The need for eco-friendly alternatives to plastics is changing in a hurry—particularly in the food packaging space. Recent awareness of climate change, plastic pollution in the ocean, and microplastics entering our food chain has prompted both brands and consumers to make the switch to sustainable options. Compostable bags personify such autonomous options, and their use is growing rapidly. 

There is a critical question almost everyone—but certainly food brands, restaurants, cafes, and even those at home—will ask:

Are compostable bags truly safe for food packaging?

To answer that: Yes, they can be safe for food—if they meet a standard of specifications for quality, certifications, and use. In this article, we will look at what makes compostable bags safe (and unsafe) for food, the science behind their materials, the government regulations you should be aware of, and tips to pick the best type for your particular needs. 

Understanding Compostable Bags: What They’re Made Of

Before we get into the safety, we need to get into what compostable bags are made out of. Importantly, compostable bags are not plastic bags made from petroleum-based polymers. Instead, they are made from natural, plant-based materials, like

• Cornstarch
• Sugarcane fibers
• Potato starch
• PLA (Polylactic Acid)
• PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) – a biodegradable polymer often blended with plant-based starch

Having these items in a compost environment breaks down into non-toxic, natural components, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, and does not leave any harmful residues.

The Key Difference Between Compostable and Biodegradable Bags

The terms “biodegradable” and “compostable” are regularly used interchangeably, though they are not the same; especially when it comes to food safety.

• Biodegradable bags could break down over time, however they may still leave residues of microplastics or chemical dust.
• Compostable bags are supposed to break down completely and safely in composting conditions, leaving behind nothing toxic.

For food packaging, compostable is always a better option (if certified for food contact).

Why Food Safety Matters in Compostable Packaging

When it comes to food packaging—fresh produce, baked goods, takeaway, premade meals, or dry snacks—two major considerations are

1. Chemical Safety – The bag must not break down into harmful chemicals or leach onto the food;
2. Hygiene – The bag must provide a barrier to contamination, moisture and bacteria.

Badly manufactured compostable bags that do not conform to safety standards can leach harmful substances a bag can break down prematurely when exposed to moisture, creating food safety issues as well. This is why, it is important to have certifications and the correct quality controls in place. 

Certifications That Ensure Compostable Bags Are Food-Safe

When buying compostable bags for food processing, always look out for identified certifications that implied the material is both compostable and safe for food contact.

Some important certifications include:

• IS/ISO 17088:2008 – India’s standards for compostable plastics
• EN 13432 – European standard for compostability
• ASTM D6400 – US standard for compostable plastics
• BIS Certification—Mandatory in India if the manufacturer makes compostable carry bags
• Food Contact Approval—in India this is usually based on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines or equivalent International standards.

All the compostable bags from Dr. Earth are BIS-certified, food-safe and made from 100% plant-based raw materials, making it perfectly safe for food transportation and storage.

How Compostable Bags Benefit the Food Industry

1. No Toxic Residue

So unlike conventional plastic, compostable bags do not retain harmful microplastics or release chemical toxins into food; hence, there are no more harmful food contacts.

2. Temperature Resistance

In the high quality compostable plastic bags, most of them are able to sustain high temperatures used in storing food without turning into a melt or expelling some toxic material.

3. Odor-Free and Taste-Neutral

They do not change the flavor or aroma or the consistency of the inside food content.

4. Eco-Friendly Disposal

The already used bags can be directly placed into the composting bins where they can be taken instead of being dumped in a landfill.

5. Compliance with Plastic Ban Laws

Single-use plastic is prohibited in India, which makes the use of compostable bags legal when packaging.

Real-World Uses of Compostable Bags in Food Packaging

• Restaurants and Cafes— Composable bags are an elevated option for environmentally conscientious brand image in take-out.
• Bakeries— Perfect for bread, cookies and cakes; they retain freshness without plastic.
• Grocery Stores — Good for fresh produce, grains and pulses packaging
• Catering Companies — Ideal eco-packaging option for events, weddings and parties.
• Street vendors— An inexpensive and legal option to replace banned polythene bags.

Common Myths About Compostable Food Packaging

Myth 1: Compostable Bags Can’t Hold Hot Food

Good quality compostable bags can hold moderately hot food items (not boiling hot, this depends on the material). Compostable bags are not made for storing boiling hot liquids but they can easily hold warm snacks or meals.

Myth 2: They Disintegrate Too Quickly

Compostable bags are designed to break down faster than plastic, but that doesn’t mean they just fall apart immediately. Under normal use they are as durable as regular bags.

Myth 3: They’re Too Expensive

In the beginning, yes; however, compostable bags are increasingly becoming cheaper as bulk production increases and they continue to have larger production, and also help businesses avoid

Safety Tips for Using Compostable Bags for Food

If you want to be as safe as you can be when using compostable bags for food, you’ll like to do the following:

1. source from certified manufacturers—always check for BIS certificates where possible and certifications on their compostability. 
2. avoid storing hot food—let the food cool a bit before packing. 
3. store in a dry space—any moisture will reduce the strength of the bag over time. 
4. use within the recommended shelf life—compostable bags won’t last as long as plastic bags, so don’t stock up for years. 
5. dispose of properly—either compost them in an industrial compost factory or at home, if possible. 

The Environmental Bonus of Compostable Food Packaging

When you decide to use compostable bags over plastic bags, it’s not only about safety, it’s about doing the right thing. More specifically, each compostable bag you replace a plastic bag with:

• stops microplastics from entering our food and water systems
• reduces emissions of greenhouse gas created during production
• prevents poisonous material from entering our oceans and land fills
• gives us back a circular economy model of taking our waste back and creating compost and nutrients 

The Indian Government’s Stand on Compostable Food Packaging

which will take effect from July 1, 2022. On the ban was the announcement that the Indian government is working very hard to get businesses on board to use certified compostable offerings as an alternative material and that companies using uncertified plastic, or plastic labelled “eco-friendly” could be too severely punished. 

This transition opens the door for many food businesses to adopt sustainable packaging that is both legal and ethical.

Why Dr Earth’s Compostable Bags Are a Safe Choice for Food

At Dr. Earth, we take food safety and sustainability seriously. Our compostable bags are:

• Made from 100% plant-based raw materials
• BIS certified and ISO 17088 compliant
• Safe for food contact and free of harmful additives
• Durable, odourless and leak-resistant
• Made from a fully biodegradable and compostable material

Whether you are a restaurant, bakery, caterer or home cook, our bags provide your customers with safety, convenience, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Yes, when made from high quality certified materials, they are among the safest and most sustainable food packaging options available.

In today’s increasingly aware world, consumers are more mindful than ever of what they eat and how they consume it.  Choosing compostable bags for your food packaging is not just a business decision; it is a statement about who you are and where your values lie.  It is a commitment to health, safety and a cleaner planet. 

If you want to make the move, Dr. Earth has premium compostable bags for the food industry that are good for your customers and great for your brand.