SunChips makes its bags compostable
SunChips says it doesn't want to contibute to the trash problem, though it make all those bags for its snacks.
So, they say they've made the bags compostable.
The bags are made from plants. And the company says a 10.5 oz. bag is designed to fully break down in 14 weeks when it's put in a "hot, active compost bin or pile." Though, it could take a little longer.
Would this influence you to buy from this company? Think the Frito Lay should put all their chips in compostable bags? Would you buy this snack over chips because the bag is compostable?
The company said they did tests to ensure the bags actually composted. I wonder if they would pass the Baltimore test: Would they degrade after being tossed into the Inner Harbor?
Baltimore Sun photo/Sarah Kelber
Comments
Hearing about this makes me want to buy Sun Chips even more! It's healthy to eat and it saving the earth at the same time. It's a win-win situation.
Posted by: Paulettew | June 14, 2010 1:31 PM
This new bag has also ended LATE NIGHT SNACK SNEAKING!!!!!!!
I was trying to sneak a snack a while back and when I attempted to open the bag, quietly, I woke the missus and the dog started barking and all hell broke loose!
I hate this LOUD bag!
Posted by: Anonymous | June 14, 2010 2:03 PM
Great idea and marketing niche. We already purchase them but this would encourage us to do so more often.
Posted by: NotableM | June 14, 2010 4:39 PM
WHAT?? I CAN'T HERE YOU OVER THE SOUND OF THIS SUN CHIPS BAG
Posted by: Evan | June 14, 2010 9:25 PM
It's unfortunate that Frito Lay elected PLA, which requires an industrial composter and heat in order to efficiently compost the material. Add to that, the genetically modified corn used in the production of PLA and you have a much better marketing platform than a truly environmentally progressive product. In the end, Frito Lay spins as well or better than most and ultimately does what's best for Frito Lay.
Posted by: Ruth Huschle | June 15, 2010 10:48 AM
I'm not convinced my little backyard bin has the right nutrient ratio or size to reach "hot active" levels ... but the chips certainly are tasty.
Posted by: Liz Kay | June 16, 2010 8:34 AM
I agree--the noisiness of the bag is somewhat frustrating but the compostability of the bag is huge! Although I think that it would compost faster in a commercial facility rather than a home facility...
Posted by: Shefali | June 17, 2010 5:28 PM
We're most of the way through our own, pseudo-scientific experiment with composting the Sun Chips bag in a reasonably hot, effective home pile. So far, it's not looking good for the Sun Chips bag. Almost 14 weeks in and the only reason the bag is any smaller is because of the times I've hit it with the fork while turning the pile.
Posted by: Dave Marciniak | June 26, 2010 8:05 PM
I bought SunChips all the time, but I hate the new bag. It feels odd and is too loud. They could fix it by affixing a paper exterior to it without compromising compostability. I quit buying the chips and switched to Kettle brand. Nothing wrong with foil....it's recyclable.
Posted by: Greg | July 20, 2010 11:52 PM