FAQs - Mála ‘bout the facts
Can I order samples of your products before I commit to a larger quantity?
Yes, absolutely! You can order the Mála Packaging sample pack. The sample pack includes 2 x compostable Mailers in across our 3 sizes and a sample of our HexyPaper™
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we offer worldwide standard delivery. Shipments within Ireland are sent via DPD with Tracking. Shipments to the UK, Europe and rest of the world are with DHL and have tracking.
If your country is not listed in the dropdown shipping menu please contact us at hello@malapackaging.com
Important disclaimer for orders shipping OUTSIDE of the European Union.
Duties and Taxes:
Import duties, taxes, and brokerage fees are not included in the product price or shipping and handling cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility as we are only charging the transportation fee for your order.
Will my Mála Mailer and HexyPaper™ compost at home?
Mála Mailers are certified ‘Home Compostable’ according to the European Bioplastics certification EN13432.
Certification ensures that the product can be industrially composted and that not only the plastic but also all other components of the product are compostable, e.g. colours, labels, glues and – in case of packaging products – residues of the content.
Simply pop in your home compost and let nature take its course.
HexyPaper™ is an undyed paper and will break down in a compost bin naturally over time.
How long will it take for my Mála Mailer to compost?
In a typical home composting environment or buried in the garden, it should take about 90 days for 90% of the product to breakdown.
What certifications does Mála have and why does it matter?
Standardisation is a collaborative effort of industry stakeholders to establish clear criteria for defining products and services.
In order to ensure compliance with EU standards, products must undergo rigorous testing, with successful products receiving certifications from trusted expert agencies around the world.
In Europe, the certification for compostable products is EN13432, which is indicated by the use of symbols such as OK Compost and OK Compost Home.
It's crucial to verify a product's certification status, as many companies engage in "greenwashing" tactics that can mislead consumers.
By choosing products with trusted certifications, you can be confident that you're making an environmentally responsible choice.
How do I know Mála Mailers have these certifications?
At Mála Mailers, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to our products' certifications.
That's why all of our mailers are clearly labeled with the relevant logos and certifications, making it easy for you to identify and verify their authenticity.
By using our compostable mailers with trusted certifications, you can rest assured that you're making a genuine commitment to sustainability, and not falling victim to greenwashing.
What is the shelf life of Mála Mailers and HexyPaper™?
Mála Mailers have a shelf life of 12 months before they begin to degrade. To maximize their longevity, we recommend storing the mailers in a sealed container, away from moisture, sunlight, and heat.
Only open the container when you need to use the mailers to help preserve their quality and effectiveness.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure that your Mála Mailers are in top condition when you're ready to use them, and that they remain a sustainable packaging solution for your business.
HexyPaper™ should be stored like any other paper product and has no shelf life
What happens to the Mála Mailers after 12 months?
Over time, the integrity of the Mála Mailer may begin to degrade. This process can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the environment and how the bag has been stored.
In some cases, the material may begin to lose strength and eventually fracture.
It's important to handle and store the mailers carefully to avoid damage and maximize their lifespan.
With proper use and storage, Mála Mailers can provide a reliable and sustainable packaging solution for your business.
Can I put my Mála packaging in the recycle bin?
It's important to note that compostable bags (Mála Mailers) cannot be recycled through traditional plastic recycling programs, and attempting to do so can actually contaminate the recycling process.
To ensure the proper disposal of compostable bags like Mála Mailers, they should be composted in an industrial or home composting facility.
This ensures that the bags can break down naturally and be reintegrated into the soil, rather than contributing to the harmful buildup of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
HexyPaper™ can be recycled in your regular recycling bin just like normal paper and cardboard.
Should Mála Mailers go to the landfill?
No, Mála Mailers are compostable and should not be sent to the landfill.
These mailers are designed to break down naturally in an industrial or home composting facility, where they can be reintegrated into the soil and support the growth of new plants.
What is the difference between Biodegradable and Compostable?
While degradable and biodegradable bags are often still plastic bags with microorganisms added to aid in breakdown, compostable bags like Mála Mailers are made from natural plant starch and do not produce any toxic materials.
Unlike other types of bags, compostable bags can break down easily in a composting system through microbial activity, resulting in the formation of compost that consists of CO2, H2O and biomass.
This compost can then be used to support the growth of new plants, with no negative impact on germination or growth.
By choosing compostable bags like Mála Mailers, you can help reduce your environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
PBAT – What is it?
PBAT, which stands for polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is a biodegradable copolymer made up of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and dimethyl terephthalate.
This copolyester is produced by several manufacturers and is known by brand names such as ecoflex®, Wango, Ecoworld, Eastar Bio, and Origo-Bi. PBAT is often marketed as a fully biodegradable alternative to low-density polyethylene, as it shares many of the same properties such as flexibility and resilience, making it suitable for use in products like plastic bags and wraps.
When blended with corn-starch, it takes on compostable properties, making it an even more sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
PLA – What is it?
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester that is both biodegradable and bioactive. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch (in the US and Canada), cassava roots, chips or starch (mostly in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world).
In terms of consumption volume, PLA was the second most widely used bioplastic in the world in 2010. However, the name "polylactic acid" does not adhere to IUPAC standard nomenclature and may be potentially confusing or ambiguous, as PLA is not a polyacid (polyelectrolyte) but rather a polyester.