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Which Type of Bag, Plastic or Paper Packaging, Has A Lower Carbon Footprint?
Ever wondered which bag, plastic or paper, is better for our earth? Well, it’s all about the choice of sustainable packaging. In the battle between plastic and paper, manufacturers’ and customers’ packaging choices are a hot topic of the Era. These two types of packaging solutions have been used for decades for the delivery of goods. However, now it’s time to know which one leaves a lighter footprint on the planet.
From production to disposal, each type of bag tells its own unique story. In this blog, we will discuss which bags are superheroes to protect the environment and a greener choice for the future.
What Is Carbon Footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gasses that are produced by human activities and negatively impact the planet is known as “Carbo footprints”. In simple words, everyday things we use, deliver, transport, and waste, indirectly release CO2 into the atmosphere which tends to change the climate.
What Are Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are bags or carrying stuff made from non-recyclable material such as fossil fuel. These bags take too long time almost hundreds of years to dispose of. By nature, they are not biodegradable when recycled, creating harmful gasses to the planet. The most important thing is that production the of plastic bags requires less energy than other packaging bags like paper bags. Also, plastic bags are lighter and require fewer resources to transport.
What are Paper Bags?
Paper bags are biodegradable packaging solutions that are made with natural materials. They are 100% reusable, recyclable, and compostable. But, one thing you need to be concerned about is that the production of paper bags requires a significant amount of water, energy, and chemicals which is a serious issue.
A Comparison of Paper and Plastic Bags
1. Raw Material
Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that consumes less energy when manufactured but when disposed of, leaves a harmful impact on the environment.
On the other, paper bags are made from recyclable material and consume more energy when produced. They are easy to recycle.
- Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing of plastic bags produces fewer greenhouse gases as compared to paper bags. However, plastic bags involve the release of harmful chemicals and toxins, that contribute to air and water pollution on the earth.
- Durability and Reusability
Indeed, plastic bags are sturdy and lightweight, which makes them easy to transport. They are also reusable again and again as compared to paper bags. Despite their durability, lead to significant environmental issues, such as plastic pollution.
Paper bags are not sturdy then can be damaged with humidity.
4. Transportation and Distribution
Plastic bags are lighter and more solid, reducing transportation risks as compared to bulkier paper bags. However, the disposal of plastic bags causes pollution during transportation.
On the flip side, paper bags spoil faster and are biodegradable, but their production brings habitat loss.
5. Environmental Impact
Plastic bags have an important environmental impact due to their harmful effects on wildlife. Many plastic bags end up in landfills, leading to pollution and greenhouse gas releases.
Paper bags have a higher recycling rate and have the power to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Summing UP
In the plastic vs. paper packaging debate, it is clear that neither option is entirely environmentally friendly. Yes, when it comes to plastic bags, they have a lower carbon footprint in terms of manufacturing and transport. On the other hand, Paper bags, while recyclable, bring a loss of habitat during production. So, it’s the only way to minimize our environmental impact by making conscious choices and adopting eco-friendly habits.
