If you’re a fan of sustainable, eco-friendly living, then you’re probably familiar with the brand Unni. Popular on Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers, Unni sells a range of compostable products, from bags to kitchenware. But just before you click “add to cart,” you might be wondering: where are Unni compostable bags made?
Unni bags are made in China. However, the company is headquartered in the United States, and its products meet U.S. composting standards. So you can rest assured that your Unni bag will break down properly in a commercial composting facility.
A Look Into The Unni Brand And Where Their Bags Are Made
Unni is a Seattle-based company that makes compostable bags. The bags are durable and can be used for various purposes, including storing food, lining wastebaskets, and picking up pets.
While the company has an office in the United States, its compostable bags are manufactured in China; this is likely because of the lower manufacturing costs in China. Furthermore, most of the raw materials for the bags (e.g., cornstarch) are also sourced from China.
Like other US-based companies that manufacture products in China, Unni brands its products as “Designed in the USA, made in China.” However, even though the bags are Chinese-made, the company is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Let’s further dive in to explore the composition of Unni bags.
What Are Unni Bags Made From?
Unni bags are made from a material called “polylactic acid,” which is derived from renewable resources(such as cornstarch).
Polylactic acid is a type of plastic polymer that is biodegradable; this means that it will break down over time when exposed to certain conditions, such as sunlight, moisture, and heat. When placed in a compost environment, Unni bags will decompose, leaving only water, humus, and CO2 for the earth to reabsorb. This process is good for the environment, and it also helps keep our landfills free from harmful plastic waste. Unni bags will typically break down in a compost heap within 60 to 90 days.
Are Compostable Bags Really Compostable?
When it comes to decomposing, not all compostable bags are created equal. So, what makes a compostable bag truly compostable?
The answer lies in the materials used to make the bag.
As anyone who has ever tried to compost knows, not all materials break down at the same rate. Some things, like kitchen scraps and lawn clippings, decompose quickly, while others, like bones and eggshells, take much longer. The same is true of compostable bags.
The truth is, compostable bags will only decompose if placed in the right conditions. However, this depends on the type of bag. Some compostable bags need to be processed in an industrial composting facility to decompose completely, while others can be placed in your backyard compost bin.
If you’re not sure what type of compostable bag you have, the best thing to do is check the packaging or contact the manufacturer.
What’s The Difference Between Compostable And Biodegradable?
The terms “compostable” and “biodegradable” are often used interchangeably, but there is a key difference between the two terms.
“Biodegradable” means anything that can be broken down by natural processes into simpler organic materials. This process usually takes months or years, and it requires the presence of micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi.
On the other hand, compostable refers to an item that can be broken down into nutrient-rich compost(water, carbon dioxide, and minerals) within a few months.
For something to be compostable, it must compose of organic material like food scraps or yard waste.
While all compostable items are biodegradable, not all biodegradables are compostable.
The Benefits Of Using Compostable Bags Over Traditional Plastic Bags?
- They help minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Unlike traditional plastic bags, which can take centuries to decompose, compostable bags break down quickly when exposed to heat, moisture, and microbes. As a result, they’re less likely to wind up as litter or in animals’ stomachs.
- They’re made from renewable resources, so they have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional plastic bags.
- They break down into compost, which can be used to fertilize gardens and landscapes. By mixing in food scraps and other organic material, you can create a rich soil amendment to help your plants flourish.
- They’re generally more durable than traditional plastic bags, so they can be used multiple times before being composted.
Unni compostable bags reviews and ratings.
On Amazon, UNNI compostable bags have a 4.5-star rating out of 5, with over 75% of reviewers giving the bags a perfect 5-star rating.
However, the customer comments seem to be a little all over the place. The most common complaint is about its strength and durability.
Some people say the bags tear too easily and are unsuitable for wet garbage like fruit and vegetable scraps. Some say they decompose on garbage cans, causing a leak.
Other reviewers say the bags are more robust than expected and are suitable for wet or dry garbage.
So, it seems that it depends on the person’s individual experiences.
Unni bags Certification
UNNI bags are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), OK Compost Home, OK Compost, and Seedling.
These certifications ensure that UNNI bags will typically break down in a commercial composting facility, home compost bin, or even in your backyard.
Compostable plastic bags must meet specific criteria to be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. According to the BPI website, there are two critical requirements for a product to receive BPI certification. The product must:
- Biodegrade at a rate comparable to yard trimmings, food scraps, and other compostable materials, such as kraft paper bags.
- Disintegrate so that no large plastic fragments remain to be screened out.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a business owner, an individual consumer, or both, switching to compostable plastic bags is a great way to help the environment. We hope this article has provided the information you need to decide about compostable plastic bags!
FAQs
1) Do compostable bags break down in landfills?
No. Compostable materials need oxygen, water, and heat to break down. In contrast, landfills are designed to prevent both oxygen and moisture from entering, so the conditions necessary for composting are not met.
2) Can you put compostable bags in a compost bin?
Yes, you can put compostable bags in a compost bin. However, it is essential to check the labels to ensure they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This will ensure that your bag will break down in a compost bin.
3) How long does it take for compostable bags to decompose?
Compostable bags will usually decompose within 30 to 60 days. However, this can vary depending on factors, including the type of bag, the size of the bag, and the composting conditions (temperature, moisture, and aeration).
4) What are some benefits of using compostable bags?
In addition to being eco-friendly, compostable bags can also help reduce your carbon footprint. Composting helps reduce methane emissions and can help improve soil fertility by adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
