Paper Vs Plastic Bags – Which One Is Better

Paper vs Plastic Bags Which One Is Better

Paper Vs Plastic Bags

With the ever-growing population and the need for more resources, many people are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. One way to do this is to choose between paper or plastic bags when shopping. We might not think about it much, but our bag makes a big difference. 

Have you ever wondered if your environment can be saved by just a small change that you make in your daily lifestyle? Grocery bags are one of the easiest things to change. You have probably seen the ads on TV or read articles about how plastic bags are bad for the environment. They take years to decompose, fill up landfills, and clog our waterways. 

Paper bags seem obvious, but they also have a few drawbacks. To maintain a healthy and clean environment, it is our moral responsibility to reduce the use of plastic bags. We should promote the use of reusable bags instead. However, if we have to choose between paper and plastic, which is the better option? Let’s find out.

Paper vs Plastic bags – Which one is better?
Figure 1 Paper vs plastic bags

Paper vs plastic bags

Each year, Americans use 100 billion plastic bags. That’s about 365 bags per person! And we only recycle 1% of them. The other 99% end up in landfills or as litter. Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. They take hundreds of years to decompose, and they can pollute our waterways and kill animals who mistake them for food.

Paper bags can be decomposed by bacteria and will not cause pollution like plastic bags. They are also easy to recycle. However, paper bags produce more energy and water than plastic bags. They also generate more air pollution. It takes about seven times more energy to produce a paper bag than a plastic bag. 

To revamp our environment and make it clean and green, we should use paper bags instead of plastic bags. Many countries have banned plastic bags because of their environmental effects.

Pros of paper bags

Figure 2 Pros of Paper Bags

In contrast to plastic bags, paper bags are biodegradable and cause less environmental harm. Some pros of paper bags are as follows:

  • Environmental friendly

The most incredible thing about paper bags is that they are eco-friendly. They are made of renewable resources, and their production causes less pollution. Moreover, they can be recycled easily. The protection they offer to the environment is commendable.

  • Paper bags are heavy duty

Gone are days when paper bags were associated with being flimsy. With the development of technology, paper bags have become stronger and carry more weight. They are also resistant to tearing. Paper bags are a great option whether to carry groceries or books.

  • Useful in branding and promotion

Businesses can use paper bags for branding and promotion. You can print your company’s logo or any other design on them. This will help you in building a strong brand identity. Moreover, paper bags are a great way to promote your business.

Cons of paper bags

Although paper bags offer many benefits, there are certain disadvantages associated with them as well. These are:

  • Not waterproof

For carrying moisture-sensitive items, paper bags are not a great option carrying moisture-sensitive items on as they are not waterproof. The moisture can seep through the bag and damage the items. It can also make the bag weak and cause it to tear.

  • Consume more energy

It takes more energy to produce paper bags than plastic bags. Felling trees and transporting them to the factory consumes a lot of energy. Moreover, the manufacturing process is also energy-intensive.

Pros of plastic bags

Figure 3 Pros of Plastic Bags

When we talk about plastic bags, the first thing that comes to mind is that they are not biodegradable and cause pollution. But there are certain pros to using plastic bags as well. Let’s have a look at them:

  • Lightweight and water resistant

Plastic bags are made of polymers that make them light. They are also water-resistant, perfect for carrying wet clothes or swimming gear.

  • Durable and functional

People often use plastic bags to carry heavy things like books or groceries. They are also perfect for carrying food as they do not allow moisture to escape. The durability is because of the high-density polyethylene used to make them.

  • Cheap in price

Plastic bags are affordable compared to other options like paper bags. This is one of the reasons why they are so popular. Other than that, they are also easy to produce on a large scale.

Cons of plastic bags

Now that we know the pros of plastic bags, let’s have a look at the cons as well:

  • Harmful to the environment

Our environment is already facing many problems, and the use of plastic bags is only making it worse. They are not biodegradable, which means they have stayed in the environment for centuries. They also pollute our oceans and kill marine life.

  • Hard to recycle

Plastic bags are made of polymers that are not easy to recycle. Only a few types of plastic can be recycled, and the process is very energy-intensive. With the increasing use of plastic, we are only creating more pollution.

Final thoughts-paper vs plastic bags

Figure 4 paper vs plastic

paper vs plastic bags

So, in discussion of paper vs plastic, which one is better? We might recommend paper bags over plastic simply because they protect our environment better. Our marine and wildlife will suffer less, and eventually, we might see a change in our environment. Small changes like this matter, so if you have the choice to pick paper or plastic, go paper! 

For your paper bag need, we provide you another solution; Nova Machinery is a professional paper bag making machine manufacturer, we provide various kinds of paper bag machines to make different kinds of paper bags such as Kraft paper bag machine, eco-friendly paper bag machine and many more. 

You can also customise paper bags according to your business needs and requirements. So forget the odd plastic bag and make the switch to paper bags for good!

Paper vs plastic bags-Frequently asked questions

Are paper grocery bags recyclable?

Yes, paper grocery bags are recyclable. It’s best to recycle them with other paper products, such as cardboard.

Are paper bags cheaper than plastic bags?

The cost of paper bags and plastic bags varies depending on the size and type of bag. In general, paper bags are a little more expensive than plastic bags.

Is paper bag making business profitable?

Yes, paper bag making business is profitable. You can start the business with a small investment. Paper bag making machine is available at a reasonable price at Nova. You can get good returns on your investment within a short period of time.

whatsapp
Scroll to Top