Swag Bags for Chicago Marathon Will Be Recyclable AND Biodegradable

Nearly 40,000 athletes will compete in the Chicago Marathon, one of the largest races in the world. In accordance with marathon tradition everywhere, after the race each participant will receive a plastic “recovery bag” filled with promotional items and snacks. But this year, the bag itself might be the most remarkable item.

In collaboration with race sponsor Bank of America, UK-based startup Polymateria will debut its Lyfecycle plastic bags, designed with a built-in backup plan.

Lyfecycle material is a PE derived from sugarcane. The company’s proprietary additive is triggered after the service life of the product, and attacks the polymer structure, transforming it into a bio-available wax. The wax, in turn, is attacked by naturally occurring microorganisms and fungi, further degrading the material to carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.

According to Polymateria, the service life can be tuned to the optimum length of time to maximize the odds of the product being recycled. Biodegradation, then, is only a fallback for products that leak out of the recycling system.

The race, also one of the fastest marathons in the world, will take place Sunday, October 9.