Packaging Alternatives
- Plastic bags are recyclable (where facilities exist) and most plastic bags contain some
recycled content
- Plastic bags are reusable
- Biodegradable plastic bags are available that contain an additive to cause the bags to start degrading in 18 – 24 months. During degradation, the bags turn into CO2, H2O, biomass and mineral salt — none of which create harmful residues in our environment
- Plastic bags weigh less and take up less space so less energy is required to ship and store these bags
- Paper bags are recyclable and most paper bags contain some recycled content, sometimes
as much as 80 – 100% recycled fibres
- These bags are biodegradable
- Paper bags have a more natural look and feel
- Reusable bags can be made from cotton canvas, poly-canvas, nylon, woven / non-woven polypropylene and PET (85% post-consumer recycled content)
- These bags are made to be used over and over again and have a longer lifespan than conventional plastic or paper bags