Key Differences Between Vest Bags, Flat Bags, and Ziplock Bags: A Comprehensive Guide

Vest Bags (also known as T-shirt bags) are a popular type of plastic bag commonly used in supermarkets and retail stores. These bags are readily identifiable by their vest-like shape and dual handles. Typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), vest bags are known for their rigidity and practicality, making them a reliable choice for packaging and transportation.

However, due to their widespread usage, especially in supermarkets, wet markets, and shopping malls, vest bags have become a significant environmental concern. As a result, many governments have implemented regulations to curb plastic usage. For instance, in China, the Notice on Restricting the Production, Sale, and Use of Plastic Shopping Bags was issued on January 8, 2008, and banned the production, sale, and use of ultra-thin plastic bags, effective June 1. Similar bans and regulations have since been introduced in various countries worldwide, with many adopting pay-per-use policies for plastic bags.

Flat Bags are another widely used type of plastic bag. These bags are typically sealed at the bottom with an open top, making them easy to load and dispose of. Unlike vest bags, flat bags do not feature handles, and unlike ziplock bags, they lack a self-sealing mechanism. Typically made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), flat bags are used in various settings, including offices, households, and hotels, for waste disposal. In supermarkets, they are commonly used for packaging vegetables, grains, and fruits. These bags are often sold in roll formats that can be torn into individual segments.

While flat bags are convenient for waste disposal, they contribute significantly to environmental pollution because they are typically discarded with waste. Their non-biodegradable nature means they remain in landfills for years, posing long-term ecological risks.

Ziplock Bags, also referred to as Reclosable Bags, Zipper Closure Bags, or Bone Bags, are designed for secure packaging and easy sealing. Made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ziplock bags feature a zipper seal that allows users to open and reseal the bag multiple times. This makes them ideal for storing tea, coffee, sugar, or other products that require airtight packaging.

The primary advantage of ziplock bags is their resealability, which prevents spillage and offers better protection for stored items. For example, zip-lock bags are often used for small items such as phone chargers, cables, or snacks, ensuring that contents are securely packed and separated from other items.

As concerns over plastic waste continue to grow, the question arises: can vest bags, flat bags, and ziplock bags be entirely replaced by biodegradable plastic bags while maintaining the same functionality and form? Currently, biodegradable alternatives are produced by blending conventional plastics with partially degradable materials. However, these products retain a substantial market share due to their cost-effectiveness and availability.

Fully biodegradable bags that contain no plastic additives are now technically feasible to produce. These bags can maintain their structural integrity during storage and use. After being discarded as waste, under specific conditions of temperature, humidity, light exposure, pH, oxygen, and microorganisms, they disintegrate and biodegrade into water and carbon dioxide, causing no environmental pollution.  

Why European Businesses Are Turning to Fully Biodegradable Plastics: Your Sustainable Solution for Compliance and Cost Savings

As Europe enforces stricter environmental regulations, businesses are rapidly shifting to fully biodegradable plastics to stay compliant with the EU’s Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive and meet evolving sustainability targets. Demand for EU biodegradable packaging solutions has surged, with the European bioplastics market growing 24% in 2023. Industries such as food packaging, agriculture, and retail account for 65% of this rising demand, driven by the need for alternatives to conventional plastics.

Leeka Biodegradables, a China-based leader in high-performance biodegradable plastics, is at the forefront of this transformation. Their products are designed to meet Europe’s strict environmental standards and break down efficiently without requiring specialized composting facilities. Whether you are in the food packaging industry, agriculture, or retail, Leeka Biodegradables offers customizable solutions that can support your waste management strategies and sustainability goals.

Leeka Biodegradables’ biodegradable plastics are engineered for flexibility. With custom degradation cycles ranging from six to twelve months, they can be tailored to your industry's specific needs. For businesses seeking to transition away from conventional plastics, Leeka Biodegradables offers a seamless, environmentally friendly alternative.

