Deception with organic bags –
NaKu explains!
How compostability is feigned.
Fake organic bags are in circulation
The sale of conventional plastic bags made from petroleum has been banned in Austria since 2021. However, biodegradable bio bags are still permitted. Fake bio bags are increasingly appearing on the Austrian market, which are declared to be biodegradable plastic, but in reality are are not – a clear deception! Apparently companies, but also ultimately the consumers, are being duped. The supposedly biodegradable bags are usually gone Polyethylene, a much cheaper raw material made from petroleum. As can be seen in the videos, the biodegradability is deliberately pointed out, but there is no certification. Bags approved for trade, however, require a certificate such as the OK compost seal from TÜV Austria. But here too, you can be deceived, because there are also bags with fake TÜV seals.
Such behavior on the part of some manufacturers is highly unacceptable and illegal. Not only are consumers misled, but confidence in the entire bioplastics industry is also damaged. We therefore demand rapid clarification and intervention by the authorities.
How do you recognize counterfeit organic bags?
When counterfeit organic bags are on the market, it becomes difficult for laypersons to distinguish them from the real ones. That is why we have created instructions for the self-test at home here. With three very simple methods you can find out very quickly whether the tested bag is made of biodegradable plastic or just conventional plastic.
Method 1: rustle & feel
A conventional plastic bag made of polyethylene makes a rather tinny and loud noise when rustling. On the other hand, the NaKu bag or bag made of bioplastic is quieter and duller.
In terms of feel, the two bags differ in that polyethylene feels slightly stiff and a little greasy. The NaKu bag or bag made of bioplastics in comparison is very velvety and feels pleasantly soft.
Method 2: swimming
This method produces particularly clear results. Polyethylene has a slightly lower density than water, while bioplastics have a higher density. Consequently, the two plastics can simply be immersed in water. The natural plastic will sink, while the polyethylene will float.
To simulate seawater, but also to make the result clearer, it's best to add salt to the water to increase its density. Soap reduces surface tension, making it easier to submerge the plastics. It's important to ensure that no air bubbles are submerged. Therefore, we recommend cutting small pieces out of the bags and submerging them in water.
Method 3: Burn
Another method is the burn test. However, be careful with this, because plastic burns well. It is best to do this outdoors and on a fireproof surface. Be careful because hot drops will fall when you light it. In the case of polyethylene, these drops will even continue to burn. With the natural plastic, black pieces of soot will remain.
The flame differs between the two plastics. Polyethylene has a strong yellow and sooty flame, bioplastics burn less intensely. The flame is less yellow and less sooty.
You will also notice differences in the smell. Polyethylene smells like candle wax and will give you that typical burnt plastic smell. Our NaKu bags, on the other hand, smell natural when they burn, reminiscent of burnt caramel or popcorn.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about counterfeit organic bags
What are fake organic bags?
Fake bio-bags are “conventional” plastic bags that are falsely declared as biodegradable, even though they are made of conventional petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene.
Why are fake organic bags a problem?
This deception harms the environment, undermines trust in sustainable products, and misleads consumers and retailers.
Since when has the problem been known?
Since 2021, NaKu has been reporting on an increasing number of counterfeit organic bags on the Austrian market.
Why are organic bags counterfeited?
Genuine biodegradable bags are more expensive to produce. To cut costs, some manufacturers use cheap polyethylene and claim to be biodegradable.
What damage is caused by counterfeit organic bags?
In addition to environmental pollution, this results in a loss of trust in the bioplastics industry and a distortion of competition against honest manufacturers.
Who is affected by the deception?
Both consumers and retailers and waste disposal companies who fall for the false declaration.
How can I test myself whether an organic bag is genuine?
NaKu recommends three simple self-tests: rustling & haptic, floating test and burning test.
What does the rustling test show?
Real organic bags rustle more muffled and quietly. Fake polyethylene bags sound tinny and loud.
How does a real organic bag feel?
Bioplastics are velvety and soft. Polyethylene, on the other hand, feels stiff and slightly greasy.
What happens during the swim test?
Bioplastics have a higher density than water and sink. Polyethylene floats on top—especially noticeable in salt water with soap.
How does the burn test work?
When burned, bioplastics smell sweet and burn quietly. Polyethylene has a pungent odor and burns with a sooty flame.
Your personal contact
Do you have any further questions about our NaKu bags or about individual printing of the NaKu bags with your company logo?
Lizzy Weinert is looking forward to hearing from you:
E-Mail: office∂naku.at
Phone: + 43 (0) 660 551 7789
(weekdays Mon – Thu from 09:00 – 16:00 and Fri from 09:00 – 14:00)
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