Raw Materials and Finshed Bag:
Polythene
Historically there has undoubtedly been a problem with the excessive use of polythene bags (for example use of a polythene bag for only a newspaper or greetings card) and the disposal, or lack of responsible disposal causing unsightly litter and harm to wildlife. There are also limited facilities for recycling. However Templecoombe Ltd recognises that the polythene bag is practical (strong and waterproof), economic and actually has a low carbon footprint when you examine the full manufacture and distribution implications (see Manufacturing and Distribution). We promote thought in the nature and frequency of use from retailers and consumers, the re-use for shopping and bin liners and responsible disposal from end users. We are proud that we support UK manufacturers, with 95% of our polythene bags being manufactured in UK factories which means even less of a carbon footprint caused through importing and distribution.
Biodegradable vs Compost-able vs Recycled
There are a lot of options at present but unfortunately, as with most things, there is no clear cut ‘best’ environmental option.
Biodegradable: An additive is mixed in the extrusion of the film which makes the polythene degrade either through the influence of heat and light or through the bio organisms in the soil once the bag is in landfill. Usual time to degrade once in landfill is approximately eighteen months. The additive can affect the recycling process (due to the degradation) but at present most bags go to landfill so it is thought of as possibly the most desirable and practical option. Templecoombe Ltd predominantly uses ‘Biothene’, an additive which degrades polythene under the influence of light and heat. To find out more Click Here
Compost-able: According to the EN 13432 compost-able classification the material must break down within 3 months to be compost-able and have no polythene used in the process. These bags are most often made from cornstarch. This option is still in development. It is, at present, very costly and is designed to be a single use bag. Considering the rate it degrades it can be impractical, particularly for branded bags with the intention of reuse.
Recycled: We can offer recycled bags where the material is recycled within the UK factory but the majority tends to be used in the manufacture of bin liners and coloured, non branded film. There is a shortage of film to recycle at present due to the lack of infrastructure for organised nationwide collection.
Raw Materials and Finsihed Bag:
Paper
Paper has the advantage of being a naturally biodegradable and recyclable raw material. We only use factories using sustainable sources of paper and where possible use FSC certified paper. To achieve the most environmentally friendly paper bag you can use the following guide:
- Choose a standard size bag to reduce waste of material and resources.
- Use a natural brown kraft paper.
- Do not laminate the bag, this will make it non biodegradable.
- Use a handle made of paper (twist or tape) or cotton rope.
We frequently get asked about using recycled paper. On the whole it is in short supply and due to the fibres being much shorter than virgin paper, it can cause problems with the strength and durabilty. It has also been argued that the recycling process is more energy intensive and needs more additives than using virgin paper. Generally recycled paper is not used in bag production because of the vulnerable pressure point at the handle area and because bags are required to carry weight with no support. Due to the cost of recycled paper and production problems there are very high minimums required which is why you tend to only see the odd national and multinational chains using recycled paper on a bespoke printed bag.
Raw Materials and Finished Bag:
Bags for Life
Cotton is a natural fibre, it is durable and has the advantage that it will be reused. It is also biodegradable and compost-able. It can loose it’s shape and crease long term but is probably the easiest and most effective material to print on. The natural cotton is more environmentally friendly than the dyed coloured bags. A natural UK stocked bag with a front and reverse print will be a better environmental option than a bespoke size or print, imported individually.
Jute is an extremely strong, natural fibre. The jute is biodegradable but the plastic liner is not however it is felt that for the longevity and reuse of the bag, on balance this is sense. The lining means the bag keeps it shape indefinitely and is also water resistant. Jute is a coarse material so can cause problems with any fine, or very solid print and any tight registration. As with the cotton, a natural UK stocked bag with a front and reverse print will be a better environmental option than a bespoke size or printed coloured jute, imported individually.
Non Woven PP is a strong durable man made material, which is made from a by–product of plastic that is often otherwise not used or a recycled plastic. It holds its shape well, is water resistant, offers a huge colour range and is a fairly good material to print on. Stocks are held at the UK factories so again a standard size and colour with a personalised print will be a better option environmentally.
Woven PP is made from plastic. It is possibly the most durable long lasting bag of all and offers flexibility with print. It is argued however that it is not made from recycled material, it is difficult to recycle and is non biodegradable.