FAQ
Got questions? Need to know more? Here’s your guide to answers (that are good for the planet)
What does "home compostable" mean?
Home and garden compostable products break down into organic matter under natural, real-world conditions in a home or garden composting environment. Unlike most compostable bioplastics that require industrial composting, they do not require high temperatures or specialized facilities.
How are home compostable products different from biodegradable products?
Biodegradable products may break down over time, but not necessarily in a compost setting or within a reasonable timeframe. They also may break down into microplastics or other harmful chemicals. Home compostable products, however, are designed to fully decompose into organic matter in a home compost bin without leaving toxic residues.
How long do home compostable products take to break down?
būmi's home compostable products typically decompose within 3-6 months, depending on the composting conditions like temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels.
Can I compost these products in a regular backyard compost bin?
Yes, būmi’s products are designed to decompose in a standard home compost bin or pile, provided it has the proper balance of green and brown materials, along with adequate aeration.
būmi’s products are made from agricultural waste biomass such as plant fibers left over from farming, and fossil-based resins that are consumable by natural bacteria and microorganisms during home and garden composting. This approach helps tackle both agricultural waste and plastic pollution.
Are home compostable products safe for the environment?
Yes, they are made from reused agricultural waste and when you're finished with them, break down through home and garden composting into organic materials without leaving microplastics or harmful chemicals, making them safe for the soil and environment.
How do home compostable products help reduce plastic waste?
By replacing single-use plastics with compostable alternatives, būmi’s products prevent plastic waste from accumulating in landfills and oceans, where it can persist for hundreds of years.
Can home compostable products be recycled?
No, these products are designed for composting, not recycling. Mixing compostable products with recyclables can contaminate the recycling stream.
Do home compostable products break down in landfills?
Landfills lack the proper conditions (oxygen, moisture, and microorganisms) for composting, so it’s unlikely that home compostable products will fully decompose there. It’s best to compost them in a home or industrial facility.
What is the difference between industrial compostable and home compostable?
Industrial compostable products require high temperatures and specialized facilities to break down, while home compostable products can decompose in a backyard compost bin at lower temperatures.
What is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of this product?
būmi’s LCA shows that our products have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics. The use of agricultural waste reduces the need for virgin resources and minimizes environmental impacts across production, use, and disposal.
How much do Būmi’s home compostable products cost?
Prices vary depending on the product and order quantity. Typically, compostable items are slightly more expensive than plastic alternatives due to the materials and production processes, but they offer long-term environmental benefits.
What types of packaging materials does bumi offer?
Bumi offers packaging pillows, bags, and other protective packaging solutions that are fully home compostable and suitable for various industries, particularly those with high shipping and packaging needs.
are būmi's compostable products suitable for use with food?
Yes, būmi’s products are food-safe and compliant with regulations for direct food contact.
Are these products microwave safe?
Yes! Our products are microwave safe with no leakage or compromise in structural integrity.
How should I dispose of home compostable products if I don’t have a compost bin?
If you don’t have a compost bin, check for a community composting service or send the product to an industrial composting facility. Avoid throwing them in the trash, as they won’t break down effectively in landfills.
Using agricultural waste reduces the reliance on virgin materials and provides a sustainable, renewable resource. It also helps farmers by utilizing by-products that might otherwise go to waste.
Yes, būmi’s products are certified by internationally recognized organizations, ensuring they meet the standards for home compostability and environmental safety.
Do these products decompose in water?
While būmi’s products are compostable in soil, they are not designed to break down in water. They are water-resistant to maintain their integrity during use but should be composted in the appropriate environment.
Can Būmi’s products withstand heat and cold temperatures?
Yes, būmi’s products can handle a range of temperatures. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat or freezing conditions may affect the product's durability over time.
What is the temperature resistance of Bumi’s products?
būmi’s home compostable products can generally withstand temperatures between -20°C (-4°F) and 60°C (140°F) before their structural integrity is affected.
What is the tensile strength of these products?
The tensile strength varies depending on the product, but būmi’s compostable items are designed to be durable for their intended use in packaging and other applications, though slightly less strong than traditional plastics.
How much weight can Būmi’s home compostable products hold?
būmi’s packaging pillows can hold weights comparable to lightweight plastic alternatives, typically up to a few pounds, depending on the size and product design.
What temperature is needed to seal the product?
The ideal sealing temperature for būmi’s compostable products is typically around 160°C (320°F), depending on the material and sealing equipment.
Is the ink used to print on Būmi’s products biodegradable?
Yes, the ink used on būmi’s products is biodegradable and compostable, ensuring that the entire product can break down without leaving harmful residues.
What is the melting point and freezing point of these products?
The melting point of būmi’s products is around 60°C (140°F), while they can withstand freezing temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) without significant loss of performance.
How long is the shelf life of Būmi’s products?
būmi’s products have a shelf life of about 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry place. After that, they may begin to degrade, especially if exposed to moisture.
No, būmi’s home compostable products do not release harmful chemicals. They break down into natural, non-toxic components like carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter.
How do compostable packaging pillows compare to traditional plastic pillows?
būmi’s compostable packaging pillows offer similar cushioning and protection as plastic pillows, but they are fully compostable, making them a more eco-friendly option.
Are there any specific composting instructions for Būmi's products?
For best results, compost būmi’s products in a balanced compost bin with plenty of air and moisture. The products should break down within 3-6 months in an active compost pile.
Using būmi’s products helps lower your carbon footprint by reducing the demand for fossil-fuel-based plastics, minimizing waste, and encouraging a circular economy through composting.