In agriculture, high-strength biodegradable mulch films from Leeka Biodegradables have helped businesses reduce costs by up to 30%. These films are certified to meet soil safety standards, offering the durability needed for outdoor conditions while ensuring eco-friendly disposal.

In the food Packaging Industry, Leeka Biodegradables’ transparent compostable PLA/PBAT containers are ideal for food packaging companies seeking to comply with stringent regulations, such as Germany’s LUCID packaging registry. These containers not only reduce environmental impact but also provide a cost-efficient alternative to traditional plastic options.

In the Retail Sector, retailers can significantly benefit from Leeka Biodegradables’ printable PLA shopping bags. These biodegradable bags offer a tax-efficient solution for companies aiming to comply with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax while reducing their overall plastic footprint.

While the initial cost of switching to biodegradable plastics can be a concern, the long-term financial benefits are undeniable. With escalating carbon taxes on plastic packaging and EU-wide sustainability mandates, businesses that adopt biodegradable plastics will be better positioned to reduce their environmental impact and avoid potential penalties.

Leeka Biodegradables’ cost-effective solutions allow companies to not only meet compliance standards but also reduce operational expenses. For example, agricultural businesses that use biodegradable films report significant savings, thanks to reduced waste disposal costs and lower carbon tax exposure.

If your business is looking for EU-compliant biodegradable plastics that meet the latest sustainability standards, Leeka Biodegradables offers certified materials ready for immediate integration into your production line. Whether you are a food packaging manufacturer, a retailer, or involved in agriculture, Leeka Biodegradables’ products are tailored to fit your needs.

Leeka Biodegradables also provides sample testing for small-batch orders, so you can evaluate their products before making a large-scale commitment. Take the first step toward a sustainable future—request free samples today and discover how their biodegradable plastics can help your business stay ahead of Europe’s evolving environmental regulations.

What’s the difference between bio-based and biodegradable products?

The term "bio-based" refers to renewable materials derived from biomass through chemical or biological processes. These substances can originate from organic sources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, including crop straw, wood, paper waste, and food residues.

Bio-based materials exhibit characteristics like renewability, biodegradability, and recyclability. Compared to traditional petroleum-based materials, they are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Biodegradable refers to substances that decompose naturally, ultimately transforming into harmless materials or being absorbed and utilized by the original ecosystem through biological processes.

Biodegradable substances can be either organic or inorganic, with the degradation process of organic matter being more complex. These materials can be broken down by microorganisms, insects, animals, or other organisms into smaller molecules, which are then converted into energy or nutrients by other microorganisms in the environment.

Common biodegradable materials include food waste, dead plants, paper, and similar organic matter. 

However, Bio-based does not imply complete biodegradability or compostability. Bio-based materials still lag behind conventional petroleum-based plastics in specific key properties, such as heat resistance, mechanical strength, or chemical durability. Therefore, they are often incorporated as additives or partial substitutes in traditional plastics to maintain product performance.

Existing plastic processing equipment and industrial chains are primarily designed for petroleum-based materials. A complete replacement with bio-based materials would likely require costly equipment upgrades or process modifications. However, as additives, bio-based materials can integrate seamlessly into current production systems, resulting in products that are not fully biodegradable.

Bio-based products serve as transitional materials between conventional plastics and fully biodegradable alternatives. On one hand, they retain plastic-like properties; on the other, they offer the renewability of bio-based materials. Because they contain plastic components, bio-based products can only reduce environmental pollution rather than eliminate it entirely, unlike fully biodegradable alternatives.

It should be noted that the production costs of bio-based materials are generally higher than those of conventional plastics. If a product is made entirely from bio-based materials without any plastic content, it falls under the category of fully biodegradable products.

From this perspective, fully biodegradable products are more costly than bio-based ones because the latter partially replace plastic, which is a cheaper material. Although fully biodegradable products are slightly more expensive than traditional plastics in absolute terms—when considering the combined costs of plastic usage and the environmental impact of post-use disposal—the overall cost of using fully biodegradable alternatives is significantly lower.