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Research & Insights

Biodegradable Polybags: Sustainable Solutions for Fashion Packaging


In the fast-paced world of fashion and retail, packaging is more than just a protective layer—it’s part of your brand story. Consumers, regulators, and retailers alike are calling for an end to harmful single-use plastics. As a result, more brands are actively searching for a biodegradable polybag manufacturers that can provide sustainable, high-performance solutions without compromising on quality, durability, or style.

Aquapak is at the forefront of this shift and we’re working closely with a global network of polybag manufacturers help them provide next generation garment bag packaging solutions.

Our patented polymer technology, Hydropol™, offers a game-changing alternative to conventional plastics—delivering packaging that is biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and marine-safe. For fashion brands, this means garment and e-commerce polybags that protect products, meet environmental standards, and enhance brand reputation. Importantly they also allow consumers to dispose of packaging easily without the worry of whether bags will end up polluting the environment for years.

Why Fashion Brands Are Switching to Eco-Friendly Polybags

Traditional polybags, made from LDPE or similar plastics, are valued for their low cost, lightweight and protective properties. But these bags persist in the environment for hundreds of years, often breaking down into harmful microplastics. Even so-called “biodegradable” alternatives can be misleading—many require very specific conditions to degrade, or they leave behind toxic residues.

The result? Brand owners are seeking eco friendly polybags and eco friendly plastic bags that perform like plastic but disappear without a trace. This is where biodegradable polybag manufacturers who are using innovative polymers like Hydropol are at an advantage. Especially when the product backed with science-based credentials and proven in the market for many years with leading brand like Finisterre.

The Limitations of Conventional Biodegradable Polybags

Terms like environmentally friendly plastic bags, earth friendly plastic bags, and biodegradable polybags often appear in marketing materials, but not all products deliver genuine end-of-life safety.
Common issues include:

  • Incomplete biodegradation – leaving microplastics in soil or water.
  • Limited disposal options – requiring industrial composting facilities that are not widely available.
  • Compromised performance – reduced strength, poor moisture resistance, or short shelf life.

For fashion brands, the challenge has been finding biodegradable polybags for packaging that are genuinely sustainable and functional.

Hydropol polybags as used by Finisterre

Hydropol™ – A New Generation of Biodegradable Polymer Alternatives

Aquapak developed Hydropol™ to solve these issues with a material specifically designed to disappear safely after use. Based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) chemistry, Hydropol has been engineered through over a decade of R&D to deliver the same—or better—performance as conventional plastics, but with multiple safe end-of-life options.

Learn more about our science-backed innovation.

Key benefits:

  • Fully biodegradable polymer alternative – breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and natural biomass, leaving no harmful microplastics.
  • Compostable polybags – suitable for industrial composting and, in some formats, home composting.
  • Recyclable – dissolves safely in recycling streams, enabling recovery of paper fibres in laminated products.
  • Marine-safe – biodegrades in marine environments and domestic wastewater systems without releasing toxins.

Applications for Fashion and Retail Packaging

Fashion and retail brands rely heavily on protective polybags for garments, accessories, and online orders. Hydropol allows brands to replace traditional LDPE with compostable plastic bags for packaging that meet sustainability pledges and consumer expectations.

Typical uses include:

  • Garment bags – protecting clothing in transit from manufacturer to retailer.
  • E-commerce mailing bags – providing strength, moisture resistance, and brandable surfaces.
  • Retail polybags – for in-store and post-purchase packaging.

Explore our barrier film applications for fashion packaging.

polymax bag

Partnering with Biodegradable Bags Suppliers and Manufacturers

Aquapak partners with biodegradable bags suppliers, biodegradable bags manufacturers, and compostable bag suppliers to deliver scalable production to global markets. This ensures that whether you are sourcing directly or via your converter, Hydropol-based bags meet consistent quality and performance standards.

Our technology integrates into existing manufacturing processes—no major equipment investment required—making it easier for compostable bags manufacturers and compostable plastic bags manufacturers to add sustainable products to their range.

Why Hydropol™ Beats Other Sustainable Plastic Bags

When comparing options for eco plastic bags and sustainable plastic bags, Hydropol stands out because it offers:

  • Performance parity – as strong, clear, and functional as conventional polybags.
  • Versatility – tailored solubility for specific applications.
  • Multiple disposal routes – recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, or harmless environmental breakdown.
  • Consumer confidence – supported by third-party testing and certifications.

Fashion Industry Case Study: Finisterre Garment Bags

Brands like Finisterre have already partnered with Aquapak to introduce Hydropol garment bags, aligning with their environmental commitments while delivering the functionality required for global logistics. This type of collaboration demonstrates the real-world commercial and sustainability benefits of switching to a true biodegradable plastic bags manufacturer.

Read more about our Finisterre Case Study.

leavenotrace_feature

End-of-Life Options for True Sustainable Packaging

With Hydropol, packaging can be:

  • Recycled – dissolving without contaminating other materials.
  • Composted – disintegrating quickly under industrial conditions.
  • Biodegraded – safely breaking down in marine, freshwater, and landfill environments.

For brands looking at paper-based alternatives alongside polybags, see our functional barrier paper solutions.

Take the Next Step Toward Sustainable Packaging

As legislation tightens and consumer demand for sustainable solutions grows, choosing a polybag that offers genuine, science-backed innovation is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage.

If you are a fashion or retail brand looking to replace your conventional polybags with biodegradable poly bags, compostable poly bags, or other eco friendly plastic bags that meet both performance and environmental standards, Aquapak is ready to help.

Learn more about Sustainable Packaging for Fashion Brands or request a free sample.