Eco-responsibility is at the heart of everything we do.

That's why we developed bio-sourced shipping bags to send your second-hand items in the best possible conditions, while respecting the planet.

No more confusing terms and buzzwords. What are the real benefits of our bio-based shipping bags?

What does bio-based mean?

Bio-based means that it is made from biological resources. Ours are made from corn starch.

Besides, the printing of our pouches is done without surface treatment, using flexographic printing with solvent inks that leave no residue because the alcohol used also comes from natural resources (phytoplankton and lychee fruit).

…and biodegradable ?

Biodegradable means that it can be broken down by micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, earthworms, etc.). The result is the formation of water, carbon dioxide and/or methane, and by-products (residues, new biomass) that are non-toxic to the environment.

Beware, if it is biodegradable, it doesn’t mean that our packaging / bags shall be abandoned in nature.  Although, its degradation time is drastically shortened compared to that of a traditional plastic bag, they will not biodegrade instantly and will have plenty of time to have harmful effects on the environment, particularly on birds and marine animals.

Understood. So what makes this packaging eco-responsible?

The packaging is made from corn starch, which is fully biodegradable. This means that it will quickly decompose into natural, non-toxic elements for the environment. Moreover, this packaging is industrially produced, which means that you can deposit them in a municipal compost near you (compost is a natural fertilizer used in agriculture).

#1 Our packaging / bags breaks into compost in industrial composting centers

 

“Industrially compostable" is the process of biodegradation under anaerobic conditions (i.e. without oxygen) in 6 to 12 weeks.

When in a suitable environment or location, industrially compostable products break down bioplastic polymers into CO2 and other biomass or soil elements.

The resulting product is a compost that enriches the soil with natural, non-toxic, biological nutrients.

#2 Our packaging is made of biodegradable material

Said of a product, which, when exposed to light, air, moisture and microbes, decomposes into natural elements found in nature.

While technically all materials break down, many petroleum-based plastics take thousands of years to decompose and release toxins into the soil.

Products made of "biodegradable" materials should biodegrade within a single generation, leaving behind only water, carbon dioxide, naturally occurring minerals and biomass.

The basic principle of compostability is to enrich the soil by composting a material. Although similar, biodegradation and compostability are not identical. Biodegradation does not add nutrients to the soil, but neither does it harm it.

Where are biobased shipping bags / packaging produced?

In Poland, an EU country that respects the working conditions of European law. Moreover, the bags are transported by truck to our Parisian workshop.

Manufacturing in Europe alone is the best way for a small, European located, brand to reduce their carbon emissions. Using products made in Europe also means that the cost of transport remains low and deliveries reach their destination more quickly.

Manufacturing in Europe also keeps money and economic growth within an area, helping communities to develop and prosper.

Lastly, manufacturing in Europe also ensures ethical employment practices and helps manufacturers to be more transparent. It also ensures European manufacturers to comply with EU carbon emission laws.

Where to dispose of your packaging?

#1 Dispose of it in the household waste garbage can (not in the recycled goods garbage can).

These bags will then follow the same path as your regular organic waste (apple peels etc) and will not leave any harmful residue for the planet.

#2 Industrial compost

These bags are certified "OK compost Industrial". They are therefore industrially compostable but not domestically. Putting them in a home compost bin does not work, your local authority must set up a separate collection of bio-waste.

#3 Reuse it of course!