Paper, reusable plastic bags and cloth bags are some of the alternatives that will be available in stores, either free of charge or for a fee. However, all bags have an environmental impact. Another innovative and biodegradable alternative to plastic bags is made from a fungus-based material known as mycelium. Mycelium consists of rapidly growing fibers that produce material that is used for packaging, clothing, food and construction.
Fibers from mushroom roots bind agricultural waste into an alternative type of foam that can replace plastic bags and styrofoam. It is biodegradable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The amount of plastic bags in the environment has become a huge problem because Americans alone use approximately 100 billion plastic bags a year, but it's estimated that only 1% are returned for recycling each year. To be accepted in most local laws, paper bags must contain at least 40% of recycled content after consumption and cannot contain old growth fiber. Paper bags can be reused a couple of times.
Paper bags made from recycled fiber still require more fossil fuels to produce and manufacture than plastic bags. If they get wet, they lose strength and can break. To prevent bags from breaking, many people make “double bags”.Double packaging increases the number of paper bags you'll need to buy and increases the amount of wasted paper. Paper bags are heavier than single-use plastic bags.
Reusable plastic bags can be made with post-consumer recycled content or with post-industrial content. They must be at least 2.25 mm thick to be accepted in most bans. In most cases, single-use plastic bags, also known as t-shirt bags, are prohibited. Lightweight single-use plastic bags are generally considered to be plastic bags that are less than 2.25 thousandths of an inch or 57.17 microns thick.
However, under local law, bans can cover bags up to 12 thousandths of an inch. Although they are reusable, people don't usually reuse the bag enough times to compensate for the added plastic material. This same study found that around 40% of shoppers forget to bring their reusable bags. Cotton bags can be made from traditional, organic or recycled cotton.
Traditional cotton is made from a renewable crop source, but is usually treated with chemicals and pesticides. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, reducing the negative environmental footprint of cotton production. Recycled cotton is recovered organic and traditional cotton. Cotton bags are designed to be reused hundreds of times. Most cotton bags are easy to clean.
They can be machine washed in cold water. The manufacture of cotton bags requires more energy than single-use plastic bags, which has an impact on their environmental footprint. Reusable bags aren't washed as often as they should. Bags can harbor bacteria between uses and pose a health risk to consumers. Only 15% of people follow recommended cleaning procedures to ensure safe use of reusable bags.
Depending on the manufacturer, some compostable bags may need to be commercially composted, meaning they won't break down at home. Look for third-party certifications, such as ASTM D6400 or BPI, that certify that the bag is compostable and note where it can be composted. Beeswax food wrappers are an environmentally friendly, plastic-free alternative to plastic bags for storing food. Single-use plastic bags have been subject to bans and state laws as their impact becomes increasingly apparent.
There are several effective alternative options to replace single-use plastic bags that are accepted under local prohibitions and regulations. Stopping single-use plastic bags can be difficult depending on your company's budget, wants and needs. This can be avoided to some extent by converting them to places that specifically recycle plastic bags that would otherwise be discarded or interrupted by other forms of recycling. In addition, these bags are more durable than plastic bags, meaning they will last longer and can withstand more intense use.
These are usually single-use plastic bags strong enough to protect a product or garment while being distributed along the supply chain, from manufacturing to the store or delivery to the customer. In fact, even plastic bags that claim to be recyclable are often not accepted at recycling centers and can take hundreds of years to break down. When most people think of plastic bags, the first thing that comes to mind is the ubiquitous Ziploc bag. While polythene bags have many benefits, one downside is that they're becoming an increasing problem for e-commerce companies and retailers: they're made of single-use plastic.
As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environment and governments launch sustainability initiatives, such as the tax on plastic packaging in the UK, companies must start turning to greener alternatives to polyethylene bags. Whether you're in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Caribbean, Imperial Dade can help you select the right plastic bag alternative for your business based on your budget, needs and objectives.
