For many years, plastic bags have dominated as a cheap and convenient way for businesses to package their products. However, the environmental impact of these bags has become increasingly clear. Not only do they take hundreds of years to decompose, but they are also hugely damaging to ecosystems around the world.
Fortunately, as people have become more aware of the detrimental impact plastic bags pose, many eco-friendly alternatives have popped up that are easily available to businesses looking to improve their sustainability. From paper bags to mesh produce bags, here are a few options that are worth considering for your business.
Reusable Tote Bags
One of the simplest and most impressive alternatives for plastic bags is reusable tote bags. These bags are made from durable materials such as cotton, canvas or jute, and can be used continuously by customers. Not only are they more eco-friendly than plastic bags, but they’re also a more stylish and customisable option for businesses and serve as a way to promote your brand.
Paper Bags
An eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags that are dominating the market right now is paper bags. Paper bags can be easily recycled and composted, meaning that they break down a lot quicker than plastic bags. Additionally, businesses can choose to use paper bags made of recycled materials to further reduce their environmental impact. These bags are also customisable and can feature unique branding, making them effective vehicles for brand promotion.
Biodegradable Bags
Biodegradable bags are a new and innovative alternative to plastic bags. These bags are made of materials that break down a lot quicker than traditional plastic, such as plant-based materials like cornstarch or potato starch. Although these bags can still have a negative environmental impact, they are a step in the right direction for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Compostable Bags
Compostable bags are similar to biodegradable bags, but they are made from materials that can be composted alongside food waste. This means that businesses can use these bags to package products and then customers can dispose of them in a way that benefits the environment rather than harms it. Compostable bags are a great plastic bag alternative that still functions like a plastic bag, but without the negative impact on the environment.
Mesh Produce Bags
For certain businesses that sell produce, mesh produce bags serve as a great alternative to plastic bags. They are made from lightweight and breathable materials, making them perfect for packaging fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. They can be reused multiple times and are much more environmentally friendly than plastic bags, however, they’re not incredibly versatile for packaging other items aside from fresh produce.
There are many easy and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags that businesses can adopt to improve their sustainability. Not only is this an incredibly important thing to do for the environment, but it also signals that the brand is trustworthy and worth spending money with.
