Are cotton bags biodegradable?

Yes, cotton bags are indeed biodegradable. Cotton is a natural plant fiber and is inherently capable of breaking down biologically. Under the right conditions—such as adequate moisture and a microbially active composting environment—cotton fabric can gradually decompose into harmless substances within several months to a year.

In contrast, plastic bags can take hundreds of years to break down and often release harmful microplastics in the process. Because of this, more brands and businesses are opting for cotton materials when customizing shopping bags as an alternative to traditional plastic bags.

However, it’s important to note that if the surface of a cotton bag has PVC coatings or printed ink layers, it may affect its overall biodegradability.