The Swiss Alpine Herbs teas are labeled as industrially compostable. What does that mean?
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All replies (9)
Good morning sochu In home composting, the waste reaches a temperature that is only slightly higher than the outside temperature, and only for a short time. In industrial composting, on the other hand, temperatures of 50 °C are reached over several months with peaks between 60 and 70 °C.How could it be otherwise? What is compostable is regulated by EU standards. Best regards Frederica
Frederica
Good morning sochu In home composting, the waste reaches a temperature that is only slightly higher than the outside temperature, and only for a short time. In industrial composting, on the other hand, temperatures of 50 °C are reached over several months with peaks between 60 and 70 °C.How could it be otherwise? What is compostable is regulated by EU standards. Best regards Frederica
That's interesting, thank you! How do I get my tea bags into the industrial compost? Are there any collection points?
Hello soschu, industrially compostable means that you can put the bags in the green waste bin. They are simply not suitable for private composting. Best regards, Sina
Bodenseeknusperli
Out of interest, why are they not suitable for home compost? I don't buy them, but I'm just interested😅
See Frederica's first answer! The bags of Swiss Alpine Herbs seem to be synthetic but the packaging says industrially compostable!
Bodenseeknusperli
But it doesn't say anything about the reasons why, only what it means, hence the question :)
My guess is the higher and longer heat in industrial composting.↵🤔 That would still be logical, I'm curious if I'm right.
Bodenseeknusperli
Yes, that's clear, but the why😆 Why this is written on the tea and is necessary and not on others, there must be a reason, I'm also curious😁
I suspect that it has to do with the nature of the bag. The material probably decomposes much more slowly than conventional tea bags.
Nachtspalter
I suspect that it has to do with the nature of the bag. The material probably decomposes much more slowly than conventional tea bags.
I think so too and it needs a certain temperature and duration of temperature.
Nachtspalter
I suspect that it has to do with the nature of the bag. The material probably decomposes much more slowly than conventional tea bags.
👍↵Thepyramid bags are made from PLA, which is 100% plant-based. The bags are industrially compostable DIN EN 13432 (from 55°C)↵Source: Swiss Alpine Herbs↵↵Polylactidesare biodegradable plastics made from corn starch.↵PLA decomposes slowly, so it is not suitable for garden compost.
Bodenseeknusperli
Yes, that's clear, but the why😆 Why this is written on the tea and is necessary and not on others, there must be a reason, I'm also curious😁
Hi Bodenseeknusperli. Please excuse the late response. Our pyramid bags are made from a biodegradable polylactic acid plastic (PLA). As certain parameters must be met for this sustainable material to decompose completely and quickly, such as a decomposition temperature of > 55° at 95% humidity, disposal via household compost is not suitable. As Frederica wrote, municipal, professional, industrial green waste collection is suitable for disposal, as these conditions are met there. Best regards, Tamara