What's in your Carrier Bag?

Are you still confused about which bag is the right choice for a sustainable future?

Well, you're not alone. Many retailers and shoppers are still confused about which bag is best for the environment. There are also many new developments in the carrier bag industry and other much more sustainable bags that you might not be aware of. Below is a list of bags available on the market to help you make the best sustainable choice for you and your business. If you would like a quote for any of the bags mentioned or any other packaging just drop us an email, design@alphapackaging.co.uk or give us a call on 01235 511500;

Plastic Bags:
There are a few plastic bag options now available which we have listed below to help you make an informed decision;

Standard Plastic Bag
The original plastic bag will not decompose if disposed of incorrectly, causing harm to wildlife. Many supermarkets accept these carrier bags at collection points to recycle and most councils recycle these bags in your green bin, check with your local council first.

Bio-Degradable Bags
An additive is added during the manufacturing process enabling the bags to bio-degrade when exposed to the correct amount of air moisture and sunlight. These bags cannot be recycled but will eventually bio-degrade in landfill.

Compostable Bags
These bags contain a high percentage of polymers deriving from renewable sources, such as corn starch and can be put in food waste bins or garden composters. They are higher in cost than standard plastic carrier bags and the minimum order quantity is higher but in time this should reduce as the demand increases.

Bags For Life
The bag for life is a thicker bag offered as a premium bag in some shops and often sold for 10p rather than the 5p standard charge. As this bag is above 70 micron it does not incur the 5p single use carrier bag tax.


Other Alternatives:
If you are keen to move away from plastic there are several other bag options available to you;

Paper Bags
Paper bags have always been a popular eco-friendly option due to the ease in recycling and their general appearance. They also bio-degrade and are made from renewable natural resource. The only negative with paper bags is that the cost is higher than plastic bags and they are heavier to transport.

Sugar Cane Bags
Brand new environmentally friendly bag made from 70% Polyair (sugar cane based polythene). They are 100% recyclable and carbon neutral. They have been certified by the carbon trust and are classified as paper by the packaging waste regulations.

Jute & Cotton Bags
There are many different fabric re-usable bags which are popular with shoppers. These bags are often used as a promotional/marketing tool at trade fairs and events when printed with a logo.

Rpet Bags
A new eco-friendly bag made using recycled plastic bottles.

*All our bags can be printed with your logo, get in touch using below details for a quote.

design@alphapackaging.co.uk www.alphapackaging.co.uk 01235 511500