Ban the plastic grocery bag and offer customers a plant-based, compostable substitute.
Made entirely from corn starch, using a KF90 or BF90 resin, these easy-to-use bags are the same size as a standard supermarket shopping bag. High quality and strong, with convenient handles, they have been made to a standard thickness of 35um to support heavy shopping items without fear of bag breaking.
Biodegradable Shopping Bags are designed with supermarkets, retail stores, local convenience stores and grocers in mind, these bags are ideal for businesses focused on reducing their environmental impact.
Fully biodegradable and certified compostable to meet international standards, these bags can be disposed of into a home or industrial composting facility. After use, your customers can throw the bag away along with their organic waste items. It will decompose within 180 days in a home compost bin or 90 days if sent to an industrial facility.
This Compostable Grocery Bag is made to order and can be customised to the specific size, colour and branding required by your business. Minimum quantities apply.
Compostable Shopping Bags
Because We Care Compostable Shopping Bags provide supermarkets, grocery stores and retail businesses with a plant-based alternative to conventional plastic checkout bags.
Made from corn-starch-based KF90 or BF90 compostable resin, these retail carry bags feature integrated handles for convenient packing and transport. The standard 35 μm film is designed for everyday grocery, convenience-store and general retail purchases.
The bags can be customised with your required size, thickness, colour, logo, composting instructions and retail branding. Wholesale and made-to-order options are available for supermarkets, independent retailers, grocery stores, councils, distributors and private-label brands.
Product Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Compostable Shopping Bags |
| Material | Corn-starch-based compostable film |
| Resin Options | KF90 or BF90 |
| Thickness | 35 μm |
| Bag Style | Handled retail checkout bag |
| Checkout Bag Size | 520 mm × (300 + 100 + 2) mm – dimension format to be confirmed |
| Retail Bag Size | 406 mm × (460 + 100 + 70) mm – dimension format to be confirmed |
| Printing Ink | Soy- and water-based inks |
| Standard Colour | White |
| Custom Printing | Up to 8 colours |
| Custom Options | Size, thickness, colour, artwork and packaging |
| Recommended Shelf Life | Approximately 9–15 months, depending on resin and storage conditions |
| Order Type | Made to order |
| Minimum Order Quantity | Varies according to size, thickness and printing |
Please confirm the detailed bag dimensions, handle style, gusset size, load capacity, carton quantity and lead time when requesting a quotation.
Designed for Retail Checkout Use
These compostable shopping bags are suitable for carrying common retail products such as:
- Packaged groceries
- Fresh produce
- Bakery products
- Convenience-store purchases
- Pharmacy products
- Clothing and accessories
- Books and stationery
- Gifts
- Hardware accessories
- General household items
The appropriate film thickness and bag size should be selected according to the expected product weight, shape and intended use.
Sharp-edged, excessively heavy or leaking items may require a thicker bag or additional protective packaging.
Integrated Carry Handles
The built-in handles make the bags convenient for checkout packing and customer transport.
The handled design can help retailers:
- Pack purchases quickly
- Carry multiple packaged products
- Reduce the need for separate bag ties
- Display printed branding during customer use
- Provide a familiar supermarket-style bag format
The handle area can be reinforced or adjusted as part of a custom order, subject to the bag dimensions, thickness and required load.
Certified Compostable Materials
Because We Care products are certified for home compostability under Australian Standard AS 5810 and commercial compostability under AS 4736. The company also lists compliance with European EN 13432 and North American ASTM D6400 requirements.
Certification provides a clearer basis for compostability claims than using general terms such as “eco-friendly”, “degradable” or “biodegradable” without identifying a recognised standard.
The relevant certification logos, licence details and disposal instructions should remain visible on custom-printed bags where required.
Home and Commercial Composting
These shopping bags are intended for disposal through a suitable composting route rather than conventional plastic recycling.
