What Are Reusable Bags Made Of?

Indeed, there are numerous options available when it comes to reusable grocery bags, each with its own advantages and considerations, there are so many options out there that it may seem a bit overwhelming. You have to consider which one is right for you: Do you need something small and compact so you can carry it with you everywhere? Or, do you need something large and durable for your big weekly grocery trips?

The right reusable shopping bag for you

To determine the right reusable shopping bag for you, it's helpful to think about your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Size and Capacity: Consider the volume of groceries you typically purchase. If you generally make small trips or prefer carrying fewer items, a smaller and more compact bag may suffice. On the other hand, if you do large weekly grocery trips or prefer to carry all your groceries in a single bag, you'll need a larger and more spacious reusable shopping bag option.

2. Durability and Strength: Assess the reusable shopping bag's construction and material quality. Look for reusable shopping bags made from sturdy materials, such as canvas, nylon, or reinforced polyester. Reinforced stitching and strong handles are also important, particularly for carrying heavier items like bottles or canned goods.

3. Foldability and Portability: If convenience and portability are important to you, choose a reusable shopping bag that can be folded or rolled up into a compact size. Some reusable bags come with a built-in pouch or can be folded into their own pocket, making them easy to carry in a purse or attach to a keychain.

4. Easy Cleaning: Consider how easy it is to clean the bag. Look for bags that are machine washable or can be easily wiped clean. Avoid bags that may stain or absorb odors over time.

5. Environmental Impact: While all reusable bags are more sustainable than single-use plastic bags, some options may be more eco-friendly than others. Consider bags made from recycled materials or those with eco-certifications. Additionally, opt for bags that are designed for long-term use, as their overall environmental impact will be greater.

6. Additional Features: Some reusable bags come with extra features like insulated compartments for keeping perishables cool, interior pockets for organizing items, or adjustable straps for added comfort. Assess whether any of these additional features align with your needs.

Component to different types of reusable shopping bags

But you may also be thinking, “What is this bag actually made of?” Different reusable bags are made from different materials, and because of that, some are more environmentally friendly than others. So you may also be considering, “Is a cotton bag more sustainable than a polyester bag?” Or, “Is the hard plastic bag I want to purchase really that much better than a plastic grocery bag?”

Reusable bags, regardless of material, are going to create less of an environmental impact than the mass amounts of single-use plastic bags that enter the environment every day. But the difference in impact is actually quite surprising.

Regardless of type though, it’s always important to keep in mind that these bags are not meant to be single-use. The more times you use them, the more environmentally friendly they become.

A list of various fabrics and materials that produce reusable bags:

We’ve compiled a list below of various fabrics and materials that are most commonly used to produce reusable bags. You’ll be able to determine which bags are made from what materials and the environmental impact of each type.

Jute Bags

A great, natural option when it comes to eco-friendly reusable bags is a jute bag. Jute is one of the few alternatives to plastic that is completely biodegradable and has a relatively low environmental impact. Jute is an organic material that is mainly grown and cultivated in India and Bangladesh.

The plant requires little water to grow, can grow in and actually rehabilitate wasteland, and reduces large amounts of CO2 due to its carbon dioxide assimilation rate. It is also extremely durable and relatively cheap to buy. The only downside is that it’s not very water resistant in its natural form.

Cotton Bags

Another option is a traditional cotton bag. Cotton bags are a common reusable alternative to plastic bags. They are lightweight, packable, and can come in handy for a variety of uses. They also have the potential to be 100% organic, and they’re biodegradable.

However, because cotton requires so many resources to grow and cultivate, it must be used at least 131 times in order to outweigh its environmental impact.

Hemp Bags

Hemp is also a good natural alternative. Hemp bags are much stronger than cotton, durable, and can be machine washed. The plants themselves require little water, and one acre of hemp can yield up to 6 tons of fiber.

The only disadvantage to hemp bags is their travel footprint. Hemp cannot be grown in most Western countries and therefore must be imported. However, compared to other reusable bags, hemp is a fantastic low impact, organic material.

Polypropylene (PP) Bags

Polypropylene bags, or PP bags, are the bags you see at grocery stores near the check-out aisle. They’re durable reusable plastic bags that are designed for multiple uses. They can be made from both non-woven and woven polypropylene and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

While these bags are not compostable or biodegradable, they are the most environmentally efficient bags compared to traditional HDPE grocery bags. With just 14 uses, PP bags become more eco-friendly than single-use plastic bags. They also have the potential to be made from recycled materials.

Recycled PET Bags

Recycled PET bags, as opposed to PP bags, are exclusively made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or recycled water bottles and containers. These bags, while still made from plastic, utilize the unnecessary waste from plastic water bottles and produce a wholly recycled, more eco-friendly, and useful product.

PET bags pack down into their own tiny stuff sack and can be used for years. They’re strong, durable, and from a resource point of view, have the lowest environmental footprint because they make use of otherwise disposable waste.

Polyester

Many fashionable and colorful bags are made from polyester. Unfortunately, polyester is also made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and unlike recycled PET bags, virgin polyester requires nearly 70 million barrels of crude oil each year to produce.

But on the plus side, each bag only creates 89 grams of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of seven single-use HDPE bags. Polyester bags are also wrinkle resistant, water resistant, and can be easily folded down to bring with you everywhere.

There are many options to choose from, but that doesn’t mean that choosing a reusable bag has to be confusing. As stated before, the more times you use a bag, the more environmentally friendly it becomes; so it’s important to find a bag that suits your personal needs.

Ultimately, the right reusable grocery bag for you will depend on your personal preferences, shopping habits, and lifestyle. It may be helpful to contact us to try out different options to determine which one suits you best.

TLPPACKAGING FOR SHOPPING BAGS