Solubags aims to replace single-use plastic bags by creating a water-soluble alternative. Their reusable fabric bags are made with the same raw materials but require a different formulation. The synthesis of calcium carbide and natural gas produces a material that can be completely dissolved within five minutes in water. This chemical formula is not dangerous for humans and the environment because after dissolution only carbon remains, without any effect on the human body.
About Solubag
How they Work:
- After 4 years of research, Solubag discovered a solution to produce a plastic bag in which oil is replaced by a derivative of limestone rocks. This material is used to generate a polyvinyl alcohol, essential in the composition of the bag.
- The team used PVA, a polyvinyl alcohol that dissolves in water, as their chemical base and then replaced the oil derivatives to ensure the bag would degrade over time.
- Solubags can be completely dissolved in 5 minutes in water instead of up to 500 years without contamination.
Mission Statement
Solubag wants to eliminate single-use plastic bags by enabling common bag plastic producers to use their new raw material.
The Importance of Solubag
The bags can be produced in the same machinery that currently manufactures flexible films which replaces the plastic for Solubag raw material. Solubag has a very unique business model in the sense that they produce the bags and sell them through distributors or directly to retailers. Solubag’s raw material can be extruded in any plastic extrusion machine, which allows it to be scaled very fast. They are currently in the process of making alliances with bag plastics producers to be their partners.
The raw material uses no heavy metals and when dissolved, and is even safe enough to consume. “What remains in the water is carbon,” says Astete Olivares (Founder), which medical tests show, “Has no effect on the human body.”
Because these bags are not made using petroleum products, their production does not use up the limited amount of crude oil we have and does not lead to the increased release of hydrocarbons into the environment.
Advantages
Advantages
- Soluble in water
- Non-plastic
- No heavy metals
- Can be produced with the same machinery
- Patented Raw Material for two innovative products
- No oil derivatives
- Does not harm the environment
- Safe enough to consume
- Protects against asphyxia
- Resource Saving
Disadvantages*
Disadvantages
- Company does not specify temperature requirements
- Not available for individual purchase now
- Solubag seems to be in the beginning phases of launch
*Disadvantages based on our research
Cost of Solubag
Solubag’s initial price was relatively high but it is now extremely accessible thanks to the improvement of the production process. You can now find them to be priced equivalently to the cost of a plastic bag made of polyethylene. With mass production planned, existing plastic companies can produce the bags simply by changing their formula at the same operation cost as before.
Target Market
Plastic Bag Manufacturers
Grocery Stores
Retail
Hospitals