Depending on local acceptance requirements, the bags may be suitable for:
- Managed home composting
- Commercial composting facilities
- Approved food-organics collection programs
- Approved council organic-waste systems
Before placing the bag in a council green or FOGO bin, customers should check whether their local collection program accepts certified compostable shopping bags.
The bags should not be placed in a conventional soft-plastic recycling stream unless the local recycling operator specifically accepts compostable plastics.
Compostable vs. Conventional Plastic Shopping Bags
| Comparison | Compostable Shopping Bags | Conventional Plastic Shopping Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Primary material | Compostable plant-based resin system | Commonly polyethylene |
| Intended end-of-life route | Approved home or commercial composting | Reuse, recycling where accepted, or general waste |
| Certification | Can be certified to recognised composting standards | Not normally certified as compostable |
| Retail printing | Custom branding available | Custom branding available |
| Storage sensitivity | More sensitive to heat, moisture and long storage | Generally has a longer storage life |
| Disposal instructions | Must identify an appropriate composting route | Depends on local plastic recycling rules |
| Recommended use | Retailers with a suitable composting and communication strategy | General retail applications |
Compostable bags are most effective when retailers clearly explain the correct disposal route to customers.
Custom Compostable Shopping Bags
Because We Care can manufacture custom compostable shopping bags according to your brand, checkout equipment and customer requirements.
Custom Bag Dimensions
The following dimensions can be adjusted:
- Bag width
- Bag length
- Side gusset
- Bottom gusset
- Handle length
- Handle width
- Bag opening
- Film thickness
Providing a current bag sample or dimensioned drawing can make the quotation process more accurate.
Custom Film Thickness
Film thickness can be selected according to:
- Expected carrying weight
- Product shape
- Bag dimensions
- Handle design
- Required flexibility
- Cost target
- Local bag regulations
The standard product is currently listed at 35 μm. Other thicknesses can be evaluated for custom orders.
Custom Colours
The bag film can be produced in different colours, subject to resin, ink and certification requirements.
Colour selection should consider:
- Brand guidelines
- Print contrast
- Disposal messaging
- Local regulations
- Certification-logo visibility
Custom Logo Printing
Shopping bags can be printed with:
- Company logos
- Retail branding
- Marketing messages
- Store details
- Website information
- QR codes
- Composting instructions
- Certification marks
- Private-label designs
Custom designs can use up to eight print colours.
Heavy-metal-containing inks are unsuitable. Pantone-based colours, soy-based inks and water-based inks can be considered according to the artwork.
Custom Retail Packaging
Packaging options may include:
- Loose-packed bags
- Bundled bags
- Bags on a block
- Carton-packed bags
- Retail packs
- Custom carton printing
- Private-label packaging
The required packing method should match the store’s checkout-bag dispensing and storage system.
Custom Printing Requirements
For custom artwork, please provide:
- High-resolution logo files
- Vector artwork where available
- Pantone colour references
- Required print position
- Front and back designs
- Certification-logo requirements
- Disposal instructions
- Barcode or QR-code details
- Required bag dimensions
Artwork text should generally be at least six points to maintain readability.
Because We Care can assist with artwork development where required.
Custom Order Process
1. Tell Us About Your Application
Provide information about:
- Store type
- Products carried
- Expected bag load
- Required bag size
- Annual usage
- Destination market
2. Select the Bag Specification
Confirm:
- Resin
- Width and length
- Gusset dimensions
- Film thickness
- Handle type
- Colour
- Packing method
3. Submit Your Artwork
Send the required logos, colours, wording and composting instructions.
4. Confirm the Quotation
Pricing depends on the bag dimensions, thickness, number of print colours, order quantity and packaging.
5. Approve the Artwork
Review the dimensions, branding, certification marks, print position and disposal instructions before production.
6. Production and Delivery
Custom orders generally require approximately 8–12 weeks for processing, excluding artwork-development time. The final production and delivery schedule should be confirmed when ordering.
