Recycling has become ever more important as the world looks to stop the effects of climate change and the damage it is and will cause to the Earth. This has led to the development of more environmentally friendly products as not only businesses but the world looks to do their bit in helping the planet. When it comes to recycling, some of the benefits are as follows: reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals, increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials, prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials, saves energy and helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries. This begs the question, are paper bags easier to recycle than plastic bags?
Paper bags are a great alternative to plastic bags, as the majority are 100% recyclable, depending if it has any extra features or the type of bag, as some laminated ones do not provide this, but the majority of paper bags do. They are strong and fit for purpose so whilst not being as strong as plastic, they still serve their purpose whether it is as a shopping bag or a bin liner. They are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags, and this blog will look into the different ways paper bags are more beneficial than plastic, so keep on reading to find out more!
Paper bags vs Plastic
Paper bags are easier to recycle than plastic ones, as in general paper bags are sourced from sustainable resources. Like the Paper Bag Co, who offer a wide variety of paper bags which are widely recyclable. This is not limited to paper carrier bags, but also retail bags which can include printing for your business! Besides, industrial recycling equipment has evolved to a point where the entire process has been made much easier; for example, the role of the paper baler in the paper recycling process allows for large quantities of paper to be stored and transported easily to recycling facilities. Paper bags, therefore, are a choice option when it comes to disposable bags. They are widely recyclable whereas plastic bags have become somewhat of a distant memory of recent times, as they are widely shunned by outlets and supermarkets due to the negative impact they have on the environment. Whilst some are recyclable, the majority take years and years to degrade, and produce harmful substances in the air when incinerated, polluting and damaging the Earth’s atmosphere.
There is an increase in recycling in plastic bags over the last 20 years, as more and more are produced with less plastic which is a positive. However, the majority still end up in landfill where they take years to degrade. Incentives have been set up by local councils and supermarkets to accept certain plastic bags but only those which contain mostly recyclable products so the majority of plastic bags would not be accepted. Paper bags are a far better alternative with this in mind, and with it becoming more and more important as climate change becomes an ever growing presence, we must do all we can to help save the planet. Whether you are a business looking to become more environmentally friendly, or an individual looking for a new bag but want to think about the environment, then paper bags are the best choice over plastic.