Are single-use paper bags sustainable?

Since 2022, retailers and fast food businesses have been trying to move away from single-use plastics due to environmental concerns and consumer demand. However, paper bags are now in the spotlight as it turns out they may not be the sustainable solution that we all assumed they were.

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What is the problem with paper packaging?

Paper bags are often single use because they are not as strong as plastic or fabric bags and therefore often tear on the first use. This means that they must be disposed of rather than used again. Although paper is a recyclable material, paper bags are usually made from low-grade brown paper, which is often consigned to landfill as the fiber bonds are often not strong enough to withstand the pulping process used for recycling. Indeed, research by Environment Canada suggests that only 55% of paper waste is recycled.

The process by which paper is recycled involves mixing it with hot water and pulverizing it. This has an environmental impact, using large quantities of heat and chemicals to remove the impurities in the paper and render it into a form suitable for reuse. This produces greenhouse gasses and other contaminants.

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What is the solution?

It is clear that we must move away from single-use plastic as this waste is devastating for the environment. Moreover, paper bags are not sturdy enough to be reused multiple times and often cannot be recycled; when they can, the process harms the ozone layer. This means they are not the answer.

Fabric reusable bags are an excellent solution. They are strong, sturdy, attractive and can be reused numerous times without any degradation in performance. They can be printed or embroidered with the brand's name or logo, and they can be washed when dirty, keeping them hygienic and rendering them suitable to be in contact with food and drink products. Businesses can encourage customers to purchase reusable shopping bags by promising to replace them free of charge when they wear out.

Alternatively, cardboard is more easily recyclable than paper bags, and cardboard boxes are usually freely available. Franchises could capitalize on an opportunity to reduce their cardboard recycling waste and associated costs by offering used cardboard boxes free to customers who wish to use them to transport shopping, food and drink products from the store to their home.

Not only does selling fabric reusable shopping bags and giving away cardboard boxes improve a franchise's economical situation, but it is a powerful way of demonstrating social responsibility and supporting its customers in living a greener lifestyle.