“Compostable” or plant-based bags (often PLA/PBAT) sound plastic-free—but they’re still plastics and don’t behave like paper or glassine.
1) They’re plastics by chemistry
PLA and PBAT are polymer plastics. “Plant-based” ≠ plastic-free.
2) Composting caveats
Most require industrial composting conditions. In a home bin or landfill, they can persist.
3) Mixed signals on liners
Some “paper” bags hide plastic liners. Read specs carefully.
4) Not great for hot/greasy foods
Heat and oils aren’t their strength; bags can soften or seep.
5) Micro-pieces risk
If they fragment, they still become microplastics—not the outcome you want.
Better swaps
Use glassine or plain paper for dry snacks; use stainless or glass with a silicone gasket for wet foods.
See our pick: For dry items, we recommend glassine sandwich bags as the simplest swap.