Introduction
The online shopping trend in India is increasing at an incredible pace, and this in turn is creating a lot of packaging waste in the country. In case you run an e-commerce business, ship products for your company, or are just an environmentally conscious person, it is very likely that you have already thought about the shipping of biodegradable courier bags or regular plastic bags.
This all-inclusive guide explains everything about biodegradables and plastic courier bags. In order to help you make the right decision for your Indian business, we will evaluate price per kg, strength testing results, waterproof ratings, decomposition times, and environmental impact.
You may be living in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or any other place in India, this guide is going to identify which shipping bags are best for your pocket and your principles.
What Are Biodegradable Courier Bags?
Biodegradable courier bags are environmentally friendly shipping bags made primarily from cornstarch using nature’s bounty. They are similar to plastic but unlike plastic, which can take 500+ years, these bags will decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, leaving no toxic chemicals at all.
Most of the best biodegradable courier bags in India have obtained the CPCB certification and are compliant with the ISO 17088 standards. They are made from renewable resources, not petroleum, which is an enormous step in the right direction for the environment. Biogreen Bags, for example, make their bags from corn starch and agricultural waste, which is truly turning plant materials into durable packaging.
What Are Plastic Courier Bags?
Plastic courier bags are the most common shipping bags made of either polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), both being plastic substances coming from oil refineries. Indian e-commerce and courier companies have used these bags for transfers because they are very cheap, very strong, and completely waterproof.
The primary problem with plastic courier bags is their harmfulness to nature, which has a long-term negative impact. Decomposing of a single plastic bag may take up to 500-1000 years in a landfill site. Once decomposition is done, the plastic particles will have become microplastics, and thus the situation gets even worse; these tiny particles will be in the soil, water sources, and eventually the food chain. A study suggests that microplastics have made their way into human blood, lungs, and even breast milk.
A complete ban on a number of single-use plastic items went into effect in India in July 2022. To this end, the Indian government has laid down plans to gradually phase plastics out entirely and replace them with compostable materials.
Biodegradable Courier Bags vs Plastic Courier Bags: Key Differences
Let us begin with the aspects of Indian businesses, which really count the most, and then gradually conduct a one-by-one comparison
Decomposition Time & Environmental Impact: The largest disparity is seen in this category. The plastic bags are so troublesome that they take 500-1000 years to decompose and, in the process, emit hazardous microplastics. For the compostable bags, they undergo a transformation into CO2, water, and a biomass that is actually beneficial for the soil in a mere 3-6 months if composted properly or in 12-18 months in regular xconditions.
Strength & Durability Testing: Both sorts are compatible with normal shipping loads. High-quality biodegradable bags are capable of withstanding a weight of 5 kg without any ripping. Though plastic bags are a little stronger in tensile strength (20-25% more so under stress tests), the majority of shipments (90-95%) of e-commerce (books, clothing, cosmetics, electronics accessories) can be packed in biodegradable bags without any problem.
Water Resistance Properties: Conventional plastic is totally impervious to water. Modern biodegradable courier bags have protective coatings that cannot be avoided but can resist water, thereby protecting the contents from light rain and normal moisture during transit. They cannot be compared with plastic in terms of full waterproofing, but they can hold up to the Indian monsoon seasons reasonably well for most products.
Certifications & Legal Compliance: Biodegradable bags in India need an endorsement from the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and to follow the ISO 17088 standards to be sold. Plastic bags are continuously facing limitations imposed by the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. Some states require companies to pay the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) charge for using plastic packaging.
Just like businesses prefer compostable garbage bags for their trash, the shipping bag choice also indicates where the company stands ethically.
Features & Benefits of Our Biodegradable Courier Bags
We at Biogreen Bags produce the best quality biodegradable courier bags, which are specially made for Indian e-commerce and shipping needs. Below are the reasons why our bags are the smart pick:
CPCB Certified & ISO 17088 Compliant: Our packaging conforms to the Indian government regulations for compostable materials. Not only that, but you also completely adhere to the Plastic Waste Management Rules and hence won’t be bothered with legal issues or fines.
