Frequently Asked Questions

 

What’s wrong with current plastic packaging?

Currently, standard packaging is plastic satchels, predominately made from polyethylene. There two main environmental issues with this current situation:

1. They are created from fossil fuels, specifically petroleum and natural gas;
2. They take around 450 years to fully breakdown.

Those that don’t make it to landfill end up clogging up our bushland, washed down our rivers and onto our beaches. Also, as they break down into smaller and smaller pieces, these microplastics are mistakenly eaten by aquatic animals and birdlife and are now known as a source of air pollution, occurring in dust and airbourne fibourous particles.

 

What is compostable ‘plastic’?

Our bags are made from a mixture of Polylactide or Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), both biodegradable polymers. PLA is predominately made from waste corn husks, unfit for human consumption. It is high in strength but brittle. It has been used for years in the medical field for uses such as medical implants and orthopaedic devices, like screws, pins and plates that are expected to biodegrade in the body within 6-12 months. The starch (glucose) is extracted from the plants and converted into dextrose by the addition of enzymes. This is fermented by microorganisms into lactic acid, which in turn is converted into polylactide. Polymerisation produces long-linked molecular chains whose properties resemble those of petroleum-based polymers. On the other hand, PBAT is flexible and tough and the perfect binding agent for PLA. When combined, the PBAT improves the properties of PLA without compromising its biodegradability, making it great to be blown into a thin film and ready to be made into our stylish range here at Bare Packaging. Our bags look and feel like plastic, they are exceptionally durable and waterproof so they can endure all the tough bumps and thumps during the shipping process, yet are certified to compost at home within 3-4 months.

 

What’s the best way to dispose of the mailing bags?

If you have a compost bin at home its super easy! Just remove any labels from the bags, fill with your vege scraps and pop it in your compost bin. If you want it broken down quicker, we suggest cutting the bags into smaller pieces before disposal. In 3 to 4 months, the bag will be broken down into water, carbon dioxide and compost.

The best other place to dispose of them is at an industrial composting facility. Visit HERE to find a composter near you.

If they do end up in landfill, the good news is that they will still break down significantly faster than traditional plastic bags. They may take around 2 years to break down which is much better than the alternative 450 years!

 

What are your certifications?

Our Bare Packaging bags are rated to the highest level of compostability by the European Bioplastics Association, Home Compostable and Commercially Compostable (EN13432).  The Framework created by the European Bioplastics Association has been largely used as the basis for other countries in creating their own certifications.

 

What is the shelf life of the mailing bags?

To ensure ultimate longevity, Bare Packaging Mailing Bags should be stored in a dark, cool, dry place. If stored correctly, they will be strong enough to send parcels around the world for the next 9 to 12 months, if not, their durability will be compromised. We recommend ordering so that you can ship the mailing bags within 3 to 6 months.

 

How can we get our hands on custom mailing bags?

We can offer fully customised mailing bags to represent your brand just how you want. Please reach out to us at info@barepackaging.com for more info.

 

When will my order be shipped?

Any orders placed before 12pm will be shipped that day! Any orders after 12pm will be in the post the following day. If items can not be fulfilled we will contact you.

 

How will I know when my order has been shipped?

You will receive an order confirmation as soon as your order has been placed. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking notification. If you have any questions, please message us for assistance: info@barepackaging.com

 

What are your expected shipping times?

Our main shipping carrier is Australia Post. Unfortunately due to current COVID restrictions they are predicting longer than expected shipping times. Check your tracking notification and please be patient at this time.

 

What is your returns policy?

If you have accidently purchased the wrong size, you may be able to return them for a store credit within 14 days of purchase. As Bare Packaging's mailing bags are 100% home-compostable, the shelf life of the bags may be compromised. Returns will not be accepted under any circumstances after this time.

If you have any product issues of any kind, please reach out to us at info@barepackaging.com for further instructions. Usually, we will request photos, to help offer the best solutions.

 

How can you be contacted?

We can be found at

Facebook @ /barepackaging20

Instagram @ /barepackaging20

Email: info@barepackaging.com