What is our compostable bag made from?
It's made from cornstarch and is compostable, biodegradable and non-toxic.

What standards does it meet?
It is fully compliant with Australian Standard AS 4736-2006.

How quickly will the bag break down?
It will start to break down within 7 days and be completely broken down within 45 days under the conditions set out in the Australian Standards.

Why are we charging 10-20c per bag?
We're charging 10 to 20c per compostable bag to encourage our customers to only buy they bags they really need and use durable, reusable bags.

How many bags does Target use?
Thanks for helping us to be plastic shopping bag free. Your support has helped stop over 100 million plastic shopping bags that may have gone to Landfill. Recent reports show that our bag usage has reduced by over 75% since the launch of our national bag strategy.

Where are the Biodegradable + Compostable non-woven red bags available?
You can find a list of stores carrying the Biodegradable + Compostable non-woven red bags here.

What is the bag made from?
Target's new biodegradable and compostable non woven red reusable bag is manufactured from a combination of plant starch and other biodegradable constituents. This includes the ink and thread used in the manufacture process, which has been engineered to meet all international standards requirements for biodegradability and compostability. When disposed of into a composting environment, the bag in its entirety will break down in around 45 day.

How must the bags be cared for?
The bag should be stored in dry conditions and not left exposed to any liquid or damp conditions so as to prevent bags from starting to break down.

How long will the bag last?
When cared for correctly the bag can be used over and over it will last up to two years or over 200 uses.

Conditions they need to break down in?
Target's biodegradable non-woven reusable red bag is compostable at industrial composting facilities used by councils offering a kerbside green-waste collection service. Check with your local council or composting facility to confirm if they will accept this new type of compostable bags.

Certification standards
Target's biodegradable non-woven reusable red bag is fully compliant with Australian Standard AS4736-2006. The bag will breakdown in a commercial composting facility as per the requirements of AS4736 - 2006 Biodegradable Plastics – Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment, the details of which are available from Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

How long will it take to break down?
In the correct composting environment, the bag will start to break down within 7 days and be significantly broken down within 45 days in a professionally run industrial organic composting facility.

How can I tell which bags are biodegradable and compostable?
Customers can identify the new biodegradable and compostable bag by the unique leaf print embossed into the fabric.

How do we get more information about the bags?
Please refer to www.botanicbag.com or email info@becausewecare.com.au

What happens if my bag gets wet?
If your bag gets wet - it should be hung up to dry. The bag structure will not be affected in any way and the bag will only start to breakdown if it is left in damp conditions or exposed to any active organic matter for a period of time.

Where do the profits go?
All profits from the sale of Target's reusable red bags support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Buddy Bag's Program. Target would like to thank Customers for helping us raise more than $1.4 million for The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's Buddy Bag Program from 2009 to 2011.

What is the Alannah and Madeline Foundation?
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating impact. The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged 6 and 3, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania on 28 April 1996.

What is the Buddy Bags Program?
Tens of thousands of children who are placed in emergency care or a domestic violence refuge often have nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Through the Buddy Bags Program children in care receive a Buddy Bag containing essential and personal items such as toiletries, pyjamas, singlets, socks, underwear, pillow slip, a photo frame and a teddy bear.

Why did Target choose to support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation?
We chose The Alannah and Madeline Foundation as our community partner as a result of a national survey with our team members, in which they highlighted child abuse prevention as the number one cause they would like us to support.
For further information about The Alannah and Madeline Foundation visit www.amf.org.au