Paper bags have been part of our daily lives. We have used them to store food, clothes, and other everyday items. As a result, paper bags have become one of the most important pieces of household equipment we use, aside from plastic containers, glass, and metal containers.
For centuries people have used bags made of jute, burlap, and canvas as their primary means of carrying and storing items. But as technology improved and people became more aware of their environment, this led to the development of new materials that could stand up to the demands of everyday life, like brown kraft paper made of wood pulps. In today’s world, paper bags and other paper packaging materials are one of the most common forms of packaging and provide several advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros of Using Paper Bags
When choosing which bag to carry with you, many people think about the environment and how it will affect the planet. Other factors that come into play when making a decision include the bag’s durability, how fashionable it is, and whether or not it will make a statement.
There are several benefits to using paper bags as a packaging option for products. Here are the most common:
1) Paper bags are environmentally-friendly. Paper bags are more natural and are 100% biodegradable and do not emit toxic and hazardous gases when recycled, unlike plastic bags. Paper bags can be reused multiple times and are ideal for recycling. Colorful paper bags, for example, are a type of bag that people can reuse and recycle as a grocery bag, shopping bag, organizer and many more.
2) There are customized paper bags available and are heavy-duty. As a matter of fact, paper bags are rather strong, contrary to popular belief, that paper bags have weak structures. There are specialized paper bags that can withstand high pressure and perfect for carrying heavy items. This type of paper bag has reinforced structures, making it thicker and heavier than a normal brown paper bag.
3) Paper bags are safer for people and animals. Paper bags are less likely to cause suffocation than plastic bags. If there is an incidence of swallowing, paper bags are less likely to cause choking because they can easily break down, under close contact with liquid.
4) Paper Bags are stylish and durable. Paper bags are available in different sizes, styles and colors. There are also different types of handles like ribbon, twisted paper, flat paper and rope. Designer paper bags, for example, are available in the market in variation. This kind of paper bag can hold medium-to heavy items while still looking neat and sophisticated.
5) Paper bags are useful for promoting and marketing. Paper bags are perfect material for brand promotion and marketing. You can print out your logo and brand details on a paper bag or use colorful paper bags that suit your branding.
The Cons of Using Paper Bags
There are many reasons why people might choose to use paper bags instead of waterproof or durable plastic bags. However, some key cons come with this choice.
1) Not waterproof. Generally, paper is useless when exposed to liquid and moisture. In contrast, plastics are able to hold liquid products without getting damaged.
2) Not as sturdy as plastic bags. Paper bags are able to carry heavy items at a certain period of time before they break. On the contrary, plastic bags are water-resistant and are useful even on rainy days. For example, Baguette bread bags can get wet and eventually rip if exposed to liquid solutions. On the other hand, when metal tools or containers are damaged, you can easily go to the nearest welding shop or metal shop to fix it.
3) Paper bag manufacturing requires more resources and tends to be more expensive. Paper bag production is more polluting than plastic production, emitting 70 more pollutants and generating 50 more water pollutants. In paper production, it consumes more energy, water, chemicals and dangerous gases.
4) Use up more space. Bulky orders of paper bags mean more storage space. Paper bags are heavier than plastic bags and their shipping costs will be higher, especially if they’re ordered overseas.
5) Paper manufacturing means trees are getting cut. Countries like America, Europe and many other urban countries use more than 10 Billion paper bags each year, equivalent to cutting 14 million trees to make paper.
Types of Paper Bags
The kraft paper bag, which people can use for grocery, restaurant, or retail, is ideal because of its versatility, durability, eco-friendliness, and adaptability. Kraft paper bags can be used to package luxury goods and baked goods. Unlike tissue paper, kraft paper is less likely to cause clogged pipes. A skilled plumber in Baulkham Hills can help you with your problem. Paper bags are available in many sizes and thicknesses. These are just a few of the many types of paper bags that you might consider:
- Brown Kraft paper bags with handles
- SOS (Self Opening Sack) Bags
- Glassine Paper Bags
- Pinch Bottom Bags
- Window paper bags
Paper bags are the most widely used packaging material for food products. They are available in various sizes and thicknesses, so it’s important to find a bag that suits your needs. There are many different paper types, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are pros and cons to using paper bags in your daily living. Some people find them helpful for packaging goods, while others find them quite bulky and difficult to store. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you.