6 Best Compostable Sandwich Bags for an Eco-Friendly Lunch

Want an eco-friendly way to pack your lunch? Try these 6 certified compostable and biodegradable sandwich bags that will keep your meal fresh while caring for the environment.

Buying lunch from the grocery store or a fast food restaurant is convenient for you, but not so much for Mother Earth. The average American throws away about 4.9 pounds of trash every day, of which 62% is ultimately dumped into landfills [source]. If you carry your lunch in plastic bags, you are adding to this statistic, which is not good.

But how can you make sure that your lunch is eco-friendly, even if you eat out? The answer is simple: compostable sandwich bags. These eco-friendly alternatives to Ziplock bags, plastic wrap, and other single-use lunch carry-ons are designed to break down in a compost pile over time.

The secret to compostable sandwich bags is their bioplastic construction. This material contains plant-based polymers that are biodegradable and compostable. They are also BPA-free and safe to use in the microwave.

To help you make the switch to compostable sandwich bags, we’ve rounded up seven of the best options on the market. Here are our picks for the best compostable sandwich bags.

1. UNNI 100% Compostable Sandwich Bags (50 Count, 6.5 x 6.7 inches)

UNNI is a Seattle-based company with an outstanding reputation for producing eco-friendly products. Their 100% compostable sandwich bags are the perfect solution for reducing single-use plastic waste. Made with sturdy, renewable materials and resealable zipper closures, these bags can hold anything from sandwiches and school snacks to office munchies and more.

UNNI products don’t just speak compostable; they’re certified compostable. Although manufactured in China, these bags have earned certification from BPI, OK Compost, Tüv Austria, and Seedling. Thus, they’re suitable for commercial composting, home composting, and municipal composting.

The bags are 100% polyethylene free, made with corn starch instead, and contain no harsh chemicals. As a plant-based material, the company doesn’t recommend them for liquids or microwaving. However, some customers have reported using them for those purposes with satisfaction. Still curious? Learn more about how and where UNNI bags Are manufactured.

2. Compostic Compostable, Resealable Sandwich Bags (30 Count, 7×7 inches)

Compostic is a top-tier compostable packaging brand that creates top-quality products with minimal environmental impact. Based in New Zealand, Compostic’s new line of resealable sandwich bags is a superb addition to your zero-waste lifestyle

The bags are made with plant-based compostable materials (PLA, PBAT) that will break down into natural elements in as little as 180 days. They feature a unique air-tight seal that will keep your food fresh and safe for days. They are non-toxic, non-GMO, and BPA-free.

When it comes to sturdiness, Compostic boasts a heavyweight PLA construction that will stand up to repeated use. Also, the bags are labeled as freezable, microwavable, and home compostable. Moreover, Compostic bags are certified compostable to standards EN 13432, AS5810, and ASTM D6400.

However, one flipside of this product that is a turn-off for some is the packaging. Compostic’s resealable sandwich bags come in a plastic wrapper, making it slightly less eco-friendly.

3. BioBag Resealable Sandwich Bags (25 Count, 6.5 x 6.7 inches)

When you need a company you can trust, you should turn to BioBag. With over 25 years of experience in creating compostable products, BioBag is a leader in the industry.

Their line of resealable sandwich bags is designed to do more than just keep your food fresh and protected—these bags are designed to replace single-use plastic ziplock bags.

BioBag’s resealable sandwich bags are made with Mater-Bi, a NOVAMONT brand of biopolymer derived from plant starches, vegetable oils, and cellulose. The product is certified compostable by the European EN13432, US ASTM D6400, and Australian AS 4736 standards. Additionally, the bags are non-toxic, phthalate-free, GMO & BPA-free as evidenced by their ISO certification.

Each package contains 25 bags that measure 7×7 inches and have a zipper resealable closure. They are perfect for packing lunch and snacks, as they keep food fresh while being responsible for the environment. Here is a comprehensive review of the Biobag brand.

