Did you know that animals are cremated along with the bag they were transported to the crematorium in? The majority of crematoriums do not remove animals from their transport bag prior to incineration. Therefore, it is important that we are environmentally conscious of what these bags are comprised of.
Can EUTHABAG be buried?
Yes. The cover contains no heavy metals or chemical components that can contaminate the soil. It is for this reason that the recycled material we use is post-consumer and not industrial.
It is also important to know that The AVMA 2020 Euthanasia Guidelines are very clear on the veterinarian's liability on animal burying:
"Serious repercussions may occur when veterinary health professionals who should be well informed about the necessity for proper disposal of animal remains, fail to provide it, or fail to inform their clients how to provide it. Cases of suspected wildlife death from animal remains containing pentobarbital are investigated by the regional US Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement office. Animal remains containing pentobarbital are potentially poisonous for scavenging wildlife, including birds of prey, carnivorous mammals, and domestic dogs. Federal laws protecting many of these species apply to secondary poisoning from animal remains that contain pentobarbital and may carry civil and criminal penalties, with fines up to $500,000 and incarceration for up to 2 years."
EUTHABAG is ecological.
Since the vast majority of EUTHABAGs will end their lives in cremation, it was imperative that they didn’t contain vinyl or chlorinated compounds nor produce dioxins or furans at incineration.
EUTHABAG is made in part from recycled post-consumer recycled material (PCRM) containing NO heavy metals, unlike that of industrial-recycled material. The proportion of PCRM in EUTHABAG is 30%. Our objectif is to bring it to 70% in 2024 and to 100% in 2025 while maintaining the product’s resistance.
Compared to the plastic bags used currently, EUTHABAG is more ecological because it is made of recycled material versus virgin raw oil for most commonly used plastic bags. Garbage bags are made of PE. Compared to PE, PP produces less solid waste when cremated or buried but both of them produce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The adhesive used in EUTHABAG is made from rosin resin and polymer resin (styrene-butadiene), which is considered synthetic rubber. This mixture forms a powerful adhesive free of volatile organic compounds.
The white screen printing ink used is water-based.
Is EUTHABAG biodegradable?
No and for good reasons. According to regional statistics, more than 90% of animals will be cremated and not buried.
A deceased animal should be contained as it can be a health threat to wild and domestic animals. Some jurisdictions prohibit burial altogether. Most municipalities prohibit the burial of animals outside farms.
Pet remains can be accidentally dug up by unsuspecting individuals or animals. It is important that remains are contained to avoid these situations.
Some families exhume their pet’s body when they move. It’s more practical if contained. The remains can be safely cremated in a EUTHABAG.
Many believe that blankets are a good alternative; however, the majority of the time, they are non-biodegradable and can alter the remains.
Our primary concern for the environment is to prevent soil and water contamination. As tissues decompose, pentobarbital may leach into the soil and from there migrate to groundwater.
The speed of deterioration of EUTHABAG is actually not the priority because the skeleton of the animal will persist for decades or more. In the event that the site is excavated, voluntarily or not, by a human being or an animal, it is essential that the remains are at least contained in a bag.
In 2016, ongoing biodegradability studies in tropical and temperate environments were started. Findings after 8 months revealed that the animals’ skeleton was dry and totally devoid of flesh. It was also discovered that necrophagous insects had pierced the EUTHABAG in 6 places to carry out their work.
5 ecological benefits when using EUTHABAG:
The Necrophagous insects and microorganisms have access to the remains to decompose the body.
The remains are contained. When buried, the remains are contained and do not leach pentobarbital into the environment.
The glue is vegetal-based and the ink is water-based.
Contains post-consumer recycled material.
Does not produce toxic emanations when cremated.
