Interesting Facts About Recycled Paper Bags

Reusable and biodegradable, recycled paper bags are a more environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags. They are a superior option for carrying groceries, clothing, and other items since they are stronger than plastic bags and can support more weight.

What is a recycled paper shopping bag?

Recycled paper bags are made from used paper which is reprocessed for different purposes.

According to data from paperbag.org, in Europe, an average paper bag is reused or recycled 3.5 times before being completely discarded.

So what kind of paper bag can be recycled? The answer is most bags, such as shopping bags, coffee paper bags, gift bags, and food bags. However, if the bag contains a plastic film or has been rotten, wet, or greasy, it can not be recycled.

Surprising benefits of recycled paper bags:

Saving production costs

The following figures show the benefits of paper recycling. On average, every ton of paper is reused, we can save: 24 natural forest trees; Sufficient oxygen for 12 people to breathe in a year; 39,084 liters of water is enough for 875 baths, 5 minutes each, enough to use for 3,000 toilet flushes; Nearly 4,000 kWh of electricity is enough for a 3-bedroom house in 1 year; 605 liters of raw oil; Limiting the amount of CO2 equivalent to the emissions of a car for 6 weeks (95% reduction of pollutant emissions compared to the production of 1 ton of paper from wood).Many businesses tend to use kraft paper bags, recycled paper bags - join hands for the environment.

This shows that using recycled paper will save a significant amount of money and manpower for businesses and society, which means the environment is better protected.

Reduce CO2 emissions

While young trees absorb CO2 faster, older trees are more likely to store it. When we recycle paper, the number of old trees for wood production is reduced, which helps store more CO2 in the tree and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

 Every 1m3 of wood will absorb 1 ton of CO2 and emit 0.7 tons of O2. Statistics show that the average annual carbon storage of European forests reaches 719 million tons of CO2 per year.

This is equal to the annual amount of CO2 emissions generated by Germany, including the energy, manufacturing and construction industries, transportation, households, agriculture, and waste. Or the equivalent of 209 coal-fired power plants.

 Using recycled paper bags to store food, fruits, and goods is a way to actively protect the environment

Easy to recycle and decompose of paper bags

Research from the USA TV channel NBC shows that most paper bags contain at least 35% recycled material or more. After being used, paper bags continue to process and reuse, while many companies do not accept recycling of plastic bags because they can clog their machines or require a complex handling process.

Not only is it easily biodegradable, but the advantage of paper bags is also that it is easily recyclable, saving production costs.

A plastic bag takes 500 - 1000 years to decompose, while a paper bag takes a few months. You can even tear up paper bags and put them into tree compost.

Protect marine life

Plastic bags can destroy the lives of thousands of marine creatures every year. Because they cause some marine animals to mistakenly believe food, cause stomach obstruction and cause many starving animals such as sea turtles, whales or sea birds.

Paper bags can decay in water, so the risk of marine life is lower. Compared to plastic bags, paper bags are able to decompose faster, more environmentally friendly.

Promote brand image by Using recycled paper bags

Using recycled paper bags is a way to introduce customers that your business cares about and contributes to environmental protection. This contributes to creating a positive image for the brand, attracting more customers.The set of kraft paper bags, notebooks, and desk calendar made entirely from kraft paper

What factors affect the quality of recycled paper bags?

Food and grease stains

Food stains on paper bags are one of the most difficult processes in recycling. Because plastic, metal or glass are recycled by heat, grease and stains will not be a problem.

But for paper packaging such as paper bags and paper boxes, because they are mixed with water and mixed into the mud, if not remove grease, stains, it greatly affects the quality of recycled products.

 Paper bags for foodstuffs, after removing stains and grease, can be further recycled and reused.

Components of paper bag

Most of the glue located on the bag such as hip stickers, bottom stickers, bag straps are dissolved in water. Paper companies can remove this glue during recycling.

There are many materials used to make bags of different sizes, colors such as fabric, ribbons, and cotton. Normally, recycled paper bags often use straps with twisted or folded paper, the straps will be recycled together with the body of the bag. However, if the straps are made from other materials such as cotton, ribbons, cloth, they will be removed.

Paper bags using printing techniques such as hot stamping, lamination / glossy lamination, UV - vanish coating, will also be classified before recycling.

 The recycling chain of paper bags

Here are some of the most common types of recycled paper bags:

If you still need more information to choose a reputable paper bag company with the most competitive price, do not hesitate to contact us.

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