Plastic bags and biodegradable bags are widely present in our daily lives, offering undeniable practicality and usefulness in a variety of everyday situations. It is undeniable that over time, these bags have undergone a constant evolution to adapt to the changing demands of society. However, today they are also facing significant environmental challenges that require deep reflection.
Today, we can find a wide range of cheap plastic bag options. From biodegradable bags, made from fully renewable and sustainable materials, to reusable bags, which offer a more durable and resistant option, and bags made from recycled plastic, which help reduce the amount of plastic waste.
In a market full of plastic bag options, it's important to make informed decisions when choosing the right ones for your business. To that end, we at Monouso have put together this handy buying guide to help you select the perfect bags, considering both your needs and the characteristics of the bags available.
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Plastic bags by material
Plastic bags are available in a wide variety of materials, each with their own specific characteristics and purposes. As awareness of the single-use plastic issue grows, consumers and businesses are exploring and adopting different materials to make bags that are more environmentally friendly and promote sustainability.
Below is a brief summary of the different types of bags you can find on the market depending on the material they are made from.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags are bags made mainly from low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or bioriented polypropylene (BO-PP). LDPE bags are flexible and soft, HDPE bags are stronger and more rigid, and BO-PP bags are durable and provide greater protection. Each type of bag has its own characteristics and is used in different situations according to its specific properties.
These types of bags have been widely used worldwide due to their low cost, strength and durability for decades. However, despite their many benefits, they have also raised concerns about their impact on the environment. In response to this problem, alternatives have been proposed.
Recycled plastic bags
Recycled plastic bags differ from conventional bags, made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), because they are made from recycled plastic from post-consumer or post-industrial sources.
The manufacturing process for these bags involves several stages. First, the used plastic is collected and sorted, then cleaned and shredded into small fragments. The fragments are then melted and moulded to create the recycled plastic bags. This approach helps to reduce reliance on natural resources and reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills or in the environment.
The use of recycled plastic bags offers important benefits. Firstly, it helps to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, by avoiding the production of virgin plastic. In addition, the manufacture of recycled plastic generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint. By extending the life of existing plastic, the amount of plastic waste is also reduced. Finally, the use of recycled plastic bags fosters a circular economy by promoting the recycling and reuse of plastic for new products.
Biodegradable and compostable bags
Biodegradable bags are a sustainable and environment ally friendly alternative to conventional plastic bags. These bags are made using tapioca starch, a natural polysaccharide extracted from the roots of the tapioca or cassava plant, as raw material.
To make tapioca starch bioplastic bags, the starch is extracted from the tapioca roots and then mixed with other natural additives, such as vegetable oils and plasticisers. This mixture is processed and moulded into bags using extrusion and thermoforming techniques. This material is biodegradable and compostable, which means that it decomposes naturally in the environment without leaving toxic or harmful residues.
The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are becoming increasingly relevant due to growing environmental concerns. Although often confused, these terms have significant differences.
Biodegradability refers to the ability of a product, such as a bag, to decompose into carbon dioxide, water and biomass under natural conditions, leaving no residue. On the other hand, compostability implies the ability of a material to be composted under controlled conditions, either in industrial composting plants or at home. Degradation is faster in compostable products due to human intervention.
To ensure that a bag meets the standards, it is important to look for the relevant certification and follow the disposal instructions for biodegradable and compostable bags.
Reusable TNT bags
Reusable bags made from non-woven fabric (TNT) are a popular and sustainable option to replace disposable plastic bags. TNT is a type of textile material that is produced by a process of non-woven fibre bonding, resulting in a flexible and strong structure.
These bags are composed of fibres of polypropylene, polyester or other polymers, which are interwoven or bonded together by mechanical, thermal or chemical methods. Unlike conventional woven fabrics, TNT does not require threads and looms, making it more efficient in terms of production and cost.
Bags made from TNT have several advantages. Firstly, they are durable and strong, allowing them to withstand heavier loads than traditional plastic bags. In addition, they are reusable, which means they can be used many times before being discarded. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated and contributes to the conservation of the environment.
How to choose the right type of plastic bag
In an environmentally conscious world, choosing the right bag is crucial to reduce our ecological footprint. It is important to consider several aspects when selecting a plastic bag.
In order to help you with this challenging task, below we will provide you with all the information you need about the advantages of different types of handles and their convenience, as well as the most common uses, to find the bag that best suits your needs. We will also explore the influence of the thickness of the bags on their strength and load capacity, explaining what gauges are.
With this information, you will be able to make informed and sustainable decisions when choosing a plastic bag. By being aware of the environmental impact of our choices, you will be able to carefully evaluate the options available and consider what type of bag you need for your business.
Types of plastic bags by handle
In the world of plastic bags, handles play a crucial role in both functionality and convenience of use. Over the years, manufacturers have innovated handle designs, seeking to improve the user experience and adapt to various needs. However, there are also cases where bags do without handles altogether, offering an interesting alternative.
