The Environment

The information regarding the various types of materials, the different manufacturing processes and the distribution considerations is extremely complex. To date it is difficult to obtain objective and conclusive evidence as to the 'most environmentally friendly bag' in terms of the contribution it will give to global warming. In short, as far as we are aware, there is at this point in time no clear-cut case for one particular bag or material to take preference over another on the grounds of the CO_2 emissions and biodiversity conservation.

From our research, along with others, we believe it is possible at some point in the future, that degradable polythene may come out as environmentally desirable. It is even conceivable that IF the infrastructure were in place to ensure full recycling of polythene bags (as opposed to putting them into landfill) the non-degradable polythene would be the most advantageous of all.

For now all we can do is highlight the environmental advantages and disadvantages of each product group. Clearly re-use of packaging in whatever form is important.

Paper Bags: Templecoombe's best practice advice

would be to use unlaminated kraft paper and where the bag has ropes to use cotton as opposed to PP.

Environmental advantages: sourced from sustainable managed supplies, biodegradable (when non laminated), recyclable (when non laminated)
Environmental disadvantages: high C0_2 emissions to pulp, convert and distribute.

Polythene Bags: Templecoombe's best practice advice

would be at present (due to the fact that the majority of bags go into landfill) to use degradable film.

Environmental advantages: low CO_2 emissions in production, recyclable (when standard), degradable (when requested)
Environmental disadvantages: not degradable (if standard), not recyclable (if degradable), litter

Bags for Life: Templecoombe's best practice advice

on all of these would be to use the natural material as the base colour. There is no doubt that all these bags have the advantage of multiple re-use however for us to highlight one as being preferential to another on environmental grounds is at present not possible.

Cotton & Canvas:

Environmental advantages: biodegradable, long lasting, organic available
Environmental disadvantages: natural habitat loss to crops, crops require irrigation, high CO_2 emissions to manufacture and distribute

Jute Bags:

Environmental advantages: biodegradable, long lasting
Environmental disadvantages: natural habitat loss to crops, high CO_2 emissions to manufacture and distribute

Non Woven PP Bags:

Environmental advantages: very long lasting, recyclable
Environmental disadvantages: non-biodegradable, high CO_2 emissions to manufacture and distribute

Woven PP bags:

Environmental advantages: strongest & most durable of all options therefore more likelihood of longest term re-use
Environmental disadvantages: non-biodegradable, high CO_2 emissions to manufacture and distribute.


Please call our sales team on freephone 0800 7832415 or email sales@templecoombe.co.uk