Thin plastic bags are getting the facelift they need

Starting in January, a law will go into effect in California that will require thin plastic bags that come off the roll at grocery stores to package loose foods — such as fruits, vegetables, baked goods and nuts, grains or candy in large barrels be certified for decomposition in an industrial composter. The same applies to thin bags, which are intended to prevent a food such as meat or fish from contaminating other foods.

Industrial composting ensures certain conditions, such as: B. high temperatures that cannot be achieved with backyard composting. Standards for compostable materials are set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is the independent body that verifies that ASTM standards are met.