Hippo Sak Compostable Bags Under Scrutiny
Crown Poly, the company behind the Hippo Sak compostable bags, has come under scrutiny for its claims of compostability in both at-home and commercial composting systems. Despite certifications from organizations like BPI and TUV Austria, the company has faced skepticism due to a lack of transparency regarding research and test results.
Plastics expert Jennifer Brandon raised concerns about the confusion between terms like biodegradable and compostable, emphasizing the need for consumers to pay attention to product labels. While some compostable plastics are made from 100 percent plant-based materials like corn starch, others may contain petroleum-based components that will never fully break down.
Despite claims from Crown Poly that their compostable bags should degrade in less than 180 days, the city of San Diego does not consider them to be compostable and advises residents to dispose of them in the trash. The debate highlights the challenges of regulating compostable products and the discrepancy between industry claims and municipal guidelines.
As the conversation around sustainability and environmental impact continues, the case of the Hippo Sak compostable bags serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding greenwashing and eco-conscious consumer choices.
In other news, San Diego grapples with issues ranging from Tijuana sewage spills to the future of its commercial fishing wharf, highlighting the diverse environmental challenges facing the region.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org