Due to the fast-growing market variety, including products and services, many resources or materials are also being created to respond to the customers’ needs and provide convenience and satisfaction. Shopping bags and packaging are one of these resources that are considered by almost every business. Even bus companies, airlines, or other transportation services also provide convenience for their passengers using the motion sickness bag, a specialized paper bag to contain vomit.
Even before plastic and paper bags were made, there had been ways to bear groceries, foods, or such. Customers can transport their purchased items through raw materials like leaves or by crafting and weaving them. However, those are not that practical as they sometimes do not function well enough to provide convenience for the customers. For that instance, plastic and paper bags or packaging became essential. Recycling paper bags is important for the environment and our economy. By using recycled paper bags, we are helping to reduce the amount of trash that goes into our landfills and, simultaneously, creating jobs in the manufacturing process.
Plastic Bags VS. Paper Bags
Plastic bags are sturdier than paper bags. Additionally, it is easier to store than the latter. Meanwhile, paper bags are better looking and on an equal footing with plastic bags in terms of versatility. With these contrasting ideas, the continuous debate between paper and plastic packaging has arisen. The conflict sought to discover which is better for the environment, paper or plastic bags. Yet, there had always been a large gap between the two whenever being contrasted regarding how well it is compostable. It usually turns out that paper bags are highly likely to be compostable than plastic bags.
Are Paper Bags Compostable?
Compostable refers to the organic materials that can be disintegrated as compost. A great example of it is a paper bag. A leading manufacturer in China, known as Bagitan Packaging, makes paper bags and other paper packaging using woods from well-managed plantations, which sustain tree population and certainly do not contribute to deforestation; Polylactic Acid-Plant starch, sugarcane, and water-based ink, for instance, with the custom printed paper bag with logo or other designs. While these paper bags from Bagitan Packaging are made of plant-based materials, these can then naturally decompose, whereas no toxic residue will be left.
Nowadays, paper bag manufacturers offer various choices, designs, and customizations for their customers’ preferences. While the plain brown kraft paper bags are indeed the most in demand in the market, there are still some specially-made paper bags with windows like the baguette bread paper bag, which elegantly present the delicious sight of the baguettes or other pastries. It may seem that these special paper bags are made of kraft paper and plastic for the window part, and those plastics may turn your hopes away from fully compostable bags or packaging. However, the Bagitan Packaging undeniably made use of the Polylactic Acid-Plant starch, a type of polymer from sugars of renewable plant resources. Therefore, it is also a compostable and biodegradable material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paper bags are compostable. By making the simple switch to using paper bags instead of plastic, we can help reduce our impact on the environment and help improve our community’s quality of life. It is also an eco-friendly option that can be used in place of traditional plastic bags. They are easy to recycle and can be a valuable part of sustainable waste management practices. Paper bags are a great way to reduce the amount of waste your grocery store produces. Not only are they convenient, but they also help preserve the environment. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your waste, consider using paper bags instead of plastic or Styrofoam.