Made from 100% Cornstarch Base: Our main resource is the non-renewable corn starch as well as the vegetable derivatives. So, it is assured our bags are entirely plastic-free and eco-friendly. Even if the materials accidentally get into the food chain through animals or sea creatures, they won’t be able to cause any harm.
Tested Strength for Indian Shipping Conditions: Our bags have gone through a very tough performance test, allowing them to carry up to 5 kgs and to endure rougher handling during the delivery process. The tear-resistant outer makes sure that the goods reach their destination safe and sound, regardless of whether the carriers are Delhivery, DTDC, Blue Dart, or India Post.
Decomposes in 60-180 Days: When composted, our bags will be totally broken down in 2-6 months. This is extremely better than the 500+ years plastic needs.
Our eco-friendly packaging system has so many businesses making use of our compostable sambar pouches for food packaging and compostable garment bags for clothing stores, and our courier bags. For warehouses that are dealing with bulk shipments, use these bags with biodegradable stretch film for pallet wrapping and biodegradable bubble wrap for product cushioning.
Which Courier Bags to Choose for Use?
The choice between biodegradable and plastic courier bags is conditional on your business’s specific situation, including budget, values, and customer base. Here is a practical decision-making framework:
Choose Biodegradable Courier Bags: If you are marketing to urban, educated consumers in major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad who are concerned about sustainability. These consumers are very particular about eco-friendly products and are ready to pay a little more for brands that are responsible.
If your company is representing natural products, organic goods, health and wellness items, sustainable fashion, handmade products, or premium segments, then using biodegradable packaging will be in complete accord with your brand values and marketing messages.
If you want to eliminate the risk of future government regulations against plastic in your business, then switch over now. With the regulations becoming more stringent on the use of plastics in various states, the change now will save you from future hassles.
Your order volumes justify the absorption of a 2-2.5x cost difference. For businesses shipping more than 500 orders monthly, the bulk price makes biodegradable bags cheaper.
Stick with Plastic Courier Bags: If you are facing the situation of running your business with very limited resources and the 2x price hike really puts your business at risk, then you can consider going with plastic packaging for the time being. Some companies have to give priority to survival as opposed to sustainability during hard times.
Conclusion
Shipping can be done with biodegradable or plastic courier bags, but in India, there is a clear trend toward the latter. The smart choice is to switch now instead of later, since the prices for biodegradable options are decreasing annually, and more customers are becoming aware of the situation, along with the plastic bans.Â
Biogreen has provided assistance to many Indian companies to migrate to eco-friendly packaging without problems. Our bags, which meet the CPCB’s standards and are ISO 17088 compliant, offer functionalities of plastic but also allow the users to get rid of the conscience problem. We have bulk pricing that suits your company, whether you ship 100 orders every month or 10,000.
India will have compostable and biodegradable packaging in the future. Switch today and let people see your brand as a sustainable leader. Your customers will recognize it; your rivals will imitate it, and our planet will be grateful.
FAQs
Q1. Are biodegradable courier bags really eco-friendly or just greenwashing?
Ans: Only certified biodegradable courier bags are non-polluting, and that’s for sure. Always ask for CPCB and ISO certifications. Stay away from Oxo-degradable bags—they are just plastic that degrades into microplastics. Certified bags made from corn or plant starch are the right choice.
Q2. How long do biodegradable courier bags take to decompose in Indian conditions?
Ans: The period for their complete breakdown is composting conditions – 2–6 months and normal landfills – up to 1–2 years which is far better than plastic that might last hundreds of years. India’s heat and humidity actually speed the process.
Q3. Are biodegradable courier bags as strong as plastic courier bags?
Ans: The answer is yes, if we talk of the majority of e-commerce shipments. They can easily take care of clothes, books, cosmetics, accessories, and regular parcels. Only very heavy items may require thicker bags or double packing.
Q4. Are biodegradable courier bags waterproof enough for monsoon shipping in India?
Ans: The term used in reference to them is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They do very well with normal rain and moisture during the shipping process. For very moisture-sensitive items, adding an inner layer is recommended as with plastic bags.
