Bin Liners FAQ's

If bin bags are incinerated anyway, what's the point of swapping from plastic?

When plastic bags are burnt they release a whole host of harmful, toxic chemicals into the environment. Because our compostable bin bags are made from plant materials they won't release toxic chemicals when they're incinerated, reducing harmful emissions. Every little bit we do can help to make a big difference.

My council only accepts black bin bags.

We're very sorry to hear that! Why not petition your council? Fingers crossed, with enough support and demand your council will take action.

If they’re sent to landfill they won’t break down.

It will help reduce your plastic use! Ultimately, our compostable bags should ideally be composted instead of sent to landfill or incineration.  

However, even if our bags aren't composted and sent to landfill or incineration, they're still a much better option than their plastic alternatives. These compostable bags are made from a renewable resource (in our case, corn starch), rather than non-renewable petroleum-based plastic. What's more, these bags have a super low carbon footprint as they’re made in a Belgium factory that’s powered by 100% renewable energy.

Why are they so expensive?

Unfortunately, the production costs of compostable bags are much higher than plastics due to lots of reasons such as (sadly) a lower demand, the amount of scientific research being done around them, and certifications (EU compostable, GMO free etc.) - whereas, plastic is cheap because the toxic, chemical ingredients are mass produced cheaply. However, if you join our mailing list, we do regularly share discounts here so that sustainable lifestyles can be more affordable 💚 -https://ecovibe.co.uk/pages/sign-up

Don’t these break down and make methane gas?

If the bags are treated correctly, they will break down to nothing. If the bags are sent to landfill, and don’t have access to oxygen and heat they will create methane, just like any other rubbish disposed of at landfill. You can avoid this by making sure your bags are disposed of in the right way. 

What material are these bags made from?

The raw material for our bags is called Mater-Bi®. This family of plant-based plastics (bio-polymers) is made by world renowned experts Novamont Spa in Italy, who the manufacturers have worked with for over 16 years.

The corn starch and plant oils used come from EU grown maize. There’s no palm or soya, no virgin soil or deforestation involved with the production of these bags.

These bags will let loose rubbish into environment when break down.

A common myth! When landfills reach capacity, the waste is covered with clay and another plastic shield. Above that, several feet of dirt is topped with soil and plants. Landfills are not designed to break down waste, only store it. But rubbish in landfill does decompose, albeit much more slowly in an oxygen-free environment. Although it seems a shame to not compost these bags if possible, at least if they are wasted then they’re much less harmful to manufacture than plastics and won’t break down into microplastics.

How long will the bin liners last? (if unused).

They can last for 12 months but need to be kept in a cool / dry / out of sunlight. We advise not to store them under a sink or in a shed.