Why Paper Bags Are Gaining Popularity in Australia | FilmInk

With this heavy reliance on plastic usage. It is no surprise that statistics show that an estimated 3.4 million tonnes of garbage annually with 30% being single-use plastics.

Seeing the adverse environmental impact and how it endangers the country, the Australian government decided to ban single-use plastics in 2016 and is now implemented in all states and territories.

Paper bags are now taking the place of plastic bags,for good reason. This blog post will discuss why paper bags are gaining popularity in Australia.

The Plastic Bag Problem in Australia

The Department of Agriculture, Water, and Environment conducted an Australian Plastics Recycling Survey in 2019. The survey yielded the following results:

• 5 million tonnes of plastic were consumed between 2018-2019
• Those two years showed a 23% increase in plastic recovery with 393,800 tonnes being recycled and 72,000 tonnes sent to energy recovery in comparison to the 2017-2018 recovery.

The survey results prompted several regions to take swift action with changes being implemented based on their locality’s documented plastic usage.

Government Regulation and Bans

To ensure effective and unified action against single-use plastics, Australian environment ministers agreed to phase out eight of the most problematic single-use plastics by 2025.

This program is known as Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets. The rules stated in this policy apply to all packaging that is sold, used and manufactured in Australia. In charge of achieving these goals by December 31, 2025, is the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).

These are the 2025 targets:

• 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.
• 70% of plastic packaging is recycled or composted.
• 50% of the average recycled content is included in packaging (revised from 30% in 2020).
• The phase-out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging.

To make it possible for targets to be achieved by the set date, businesses and consumers are encouraged to do their part to reduce plastic waste. Business owners can join APCO, train their upper management and staff on reducing plastic consumption and implement ecologically conscious practices in their supply chain choices.

On the other hand, consumers can be more selective of the businesses they support and try to be more innovative with how they recycle or repurpose the product packaging from their purchases.

The Rise of Paper Bags as a Sustainable Choice

Paper bags became the best alternative for Australian businesses after the widespread ban on single-use plastics.

Switching to paper bags enforces sustainability because they can be recycled. Depending on the bag’s structure, you may have to remove the handles before putting them in curbside recycling bins.

They are also highly reusable. They can serve as unique gift wrappers, bases for art projects, and serve as containers for small, non-fragile items when moving houses.

Also, we know the value of conserving trees which is why certain technologies were developed to produce paper bags from the fibers of discarded ones and then reinforce them with non-toxic materials to make them more durable.

Benefits of Paper Bags

Biodegradability

Paper bags are made from biodegradable materials and decompose faster than plastic. It decay naturally without creating any toxic gas or leaving harmful residue. A paper’s decomposition also improves soil quality.

Sturdy

These recyclable bags are made from high GSM paper that makes it durable enough to hold groceries, textiles and small homeware. Handles, often made from twisted paper, make it comfortable to carry without falling apart or breaking.

Attractive

The saying “Simplicity is beauty” applies to paper bags. Many customers are drawn to the neatness of paper bags. In terms of design visibility, the brown and white bags are versatile enough to complement the printed logo of a brand.

Space-efficient

Kraft bags can be easily folded and stored. This saves a lot of space during shipping and storage. Consumers can also keep the bags in a small drawer or file them on top of each other on a shelf.

Practical

Paper bags can be ordered wholesale. This is a practical long-term choice because it saves you from shipping delays, inconsistent quality and sudden price increases in packaging materials.

The Future of Bags in Australia

Banning single-use plastics has pushed businesses to seriously switch to paper bags. A Mordor Intelligence study shows that retail bags made from paper and natural fabric can achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.92%, equivalent to a total earning of USD 1.8 million.

This estimate was made considering the 2025 targets set by the Australian government. The increased need for paper packaging will contribute to higher manufacturing of these eco-friendly bags. All businesses from food to apparel will be using paper bags in different forms and this will cause paper bag manufacturers to increase their production of reusable, recyclable and compostable bags.

While there are concerns regarding the production methods for paper and cardboard-based packaging, Australian organisations such as APCO, provide companies with criteria and guidelines that they have to adhere to when manufacturing boxes and bags. The rules are explicit and prohibit any kind of process that involves harming forests, wasting resources and overconsumption of energy. It also outlines how violations will be penalised. With the help of these organisations, implementation of the ban on single-use plastics will be more effective.

In addition, companies will also consider using eco-friendly packing materials like cellulose tape, recycled protective wrap, compostable void fillers and other packing supplies that serve protective and aesthetic functions.

Conclusion

Australia’s war on plastic pollution has crowned paper bags the new sustainable king. Government bans and a growing eco-conscious public fueled the rise of these biodegradable, reusable, and space-saving bags.

As demand for sustainable packaging surges, paper bag production is poised to climb. This shift not only benefits the environment but also fosters innovation in eco-friendly packing materials. With reusability and recyclability at their core, paper bags are on track to become the future of sustainable shopping in Australia.