Single-use plastic bags have been the target of state bans and legislation as their impact becomes more and more realized.
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 only an estimated 1% get returned for recycling each year.
Plastic takes years to decompose and even when they break down, they do not fully degrade. Plastic breaks down into microplastics or tiny pieces of plastics. Microplastics contaminate the environment and the food sources of humans and animals.
More and more businesses in the affected states that provide patrons with single-use, lightweight plastic bags to take merchandise home, such as grocery stores, department stores, liquor stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and other retail stores will need to find alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
For more information on plastic bag bans read: How Will The Plastic Bag Ban Affect Your Business?
Choosing the best option for your customers will be based on a combination of your sustainability goals, budget, and how your customers will use the bag.
In this article and video, we will provide a list of the best alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
Alternatives to Single Use Plastic Bags
There are several single-use plastic bag replacement options available.
Every option has a different sustainability footprint when it comes to the energy and water used during the manufacturing process or its end-of-life disposal. Some options will be more sustainable than others.
If you are looking to use the ban as a way to meet sustainability goals, selecting an alternative material that leaves a smaller footprint on the earth will be the best option.
If you are looking for the most cost-effective alternative, you may not be getting the most environmentally friendly alternative.
The following alternatives are listed from the least expensive alternative material to most expensive alternative material.
Plastic Bag Alternatives
- Paper (Recycled)
- Reusable Plastic
- Cotton
- Non-woven polypropylene (PP)
- Compostable
- Woven Polypropylene (PP) Bags
- Jute
1. Paper Bags
To be accepted under most local legislation, paper bags must contain at least 40% post consumer recycled content and can not contain any old growth fiber.
There are several different types of paper bags that can be a good alternative to single-use plastic bags. Paper bag types include:
- Sacks
- Handle Sacks
- Twist Handle Shopping Bags
Pros:
They are reusable or recyclable. Paper bags can be reused a couple of times.
Cons:
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 tear. To avoid torn bags, many people “double-bag.” Double-bagging increases the amount of paper bags you will need to purchase, and it increases the amount of paper waste.
In some areas, bans will require the businesses to charge (typically $0.10) to the consumer for the use of paper bags.
Paper bags are heavier than single-use plastic bags.
Their heavier weight increases transportation costs, gas emissions, and waste disposal weight.
Disposal:
Paper bags are recyclable.
2. Reusable Plastic Bags
Reusable plastic bags can be made from post consumer recycled content or post industrial content.
They must be at least 2.25 mil thick to be accepted under most bans.
Pro Tip: What types of plastic bags are banned?
In most cases, single-use plastic bags, otherwise known as t-shirt bags, are being banned. Single-use, lightweight plastic bags are generally considered to be plastic bags which are less than 2.25 mils or 57.17 microns thick. But, depending on your local legislation, bans can cover bags up to 12 mils.
For the most up to date information on plastic bag bans within each U.S. state, visit Bag the Ban.
Pros
Reusable plastic bags can be reused multiple times. Some manufacturers claim reusability up to 125 times.
A 2014 study by Clemson University found that reusable LDPE and polypropylene bags have a lower environmental impact than plastic bags found in supermarkets if they are reused enough times.
Cons
Although they are reusable, people generally do not reuse the bag enough times to make up for the added plastic material. This same study found that about 40% of shoppers forget to bring their reusable bags.
These bags are discarded before their useful life and can lead to increased litter. When these bags are thrown away before being used for their intended life, the effects on the environment can be counterproductive.
Disposal
Plastic bags are recyclable, but they are not typically accepted by curbside recyclers. Plastic bags should be deposited at recycling facilities or special drop-off locations like grocery stores, where the bags will be collected and recycled separately.
Check out this website to find a location to recycle your plastic bags.
3. Cotton Bags
Cotton bags can be made from traditional, organic, or recycled cotton. Traditional cotton is made from a renewable crop source, but is typically treated with chemicals and pesticides. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, reducing the negative environmental footprint of cotton production. Recycled cotton is reclaimed organic and traditional cotton.
Pros
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.
Cons
Cotton bags require more energy than single-use plastic bags to manufacture, impacting their environmental footprint.
They should be washed regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
Disposal:
Cotton bags should be incinerated at the end of their life.
4. Non-woven Polypropylene (PP) Bags
Non-woven polypropylene bags are made from polypropylene plastic. They can be made from recycled plastic.
Pros
Non-woven polypropylene bags are extremely strong and durable.
They are intended to be reused until they become damaged.
Cons
Reusable bags are not being washed as often as they should be. Bags can harbor bacteria in between uses and pose a health risk for consumers. Only 15% of people follow the recommended cleaning procedures to ensure safe use of reusable bags
Disposal:
Non-woven polypropylene bags can be recycled.
5. Compostable Bags
Compostable bags are made from renewable raw materials. They are certified to break down in either a composting facility or home composting environment.
Pros
They break down, leaving a smaller footprint on the environment.
Soy based inks can be used to print on the bag without compromising the compostability of the bag.
Cons
Compostable bags have a limited shelf-life. They need to be stored in cool, dark, and dry places for optimal shelf-life. If they are not stored properly, they will begin to lose some of their strength and not perform as designed.
Sometimes they look extremely similar to single-use plastic bags, and this can be confusing to your customers.
Disposal:
Compostable bags should be composted at the end of their life.
Depending on the manufacturer, some compostable bags may need to be commercially composted, meaning they will not break down at home. Look for third party certifications like ASTM D6400 or BPI which certify the bag is compostable and note where they can be composted.
6. Woven Polypropylene (PP) Bags
This type of bag is produced from recycled polypropylene. The plastic is stretched into threads which are woven together to create a fabric. This fabric is then sewn into reusable bags.
Pros
They are strong and durable and intended to be reused until damaged.
Cons
They are typically not washed as often as they should be. Bags which are not regularly washed can cause cross contamination.
Disposal:
Woven polypropylene bags should be dropped off at your local recycling facility.
7. Jute Bags
Jute bags are made from vegetable fibers that are spun into durable and strong strands.
Pros
They are an environmentally friendly option that is made from a naturally renewable resource. It breaks down into organic materials.
They can be reused until the material starts to fray.
Cons
Jute bags are difficult to clean.
Sometimes they are treated with chemicals to make them resistant to moisture, which negates their ability to be composted.
Disposal:
At the end of their useful life, they should be commercially composted.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning away from single-use plastic bags may be difficult depending on your business’ budget, wants, and needs. There are several effective alternative options to replace single-use plastic bags that are accepted under local bans and regulations.
Whether you’re located 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 goals.
If you are not sure about how new bans and regulations may affect your operation or would like to learn more about how to make the transition away from single-use plastic bags, let an Imperial Dade specialist help.
To help you better compare some of the replacement products we put together a guide.