bags after filling?
This is dependent on product packed, but it can be up to 24 months.
What is the shelf life of bags before filling?
The shelf life is 12 months.
What are the barrier properties?
We can offer a very high barrier, suitable for fats / oils and aroma barriers.
Can I put liquids in them?
No, the compostable structures are not suitable for liquids.
Are they approved industrial compostable?
The raw materials used are certified for industrial compostable.
Are they approved home compostable?
The raw materials used are certified for home compostable.
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