The Truth About Plastic Bags: What You Really Need to Know
- Barbara Cobas
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
When it comes to plastic bags, opinions can get pretty heated. Most people instinctively think that paper bags or reusable options are the obvious eco-friendly choice. But a recent webinar led by one of our top bag manufacturers shed some light on the reality—and it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
Rethinking the Great Bag Debate
It’s easy to assume that paper bags are the greener option, but the truth is more complicated. Producing paper bags requires significantly more water, energy, and raw materials. Plus, they’re heavier and bulkier, which increases emissions during transportation. Plastic bags, on the other hand, despite their bad rap, have a much lower carbon footprint when you consider production and reuse.
The key takeaway? It’s not just about the material itself—it’s about how often it’s reused and how it’s disposed of. For example, a cotton tote bag needs to be used at least 131 times to offset its environmental impact, while a single plastic bag that’s reused for groceries or storage that is property recycled, at the end of its useful life, can have a surprisingly lower footprint.
Busting the Myths About Plastic Bags
Let’s tackle some of the most common misconceptions around plastic bags:
“Plastic bags are made from crude oil.” Actually, most plastic bags are derived from ethylene, a byproduct of natural gas extraction.
“Banning plastic bags will drastically reduce waste.” In reality, plastic bags make up only a small percentage of overall waste.
“Plastic bags can’t be recycled.” They can, but not in your curbside bin. Instead, take them to store drop-off locations.
“Paper bags are always better.” Not necessarily—paper bags often have higher production costs and resource demands.
“Plastic bags are the main source of litter.” Actually, cigarette butts and food packaging rank much higher in litter volume.
The Problem with OXO-Biodegradable Plastics
One of the biggest surprises from the webinar was the truth about OXO-biodegradable plastics. Many people think these break down naturally, but in reality, they fragment into microplastics that contaminate the environment and harm wildlife. Plus, they’re non-recyclable and can interfere with existing recycling systems. That’s why Sharper Bags has stopped offering them and now focuses on recycled plastics instead.
Moving Toward Practical Solutions
The bottom line? Plastic itself isn’t the enemy—wastefulness is. The smarter move is to focus on reuse, recycling properly, and choosing recycled plastic when possible. Here are a few tips to make better bag choices:
Reuse plastic bags as much as possible before disposal.
Recycle plastic bags through designated store programs, not curbside pickup.
Choose recycled plastic products to reduce reliance on new materials.
Make the design on those bags cool, so people are inclined to reuse them.
Stay informed and make decisions based on facts, not assumptions.
Navigating the Sustainability Maze
Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, especially in the printing world. Just because one material seems better doesn’t mean it always is. That’s why we take a thoughtful approach—looking at durability, reuse potential, production impact, and environmental consequences before making a recommendation.
If you’re looking for practical, sustainable solutions for your print projects, reach out to us. We’re committed to helping you make choices that align with your values and the planet’s needs.
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