When you go shopping, do you use reusable or plastic bags? Since plastic bags have become one of the worst alternatives due to their harmful influence on the environment, reusable bags have been picked as one of the best options for everyday shopping. So, when exactly did reusable bags replace disposable bags? How may it be an excellent option for the client? Check it out in our blog today.
How long does a reusable bag last?
When did people start using bags?
Why do people carry bags?
Bags are the useful items. They are used for many reasons, both practically and personally, including
- Carrying belongings
- Protection of items
- Fashion
- Convenience
- Travel
For business, bags are used as promotional items that can be custom-printed logos or slogans.
5 Reasons Why Reusable Bags Are Better Than Plastic
Shopping Bags Choices
Bags are important when it comes to shopping. There are numerous shopping bag options available. The following are the most common shopping bags:
- Shopping bags made of plastic are the most popular kind. However, this kind of brought up a lot of environmental issues, such as gas emissions, plastic pollution, and so on.
- Paper bags: these bags are commonly used to transport lightweight objects, which include clothing, shoe boxes, etc., but they are not a very good option for heavier items or collections of various items because they break easily.
- Reusable bags: These bags are an alternative to plastic and paper bags. They are long-lasting and may be used with a variety of goods, including both lightweight and heavy ones. Additionally, it is an environmentally responsible option because it is reusable.
When were plastic bags popularized?
Plastic shopping bags were the most popular item in the 1990s. This is a quick timeline of their rise:
- The first plastic bag was created in 1959.
- In 1979, single-use plastic shopping bags were introduced in the US as an affordable alternative to paper bags.
- 1985: The US experienced a sharp increase in plastic use.
- The 2000s marked the rise of plastic bags as a result of environmental concerns.
- 2010-2020s: numerous countries impose a ban on single-use plastic bags.
- At the moment, reusable bags are beginning to replace plastic bags, but they still hold a significant share.
When were reusable bags introduced?
When people realized the drawbacks of plastic bags, they invented reusable bags. The reusable bags' milestones are as follows:
- The first reusable bags emerged in the early 1990s.
- As reusable bags gained popularity in the early 2000s, throwaway shopping bags started to be rejected by customers.
- From the 2010s to the present, reusable bags have expanded in variety in terms of style, features, and sustainability.
How have reusable bags become popular?
Because of their beneficial uses and government support, reusable bags are becoming popular for shopping.
What are the benefits of reusable bags?
Reusable bags are becoming more and more popular as people become aware of the harmful effects of plastic bags. There are numerous advantages to using reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
Environmental Benefits
- Less plastic pollution: Traditional plastic bags hurt wildlife and cause landfills and oceans to overflow with plastic waste. This environmental impact is considerably lessened with the use of reusable bags.
- Preserved resources: A large quantity of energy and resources, such as water and fossil fuels, are used in the production of plastic bags. Reusable bag use contributes to the preservation of these valuable resources.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Plastic bag manufacture and disposal produce greenhouse gases that fuel global warming. Using reusable bags can help lessen this effect.
- Saved wildlife: Plastic bags are frequently mistaken for food by animals, which can result in harm or even death. Using reusable bags can help stop this needless damage to wildlife.
Practical Reasons
- Convenient: Reusable bags are typically lightweight and foldable, making storage and carrying them simple.
- Diverse uses: Reusable bags are available in a range of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for a variety of tasks like grocery shopping, book carrying, and travel.
- Sturdy and robust: Compared to bags made of plastic, reusable bags are more resistant to tearing and can support greater weights.
- Economical: Reusable bags don't cost a lot of money. They can also be used as a marketing tool to promote brands because it's simple to print a customized logo on them. Customers can save money by using reusable bags for years instead of buying new plastic bags regularly.
The Plastic Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags
The prohibition of single-use plastic bags has become a global movement that has gained popularity in recent years.
Globally:
- As of October 2023, more than 99 nations had imposed one kind of restriction or another on single-use plastic bags, ranging from outright bans to levies or penalties.
- A resolution supporting an international convention to reduce plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastic bags, was also adopted by the UN Environment Assembly.
Regional Breakdown:
- Africa: Over 30 African countries have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags, including Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco, and South Africa.
- Asia: Several Asian countries have enacted bans or restrictions, including China, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan. However, implementation and enforcement vary across the region.
- Europe: Europe has been a leader in the fight against plastic pollution, with most countries implementing bans or taxes on single-use plastic bags.
- North America: Canada has implemented partial bans in some provinces, while several US states and cities have enacted their bans or fees.
- South America: Several South American countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags.
In Canada, plastic bags are one of the 6 single-use plastic items banned. Here is the list of six single-use plastic banned in Canada:
- Checkout bags
- Cutlery
- Foodservice ware
- Stir sticks
- Straws
- Ring carriers (six-pack rings)
Overview of Canada’s Single-Use Plastic Ban
What Does Business Need to Know When Using Reusable Bags?
The following are some things businesses should be aware of as reusable bags become more popular:
- Compliance with legislation: Businesses should follow all local and national legislation surrounding reusable bags, including material standards, labeling requirements, and hygiene guidelines.
- Reusable bag types: Businesses may consider supplying a selection of reusable bags suitable for various sorts of items. For instance, selecting large, roomy supermarket shopping bags with cozy handles; and providing little, mesh bags for produce,...
- Cost and Profitability: Compared to single-use plastic bags, using reusable bags may have greater upfront costs. Businesses can select a trustworthy supplier, take advantage of discounts, or purchase in bulk to receive a decent price to balance costs and profitability.
At Kimecopak, we offer reusable bags available in different sizes, suitable for your business needs and requirements. Our bags are made from environmentally friendly material. They are durable, great for heavy loads, and used for multi-purpose.
As a trusted eco-packaging for the North American Market, Kimecopak can bring to your business various high-quality eco-packaging products such as paper to-go-box, paper coffee cups, wooden cutlery, … We also provide custom logo service and other exclusive offers of price, storage or shipping. For more information, please contact us via email at halo@kimecopak.ca or Kimecopak Facebook Fanpage.
