CLIENT: Dsolv (2010)

PROJECT: Dsolv compostable mesh lawn and leaf bag system

dsolv™ bags were designed by PD Worx, a division of our industrial design firm Priority Designs. Priority Designs launched PD Worx as an outlet for designing, marketing and manufacturing our own innovative products. One of the first products we brought to market were dsolv bags.

dsolv™ lawn bags replace traditional paper bags and are made of a compostable mesh. The lightweight bags are sold in a Starter Kit with a spring-loaded sleeve that holds them open, a carrying handle, and 8 dsolv™ bags. Additional bags are sold in sets of 8.

Said Paul Kolada, Principal and Owner of Priority Designs, "People are so frustrated with paper bags, and they're looking for ways to live greener. Our research led us to design a 100% compostable, mesh bag. It's easier to use than the old paper bags, and just as affordable."

Ease-of-use is indeed a major feature of the dsolv™ bag. With the lightweight mesh propped open by a spring-loaded sleeve, its circular opening is 33% larger than that of a paper lawn bag. The dsolv™ bag is more stable too, because it won't collapse back into its folded state, as paper bags do. Once filled, the dsolv™ bag is easy to dispose of. The user simply pulls out the sleeve, ties the top of the bag, and uses the ergonomic dsolv™ handle to carry up to 3 bags at once. The bag's rip-stop mesh is durable enough to be dragged along a driveway or lawn. It's a system that's easy for a single person to use – even kids and seniors.

The dsolv™ mesh lawn bag is made of a plant-based resin and completely dissolves in composting facilities according to the industry standard ASTM-D6400. It carries the 100% compostable certification issued by the US Composting Council and the Biodegradable Products Institute. Many municipalities are now requiring residents to use only BPI/USCC certified bags for their lawn waste.

Waste collectors are also expressing excitement about the time- and labor-saving features of dsolv™ bags. The mesh allows collectors to view the contents and verify that there are no inappropriate items inside. dsolv™ bags are clearly labeled, so they can be correctly sorted and sent to composting facilities. Plus, the ventilated design spares collectors from having to hoist smelly, disintegrating paper bags.

Though compostable, the dsolv™ bag does not break down in water. So unlike paper lawn bags, which can get soggy in the rain, or from rotting contents, the dsolv™ bag remains intact. The ventilated mesh actually allows rain to flow through and contents to dry out, virtually eliminating the slimy messes that can happen with paper bags.

Competitive pricing makes its a "no-brainer" for consumers to switch from paper bags. When compared gallon-for-gallon, the new dsolv™ bags match the price of paper bags. (Assuming a retail price of 50¢ per paper bag.) And because the mesh bags hold 50% more than paper bags, fewer bags are needed.

PD Worx is taking orders from retailers now for widespread distribution of dsolv™ products in Spring 2011. Limited availability will occur sooner, in Fall 2010, via the dsolvbag.com website.

>> Launch the dsolvbag.com website.

>> See other Lawn and Garden products we've designed.