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What exactly goes into the creation of TAVA bags and straws?

The primary ingredient of a TAVA bag is tapioca (Certified with Din Certo ASTM 6866 Bio Based Certificate 50-85%), which is the starch extracted from the roots of the cassava plant. It’s then grafted with polymers which reinforce the material, giving it the functionality and strength of plastic, whilst also allowing it to be easily broken down and consumed by naturally-occurring microbes.

If TAVA products use polymers, doesn’t that still make them plastic?

Nope. There are lots of bioplastics on the market composed from predominantly synthetic polymers, but TAVA relies on different technology. We use reinforcing polymers instead, which creates an entirely new molecular chain that’s shorter than ordinary polymers. The end result is a chemical composition structurally different from conventional plastics, particularly in its ability to biodegrade within a year. Crucially, unlike conventional plastics and certain plastic alternatives, TAVA products don’t leave behind any harmful microplastics when they biodegrade.

How long does it take for TAVA products to biodegrade?

They biodegrade in environments containing microbes such as landfills. It takes about 6 to 12 months to fully biodegrade, depending on the concentration of microbes in those environments.

Are TAVA bags compostable?

By definition, no. To be considered ‘compostable’, a product has to break down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass within 90 days in a composting facility. TAVA products biodegrade completely and leave no toxins behind in a natural environment (e.g., soil, river, landfills), but only do so within 6 to 12 months.

Can TAVA bags be reused?

For sure! We’ve made sure that our bags hold up to most day-to-day activities and routines that you’d need them for, and they can also withstand all the moisture you could possibly throw at them. We encourage everyone to reuse our bags as much as you can, before throwing them away.

If it’s not a plastic bag, does that mean you’re completely carbon-free, then?

The fact that TAVA bags still involve reinforcing polymers means that we’re still reliant on fossil fuels to a degree. Integrity’s important to us, and we believe in transparent, un-greenwashed information. That being said, the fact that the majority of TAVA’s components is from the cassava plant means we are reducing the usage of fossil fuels by more than half for every bag. TAVA’s vision as a company is to reach a stage where we can reinvest our profits into significant R&D, and develop the technology and ecosystems to be even better for people and the environment.

Is the bag plain, or are there prints on them?

Our standard bags have a small set of graphics near the base, designed to convey to customers the fact that these bags (1) aren’t plastic, (2) biodegrade in nature, (3) are waterproof and durable, and (4) are food-safe. We keep these graphics minimal, so that this information doesn’t interfere with your branding.

We encourage businesses to keep these graphics on the bag, so that your customers are aware that your business is taking steps towards sustainability. However, if you feel that a plain bag suits you better, feel free to drop us a line and let us know!

Can TAVA bags be heat sealed?

Yes! TAVA bags can be put through a heat sealer to be properly enclosed if you choose to do so.

How do you store TAVA bags or straws?

One big part of our mission is to make sustainable alternatives accessible to the everyday person (even the not so eco-conscious!), which means TAVA products were designed to be able to be stored the same way conventional plastics do.

TAVA products were designed to break down in landfills and soil where there are naturally occurring microbes. The breakdown process starts when it is in contact with microbes, which is why our bags should be disposed along with other organic materials. As long as you store them in a dry place (i.e., not in soil), the breakdown process will not begin.

I’m interested in TAVA bags, but I want to get a feel for them first to make sure that they’re right for my business. can I get some samples before I commit to an order?

Absolutely! we’re always happy to provide samples. drop us a message here, and we’ll put together a TAVA Capsule for you, containing samples of the product types and sizes we offer.