Currently, research is conducted in many countries on the creation of biodegradable substitutes for bags and other plastic packaging as well as their economic production and implementation as an important element of pro-ecological reforms increasing the scope of sustainable development of the economy. Paper bags have been used for many years, but significant amounts of paper are used in their production. If the paper used comes at least 90 percent Recycling is one of the options worth considering on a massive scale. In addition, biotechnology laboratories, new materials technology etc. create innovative solutions based on the creation of biodegradable substitutes for plastic packaging, which have many features similar to plastic but are rapidly biodegradable because they are made of agricultural produce. The production of this type of packaging would involve the allocation of a significant amount of agricultural production to the creation of biodegradable materials for the production of packaging. Innovative solutions of this type have been used in some countries for at least a few years, but on a limited scale. For example, plates, cutlery are made of rice, wheat or other cereals. These types of solutions can be a good alternative to plastic plates and cutlery used in restaurants. Research is also underway to develop biodegradable materials that are made of organic compounds, have many technical characteristics similar to plastic packaging, but those whose production process in terms of cost and the use of these materials as universal for various types of packaging will be similar to currently used materials plastic. Companies that create this type of biodegradable and universal materials can achieve great international business success in the coming years.

Regards,

Dariusz Prokopowicz

I think that this research can be useful for your research:

* Recycling of Polyethylene Bags into High-Strength Yarns Without Using Melt Processing.

Abstract

A critical issue facing mankind is how to effectively recycle plastic grocery bags. Currently, the most proven practice for bag recycling is to create numerous returning sites throughout the nation. However, the success is compromised by the voluntary nature of such activities. In this work, we investigate an alternative approach to bag returning, by diverting recycling activities directly to consumers or end users at home. Specifically, a simple process for converting waste bags into high-strength fibers and yarns is designed and tested in an experimental feasibility study. The results from tensile testing and thermal analysis demonstrate that by a combined process sequence of cutting, knotting, twisting, hot drawing, and heat setting, high-strength polyethylene yarns with mechanical properties comparable to those of melt-spun polyethylene fibers can be produced. Without the involvement of melt processing, yarns made of a waste high-density polyethylene grocery bag material were hot drawn and heat set to achieve a tensile strength of 330 MPa. Yarns with such ternacity are expected to find numerous applications in textile, flooring, and leisure products. This may open up a new paradigm in plastic bags recycling and allow part of the recycling burden to be shifted to local residential communities.

Knoblauch, Doris, Linda Mederake, and Ulf Stein. "Developing countries in the lead—what drives the diffusion of plastic bag policies?." Sustainability 10, no. 6 (2018): 1994.