about us

In Europe the annual average consumption of plastic is greater than 40 kg per person. In Switzerland, 850'000 tons of plastic were used in 2004 (OZD), more than 500' 000 tons wound up in landfills (KVS), and some even end up in compost environments.

Millions of bags are given to customers every day - in supermarkets, general stores and shops (in rural, as well as urban areas). These disposable plastic bags have an average lifespan of less than one hour and it takes them nearly 400 years to biodegrade! Many of these bags end up in incinerators that release toxic gases. The total ecological impact of products derived from the non-renewable resource petroleum is exacerbated by such toxic gases. 

The plastic bags that are widely available are often made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The production of this type of plastic requires oil and water; it also contributes to the pollution of the atmosphere. Even though one can often read that HDPE bags are less harmful to the environment, or "that polyethylene products do not cause toxic chemical reactions during incineration or other destruction processes", this does not mean that the incineration or destruction of such bags is harmless to the environment. On the contrary, incineration generates greenhouse gases whilst at the same time it contributes to atmospheric acidification and photochemical oxidant formation. A significant share of these products ends up in natural environments causing deterioration of our landscapes. These harmful materials, if eaten, can generate a potential risk for animals. 

BioApply considered all these important factors and developed an alternative and effective line of products that fulfils the professional needs of its customers whilst it also reduces the harmful effects to the environment. All BioApply products are certified: of vegetal origin, 100% biodegradable, 100% compostable, 100% GMO-free and 100% unleaded. The obtained labels, as well as the EN13432 European norm guarantee the biodegradability of our bags. 

As our bags are made from vegetable and renewable matter, it permits them, to biodegrade in 90 days in a compostable environment.

Various studies have concluded that biodegradable bags of vegetable origin  have a less harmful impact on the environment than various plastic or paper alternatives *. In order to achieve the best result the BioApply bag should be put into a compost heap. But even incinerated, its overall ecological assessment remains largely superior to other similar products.

From a practical point of view, with resistance in mind, BioApply bags are of higher or equal quality when compared to plastic ones**.

BioApply Company has also associated itself with various foundations and NGOs  in an effort to promote and generalize the use of this type of product throughout Switzerland and Europe. We still face structural obstacles as changing the mentality of the masses is always a challenge. Despite this, we are on the right track. 

Although the proposed biodegradable alternative is relevant and positive for our environment, our number one objective still remains the reduction of the excessive consumption of bags. BioApply offers products such as the reusable bags with reinforced handles which have, as the name suggests,  reinforced handles and can be used numerous times for grocery shopping.

 Summary

We favor the use of ecological packaging
Consumers are ready. 83% of people are in favor of the total and immediate suppression of plastic bags
(Survey CSA 4/2005) 
Other institutions are also ready. The European standard EN NF 13432 will be a reality in a few years. 
Increase in the price of crude oil/technological advances in biopolymers 
Global warming/ecological issues
Global market of biopolymers +30%/per year until 2016 (Source, Natureworks 2005) 



* Study carried out by COMPOSTO, Olten, CH *9/98
“ Life Cycle Assessment of Mater-Bi Bags for the Collection of Compostable Waste ”
Study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service, France, 5/05
“ Évaluation des impacts environnementaux des sacs de caisse ’” 

** Study carried out by BIS/Carrefour Supermarkets, France, 6/05
“ Étude Comparative Sacs Mater Bi et Sacs Carrefour ”