4. Responsible Products Compostable SANDWICH Bag (50 Pack)

Are you new to the eco-friendly game and feeling a bit hesitant? Responsible Products is here to take the risk out of your decision-making. To ensure your satisfaction, the company offers a 90-day 110% money-back guarantee on their compostable sandwich bag. With this, you can shop with confidence, knowing that if your bags don’t meet your expectations, you can return them for a full refund.

The 50-pack of ‎7×2.6-inch bags is made with a proprietary blend of renewable resources, including cornstarch, sugarcane, and bamboo fibers, making them both biodegradable and compostable. They are ideal for storing sandwiches and other snacks. Plus, with the added convenience of a resealable zip closure, these bags will keep your food fresh and secure.

However, there’s a catch: although the bags are labeled as eco-friendly, the presence of reliable certifications is quite sketchy. The BPI appears to be the only certification that Responsible Products boasts, unlike other brands that offer multiple certifications. Many customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with this.

5. ENA’s 100% Compostable Food Storage Bags [Snack 150 Pack]

Earth’s Natural Alternative brings yet another amazing alternative when it comes to compostable sandwich bags. And guess what? They are very budget-friendly!

Check out this insanely great value package: You get a pack of 150 bags, each measuring 6×5 inches, for less than $20. The bags are made with a compostable blend of cornstarch and other plant-based materials that will break down in 120 days. As such, these bags are non-GMO, BPA, and plastic-free.

ENA resealable food storage bags are certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to ASTM D6400 and D6868 standards. This means that you can trust that these bags will be gone and out of the way in no time.

6. Vove Compostable Sandwich Bags (7 x 7.5, 50 Count)

Ready to experience the convenience of Vove’s compostable sandwich bags? This product is designed with convenience and sustainability in mind.

For one, it features an extra-wide size of 7×7.5 inches, allowing ample storage for sandwiches, snacks, and other food items. Secondly, it utilizes a plant-based material to provide a water-resistant, durable, and non-toxic layer of protection. Plus, it’s BPI-certified as compostable and biodegradable, making it a much better alternative to traditional plastic bags.

It’s also made with no harsh chemicals or dyes, so you can be sure that the contents of your sandwich bag will remain safe and fresh. Lastly, Vove offers a 100% money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can easily get a refund.

Conclusion

Making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle shouldn’t be difficult, and thanks to these compostable sandwich bags, it can even start at the lunch table.

As the world continues to push towards a zero-waste future, these eco-friendly bags will help you do your part by keeping your food fresh and secure while also leaving little to no environmental footprint.

There are a variety of options to choose from, offering different sizes and levels of certification, so you can make the best decision for your needs. And if you’re ever unhappy with your purchase, most brands offer money-back guarantees, so you can return your bags with ease.

You can rest assured that you won’t be compromising on convenience or safety when you choose one of these bags for your lunch. Now that’s something you can feel good about!

FAQs

What are the best compostable sandwich bags?

Brands such as UNNI, Biobags, Compostic, ENA, and Cove offer some of the best compostable sandwich bags on the market. Their products are made with 100% plant-based materials, are BPI-certified compostable and biodegradable, and offer a variety of sizes.

Are compostable bags really compostable?

The compostability of products depends on two key factors: their material composition and the disposal environment. Products labeled as “compostable” should have a certification from an accredited third-party organization, such as the BPI. This certifies that the bags are tested and proven to break down into natural elements in a composting environment.

How quickly do compostable bags break down?

The breakdown speed of compostable bags depends on their material composition as well as the environmental conditions. Generally, compostable bags are designed to break down in 1-3 months in a commercial compost facility. However, a home compost bin may take significantly longer.

Can you put compostable bags in home compost?

Although many compostable bags are designed to safely break down in home composting environments, others may require specialized industrial composting facilities. It is important to check the product’s packaging for additional information, such as disposal instructions and certificated compostable standards.

Are compostable bags food Safe? 

Yes, most brands of compostable bags are tested and certified to meet the strictest food safety regulations. These include FDA, non-GMO, and BPI certifications. These certificates prove that the bags are made from non-toxic and environmentally responsible materials and are safe to use with food.