Plastic packaging is everywhere, especially in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, from food wrappers to shopping bags, plastic stores, and protective products. But there’s a major problem: plastic does not break down easily and takes years to decompose. It stays in landfills, pollutes the ocean, and harms animals for hundreds of years.
Because of this, more people are choosing brands that care about the environment. They want products that come in eco-friendly packaging. This is where biodegradable bags come in. These bags break down naturally in a short time, reducing waste and pollution.
For FMCG brands, using biodegradable bags is not just about protecting nature. It also helps them gain customer trust, follow government rules, and stand out in the market. Many countries have banned single-use plastics, and companies that don’t switch to sustainable packaging might face fines or lose customers.
In this blog, we will look at the problems with plastic packaging, what biodegradable bags are, and the key benefits of using them.
Eco-Friendly Bags: What You Should Know
Plastic packaging is useful, but it causes serious environmental problems:
- Takes too long to break down: Regular plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, filling up landfills and oceans.
- Pollutes the environment: Plastic waste releases harmful chemicals into the soil and water, polluting the environment and harming the planet.
- Hurts animals and marine life: Birds, turtles, and sea animals often eat plastic by oversight, which can be fatal.
- Difficult to recycle: Not all plastics can be recycled, and many end up as waste.
To solve these problems, biodegradable bags are becoming a better choice for FMCG brands.
What Are Biodegradable Bags?
Biodegradable bags are made from natural materials like cornstarch, vegetable oils, and plant-based polymers. Unlike plastic, these bags break down fast when exposed to air, water, or sunlight.
How Are They Different from Regular Plastic Bags?
- Decomposes Faster: While plastic takes centuries to break down, biodegradable bags decompose in a few months or years.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: They are made from plants, not harmful chemicals.
- Less Pollution: They don’t leave behind toxic waste like plastic does.
10 Reasons Why FMCG Brands Should Switch to Biodegradable Bags
Plastic waste is a big problem, and FMCG brands can help solve it. Using biodegradable bags is a smart choice for the environment and your business. Here’s why!
1. Better for the Environment
One of the most prominent reasons for using biodegradable bags is their positive environmental impact. Traditional plastic bags take hundreds of years to deteriorate, which leads to polluting the land, air, and water. Biodegradable bags, on the other hand, break down naturally within a few months or years, depending on the material.
They decompose into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter without releasing harmful chemicals. This means fewer landfills, less ocean pollution, and a healthier planet for future generations.
2. Reduces Plastic Waste
The world has too much plastic waste. Every year, millions of tons of plastic go into landfills and oceans, harming the environment. Since biodegradable bags break down faster, they help reduce waste that doesn’t decompose. Using biodegradable bags for packing FMCG products can help manage waste and make the planet cleaner and healthier.
3. Lowers Carbon Footprint
A company’s carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases it produces. The production and disposal of plastic contributes heavily to carbon emissions, worsening climate change.
Biodegradable bags, however, are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, sugarcane, and vegetable oils, which require much less energy to produce. Besides, when these bags decompose, they do not release toxic gases, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
4. Safe for Animals and Marine Life
Plastic waste is very harmful to animals. Many animals, especially sea creatures, mistake plastic for food. They gobble plastic bags, which can thwart their digestive system and lead to death.
Birds, turtles, fish, and even large marine mammals suffer due to plastic pollution. Biodegradable bags break down into natural elements that do not harm animals. By switching to biodegradable packaging, FMCG brands can help protect countless animals and promote responsible business practices.
5. Attracts More Customers
Consumers today are more environmentally aware than ever. They prefer to support brands that take steps to lower waste and protect the planet.
Studies show that customers are more likely to buy from companies that offer sustainable packaging solutions. Using biodegradable bags encourages customer trust and loyalty, as people value businesses that genuinely care about the environment. This means higher sales and a better brand reputation.
6. Follows Government Rules
Many governments worldwide are banning single-use plastics due to their dangerous effects on the environment. Several countries have already introduced strict regulations that prevent companies from using traditional plastic bags.
FMCG brands that do not comply with these rules can face heavy fines, legal issues, or even bans on their products. By using biodegradable bags, companies can follow government rules, avoid penalties, and run their business without problems.
7. Supports a Sustainable Economy
Biodegradable bags are part of a circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste and reusing materials. Unlike traditional plastic bags, which are thrown away and cause pollution, biodegradable bags return to nature without harming the environment.
Many biodegradable materials can also be composted and turned into fertilizer, further contributing to sustainability. When FMCG brands use biodegradable packaging, they help eco-friendly businesses grow, create jobs in green industries, and support responsible ways of making products.
How FMCG Brands Can Use Biodegradable Bags for Their Products?
FMCG brands have many ways to replace traditional plastic packaging with eco-friendly alternatives. Biodegradable bags for FMCG companies in India offer a sustainable solution that helps reduce plastic waste while meeting consumer demand for greener packaging. Here are some examples:
1. Biodegradable Shopping Bags
Supermarkets and retail stores can replace plastic carry bags with biodegradable ones, which helps customers take home their products in an eco-friendly way.
2. Biodegradable Snack Packaging
Chips, cookies, and other snacks are usually packed in plastic. Brands can use biodegradable pouches made from cornstarch or paper-based materials.
3. Compostable Grocery Bags for Fresh Produce
Fruits and vegetables are often packed in plastic bags that take years to decompose. Brands can switch to compostable bags made from plant-based materials.
4. Biodegradable Bags for Personal Care Products
Shampoo bars, soap refills, and other personal care items can be packed in biodegradable sachets or pouches instead of plastic.
5. Sustainable Packaging for Dairy Products
Milk pouches and cheese wraps are often plastic-based. Using biodegradable film packaging helps keep dairy products fresh while reducing plastic pollution.
6. Eco-Friendly Coffee and Tea Packaging
Many coffee and tea brands use plastic-coated packaging that is not recyclable. Biodegradable alternatives made from paper and plant fibers help reduce waste.
7. Biodegradable Packaging for Frozen Foods
Frozen vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, and ice cream come in plastic-based wrappers. Brands can switch to biodegradable laminated packaging that provides the same protection while being eco-friendly.
Reduce Waste, Embrace Sustainability
The world has a big problem with plastic waste, and FMCG brands can help fix it. By swapping to biodegradable bags, companies can reduce pollution, protect the environment, and meet the growing demand for sustainable products. Now is the time for FMCG brands to take responsibility and make sustainable choices.
At Envirobag, we provide high-quality biodegradable bags for FMCG companies in India. Our bags help businesses reduce environmental impact while maintaining packaging quality and durability. Go green and choose biodegradable packaging today!