RECYCLING VS. BIODEGRADABILITY
Other security bag companies would have you believe that all biodegradable plastics are the same and as such not acceptable for security bags. Being biodegradable does not mean a limited shelf life or sacrificing high strength, as EcoSTAT® bags meet the same specifications as their non biodegradable counterparts.
RECYCLING VS. BIODEGRADABILITY
Other security bag companies would have you believe that all biodegradable plastics are the same and as such not acceptable for security bags. Being biodegradable does not mean a limited shelf life or sacrificing high strength, as EcoSTAT® bags meet the same specifications as their non biodegradable counterparts.
RECYCLING VS. BIODEGRADABILITY
Other security bag companies would have you believe that all biodegradable plastics are the same and as such not acceptable for security bags. Being biodegradable does not mean a limited shelf life or sacrificing high strength, as EcoSTAT® bags meet the same specifications as their non biodegradable counterparts.
Recyclability
ALL security bags are poor candidates for recycling due to their adhesive closures and other contaminants, however unlike other biodegradable products the plastic used in EcoSTAT® bags is fully recyclable. The bio-additive in EcoSTAT® is so small that recycling EcoSTAT® plastic to make new products dilutes the additive below the threshold quantity for activation and thus new products will never decompose.
Production of Plastic
While many biodegradable bags are not recyclable, this is NOT TRUE of the plastic used in EcoSTAT® bags. Since according to the EPA, only 12% of all plastic bags were recycled in 2012 and ALL security bags are poor candidates, Shields pursues real world environmentally friendly alternatives, specifically biodegradability, inclusion of recycled content in new bags and alternative reprocessing of used bags.
Effects on Landfills
EcoSTAT® was developed specifically for landfill environments. With 88% of all plastic waste ending up in landfills, biodegradability and alternative reprocessing such as conversion to synthetic fuels is a more responsible environmental solution than just reliance on recycling.
Environmental Facilities
EcoSTAT® bags are biodegradable except for the adhesive closure. They will degrade in both aerobic (composting) and anaerobic (landfills) environments, the only difference being the rate of degradation. This has been verified by independent third party laboratory testing. However we believe the adhesive closure prevents commercial composting from being viable for any security bags at this time.
Product Life
EcoSTAT® bags have the same shelf life as non-biodegradable plastic. EcoSTAT® biodegradation only starts to occur when buried in a landfill, compost or other soil rich environment. Light and oxygen have no impact on the process or shelf life.
Lab Report
View our latest comprehensive lab report and learn about our EcoSTAT® biodegradability. Currently under review are the next generation of enhanced additives for rapid landfill degradation .