Suitable Businesses
Supermarkets
Suitable for packaged groceries, produce and everyday household purchases.
Grocery and Convenience Stores
The familiar handled design supports fast checkout packing in smaller retail environments.
Farmers’ Markets and Food Retailers
Custom-printed bags can be developed for produce sellers, bakeries, delicatessens and specialty food retailers.
Pharmacies
Suitable for boxed, bottled and packaged pharmacy purchases, subject to the selected bag size and thickness.
Fashion and General Retailers
Custom sizing and printing can be used for apparel, accessories, gifts and other lightweight retail products.
Councils and Community Programs
Custom shopping bags can carry local waste-education messages and composting instructions, subject to the relevant program requirements.
Distributors and Private-Label Brands
Wholesale buyers can request private-label bags with customised artwork, packaging and carton markings.
Storage Recommendations
Compostable bags should be stored more carefully than conventional polyethylene shopping bags.
For best performance:
- Keep the bags in their original packaging.
- Store them in a cool and dry area.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Keep them away from heat sources.
- Avoid high humidity.
- Do not store cartons outdoors.
- Use older stock before newer stock.
- Avoid purchasing more stock than can be used within the recommended period.
The recommended shelf life is approximately 9–15 months, depending on the resin and storage conditions.
Retailers should use a first-in, first-out inventory system.
Why Choose Because We Care?
Recognised Compostability Certifications
Because We Care products are listed as meeting Australian, European and North American compostability standards.
Retail-Focused Bag Design
The handled checkout-bag format is suitable for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and general retailers.
Custom Manufacturing
Bag dimensions, thickness, colour, printing and packaging can be developed around the retailer’s requirements.
Brand Printing
Up to eight print colours can be used to display logos, marketing information and correct disposal guidance.
Artwork Support
The Because We Care team can assist businesses that need help preparing their custom bag artwork.
Wholesale Supply
Made-to-order production supports retail chains, distributors, councils and private-label programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are compostable shopping bags?
Compostable shopping bags are retail carry bags made from materials designed to break down under specified composting conditions. Their claims should be supported by recognised compostability certification.
What are these bags made from?
The current bags are made from corn-starch-based KF90 or BF90 compostable resin.
How thick are the standard shopping bags?
The current standard thickness is 35 μm.
Are the bags home compostable?
Because We Care lists its products as certified to Australian Standard AS 5810 for home compostability. Suitable compost conditions and correct handling are still required.
Are they commercially compostable?
The products are also listed as certified to AS 4736 for commercial compostability.
Can these bags be placed in a recycling bin?
Compostable plastics should not normally be mixed with conventional plastic recycling. Follow the instructions of the local waste and recycling provider.
Can they be placed in a council green bin?
Only when the local council or organic-waste processor accepts certified compostable bags. Acceptance rules differ between waste programs.
Can the bag size be customised?
Yes. Width, length, gusset, handle dimensions and thickness can be customised, subject to production feasibility and minimum order quantities.
Can a retailer’s logo be printed on the bag?
Yes. Custom logo and artwork printing of up to eight colours is available.
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum quantity depends on bag dimensions, thickness, printing and packaging requirements.
What is the recommended shelf life?
The current recommended shelf life is approximately 9–15 months, depending on the selected resin and storage conditions.
How long do custom orders take?
Custom orders generally require around 8–12 weeks to process, excluding artwork-development time. The final schedule should be confirmed before ordering.
Are these bags suitable for heavy products?
The 35 μm bags are intended for everyday retail purchases, but the actual carrying capacity should be confirmed through load testing. Retailers carrying heavy or sharp items may require a thicker custom bag.
Request Custom Compostable Shopping Bags
Replace conventional retail checkout bags with a certified compostable option customised for your business.
Send Because We Care your required size, thickness, expected load, artwork, quantity and delivery destination to receive a custom proposal.
