Cellophane is Biodegradable NOT Recyclable!
We supply bags primarily for the food industry so the Cellophane films that we use are PVDC-coated.
The items that are Cellophane are biodegradable (Cellophane wrapping sheets
and Cellophane bags K195, K220, K250, and K140)
PVdC is a barrier coating applied to films to increase the oxygen and moisture barriers.
The coating also makes the films approved by the FDA for packaging food items.
In order to use the term biodegradable the material must biodegrade to a minimum of 90%
The PVdC coating is not biodegradable but the CELLOPHANE is biodegradable and well
within in the 90% biodegradability control levels. (Approximately 95%)
When buried, PVDC-coated Cellophane film is found to degrade in 90 to 120 days.
Tests have shown that the average total time for biodegradation of cellulose film is
from 90 to 120 days for coated cellulose products. In water, the rate of biodegradation
is 30-45 days for coated cellulose film.
Unlike the man-made polymers in plastics, Cellophane is a natural polymer made from cellulose,
a component of plants and trees. This means that it can be broken down by micro-organisms in
the soil just as leaves and plants are.
Cellophane is not recycled, it is biodegradable.
Bill Harris
Customer Service
