Retailers that are weighing up alternative bag options should firstly consider whether you need to offer a bag at all.

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If you do plan to supply bags to customers, here&#;s a few important questions to assess how sustainable the options are.

• Materials

  • Is it just one material or a blend of materials? Bags made from a blend of materials or with components made of different materials (eg. paper bag with plastic handles, biodegradable plastic bags) can be harder to recycle.
  • Are the inks or dyes used (if any) environmentally friendly? Look for sustainable inks or dyes that are not petroleum-based.
  • If made from paper is the paper bleached or un-bleached? Unbleached paper does not require as many chemicals as bleached paper. It is also more suitable for composting or recycling.
  • What resources (eg. water, fuel, materials) are required for their production? Some seemingly &#;natural&#; materials may consume large quantities of water and chemicals in production.
  • Are they made from bioplastics?
    • Remember that biodegradable, compostable and degradable plastic bags less than 36 microns are included in the ban and current research suggests they may be just as bad for the environment&#; Read more >
  • Can the supplier provide certifications such as Sustainable Forestry?

• Reuse & recycling

  • How many times can the bag be reused?
  • Can it be washed?
  • Has the manufacturer tested its durability?
  • Can the bags be recycled locally and easily?

• Recycled content

  • Does the bag include recycled content? If so, how much and is it verified?
  • If plastic, what is the thickness of the plastic? Is it 36 microns or above in every part of the bag, and every batch? Can the supplier provide evidence to confirm the micron level of the bag(s)?
    • It is vitally important that any plastic bag is 36 microns or above in ALL PARTS OF THE BAG, and that your supplier can confirm this. An average or labelling on the bag is not sufficient.
    • Consider how customers will perceive a plastic bag &#; does it look similar to a banned bag? will they see value in it?

• Source

  • Are they produced in Victoria or Australia? Reducing the distance the bag travels from manufacture to the customer can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • If they are imported, how far have they travelled?
  • Who makes the bags and are they ethically made?

• Fit for purpose

  • How much weight can the bag safely carry?
  • What is the size of the bag?
  • Is the bag leak proof?
  • Is it well made for washing and reuse?
  • Is the design suitable for your brand? Does it have any labelling that could be misleading? Does it have a barcode for bag fees?
  • What are other retailers in my sector using? See real-world examples >

• Cost

  • What&#;s the cost per unit, based on different order volumes?
    • Some retailers have reduced costs by combining with a few other retailers with similar needs to access volume discounts.
  • Is the cost price equal or less than what customers would be prepared to pay for it?
    • The price is your choice but NRA research found that consumers are willing to pay 10-50c for recycled paper bags, 15c for thick recycled content plastic bags, $1-2 for non-woven &#;green&#; bags, $2-5 for cotton/nylon/jute/hessian bags
    • Bag fees are another measure you can use to reduce consumption of materials and positively impact the environment.
  • How many will you really need?
    • IMPORTANT: When the bag ban is implemented, many more customers use their own bags.
    • Retailers in other states where bag bans are in place report that they need only about 10% of the volume of bags they used to, particularly if they have introduced bag fees.
    • You may want to order a small quantity and reassess after the ban has been in place for a few months.

Unsure?

Contact the National Retail Association for advice and insight on what we&#;ve learned from thousands of retailers: or 817 723.

What are the disadvantages of cotton bags?

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otton bags, while popular for their eco-friendly image, do have several disadvantages that should be considered:

1. High Water Consumption: The production of cotton requires a significant amount of water, which can be a major drawback, especially in regions where water is scarce. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton t-shirt, indicating the water intensity of cotton farming .
2. Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers: Cotton cultivation often involves the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can contribute to environmental pollution and have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health .
3. Long Decomposition Time: Although cotton is a natural fiber, cotton bags can take a long time to decompose. When they eventually reach a landfill, they don&#;t break down as quickly as one might think, potentially taking years .
4. Shrinkage and Care Requirements: Cotton bags can shrink if washed at high temperatures or tumble dried, which can affect their size and usability. They also require special care, such as washing in cold water and air drying, to maintain their shape and durability .
5. Cost: Cotton bags are generally more expensive to produce than plastic or some other materials, which can make them less accessible for some consumers. However, their durability can offset this cost over time .
6. Not as Durable as Perceived: Despite being made from a natural material, cotton bags are not always as durable as they are portrayed to be. They can wear out over time, especially when compared to some synthetic materials .
7. Environmental Impact of Production: The overall environmental impact of cotton bag production, including the energy and water used, can be substantial. Life cycle assessments have indicated that cotton tote bags fare worse in terms of environmental footprint compared to plastic bags, requiring thousands of uses to offset their production impact .
8. Limited Weather Resistance: Cotton bags are not inherently weather resistant. They can absorb water and are not suitable for protecting items in wet conditions .

While cotton bags are reusable and can help reduce reliance on single-use plastics, it&#;s important to weigh these disadvantages against their environmental benefits. Proper care, recycling, and responsible production practices can help mitigate some of these concerns .

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