Biosack deception
NaKu explains!
How compostability is feigned.
Counterfeit organic bags in circulation
Conventional plastic bags made from petroleum have been banned in Austria since January 1st. However, biodegradable organic bags are still permitted. Counterfeit organic bags are now increasingly appearing on the Austrian market, which are declared as biodegradable plastic, but in reality it is are not – a clear deception! Apparently companies, but also ultimately the consumers, are being duped. The supposedly biodegradable bags are usually gone Polyethylene, a significantly cheaper raw material from petroleum. As can be seen in the picture, the biodegradability is deliberately pointed out, but there is no certification. However, bags approved for trade require a certificate such as the OK compost seal from TÜV Austria. But you can also be deceived here, 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 is particularly clear in the result. Because polyethylene has a slightly lower density than water, but bioplastics have a higher density. Consequently, the two plastics can be easily immersed in water. The natural plastic will sink in the water, the polyethylene will float. To simulate sea water, but also to make the result clearer, it is best to add salt to the water to increase the density of the water. Soap serves to reduce surface tension, which allows the plastics to be better submerged. It is important to note that no air bubbles are submerged. We therefore recommend cutting small pieces out of the bags and dipping them into the 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.
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?
Moritz Zimmermann looks forward to hearing from you:
E-Mail: office∂naku.at
Phone: + 43 (0) 660 551 7789
(weekdays Mon – Thu from 09:00 – 16:30 and Fri from 09:00 – 14:00)
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