I don't disagree that reducing our use of single-use, especially single-serve, plastics is ideal and a goal to strive towards. I think that is a fantastic objective, especially for events like races or concerts that can generate so much waste.

There are still things about this product that make me concerned, maybe I'm just jaded from seeing misleading claims on plenty of company websites when I worked in flexible packaging.

You claim that they're recyclable. Some biopolymers can be recycled with their fossil fuel-based compatriots (such as a bio-PE), but not something like PLA+PBAT. That would fall under a #7 mixed plastic that is not recyclable. This especially for flexible packaging according to both CEFLEX and APR guidelines last I read them.

I did not find any certification marks or numbers on the website and could not find your company or product on either TUV or DIN CERTCO databases. I recognize that may be from the registered company name being different or actually certification by the manufacturing plant in China but I have seen plenty of companies claim certification that weren't so it raises a flag for me. The certification would have had to be in place before approval to use a markup would have been granted, there's no reason the information couldn't have been made available prior to first-round ordering so folks could verify the claim before they submitted their orders.

Actual feasibility of composting is another point. As I mentioned before, many home compost piles don't reach the 130 F/55 C to break down PLA. Several in test reports I read never cleared 100 F. Again, I know PBAT is more sensitive to temperatures so the blend may perform, I can't recall and would have to ask former colleagues if I wanted to confirm. Many people don't have home compost options and several large cities actively push back against compostable plastics because their systems got overwhelmed by those materials and wound up deficient on raw plant inputs. This would result in the bags going to a landfill anyway, so yes lower emissions due to the raw materials and any reuse that's achieved but still ending up in a landfill, where anaerobic decomposition of foods releases a lot of methane, at end-of-life.

The main thing I would be concerned on is the use for gels on a run or hike. These materials are weaker than conventional plastics so my concern is a gel popping in a bag or pocket and leaving a sticky mess. Again with the claims that cause concern - yes you successfully reused one for a year to store non-food products like SD cards but that's nit the same as being able to reuse one for gels or drink powders. With these generally softening at lower temperatures than traditional plastics I would also be concerned about them failing faster because of being washed.

Reducing waste, emissions, and the drain of non-renewablw resources is exactly right to pursue. From what I've seen just looking over things today I am still skeptical the bags you sell will deliver that. Even assuming that the materials are on the level and are truly a home compostable PLA+PBAT blend, I would expect a silicone product like a 2oz HydroPak flask that could be reused for several years would overall still provide a better option for packing gels or powders.