Below, discover the benefits offered by the various types of plastic carrier bags with handles and find the alternative that perfectly suits your needs:
- T-shirt bags: these are the most common and recognisable, as they are widely available in grocery shops and supermarkets. Their distinguishing feature is the two "T-shirt" shaped handles at the top, which make carrying them practical and easy.
- Die-cut handle bags are popular because of their versatility and convenience. Their particularity lies in the die-cut handle incorporated into the structure of the bag itself, which offers a comfortable grip and facilitates the transport of objects in a safe and secure manner. These bags are widely used in a variety of contexts, from retail shops to promotional events.
- Block bags (market bags without handles): These bags are found in dispensers strategically located in the fruit and vegetable, bakery or bulk product areas. They have a special design that allows them to be separated automatically and easily once a bag is removed, avoiding the need to open or separate them manually. This allows customers to quickly obtain the quantity of bags they need for their shopping, reducing time and effort in the preparation process.
Uses and applications of plastic bags
Over time, bags, both plastic and biodegradable, have demonstrated amazing versatility and functionality, becoming an essential component in our daily lives. Thanks to these exceptional qualities, they have become extremely popular as a means of transport for objects of various sizes and shapes.
So how can I use my plastic bags? Here is a summary of the most common uses and applications, but remember that there are many other possibilities you can explore.
- Supermarket and retail bags: used to transport products purchased in supermarkets, shops, pharmacies and other shops. They are generally lightweight and strong, making it easier to transport purchases. However, due to their environmental impact, many places have implemented restrictions or bans to encourage the use of reusable bags.
- Freezer bags: Designed for storing food in the freezer, resealable plastic bags are made of special materials that can withstand low temperatures. They provide an effective barrier against moisture and cold, and their airtight seal preserves food quality by preventing the formation of ice crystals.
- Dog waste bags: small and sturdy, they are used to collect pet waste during walks. They are a hygienic measure and help to keep public spaces clean. Many dog waste bags are made from biodegradable materials to minimise their environmental impact.
- Litter bags: used to contain and transport household waste before disposal. They come in different sizes and thicknesses to suit the needs of each household or environment. There are also biodegradable bin liners that degrade more quickly than traditional plastic bags.
Gauges and load capacity
The composition and characteristics of the bags, particularly their thickness and strength, play a key role in bag performance. When purchasing bags, it is essential to consider these aspects carefully.
The measurement of the thickness of plastic bags and biodegradable bags is usually expressed in a specific unit called a gauge, which is used to measure very thin items. Each gauge is equivalent to 1/4 of a micron. For example, if a sheet of plastic is 100 gauges thick, that would be equivalent to 25 microns. As the gauge increases, the strength of the bag increases. In addition, the size of the bag also influences its strength, as larger bags need to be more robust to support the weight of the products without problems.
| Gauges | Micron (µm) | Common use of plastic bags |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 15 | Very light market bags |
| 80 | 20 | Lightweight grocery bags |
| 100 | 25 | Standard grocery bags |
| 120 | 30 | Strong, reusable grocery bags |
| 200-400 | 50-100 | Reusable grocery bags and rubbish bags |
Plastic bags are divided into three main categories according to their thickness. Very light bags, less than 15 microns thick, are used in specific sections of shops and supermarkets for foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, and are free of charge for hygiene reasons.
Lightweight bags, with a thickness between 15 and 50 microns, are the most common in most shops and are used to transport shopping. Following a Royal Decree to reduce the consumption of plastic bags, the obligation to charge for these bags has been introduced as a deterrent measure.
In addition to very light and lightweight bags, there are thick plastic bags, which are thicker than 50 microns and, due to their greater thickness, thick plastic bags are more resistant, making them perfect for transporting heavy objects or bulkier items.
What to do with plastic bags so as not to pollute
Recycling plastic bags is an essential process to reduce environmental pollution. At the end of their useful life, both plastic bags and biodegradable bags require proper disposal.
For plastic bags, there are several responsible options. One option is to recycle them by depositing them in containers specifically designed for plastic. Another option is to reuse them for different purposes, such as storing small objects or collecting waste. It is also recommended to reduce consumption by opting for reusable alternatives, such as cloth or mesh bags, when shopping.
In the case of biodegradable bags, it is essential to check whether they are certified for composting. If so, they can be placed in a home composter if they are Ok Compost HOME bags, or taken to a municipal composting centre. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for composting these bags in your area. If you do not have access to composting, they should be disposed of in organic waste bins, avoiding throwing them in the regular rubbish, as they may take longer to degrade in landfills.
It is essential to check your local regulations and waste management options, as they may vary. In addition, the reduction of bag consumption in general and the adoption of more sustainable and reusable alternatives should be encouraged.
Every small action counts in preserving our environment and reducing the pollution associated with plastic bags.
