Over the last decade, there have been a shift to paper because of its environmental and hygienic benefits. They include:

 

 

• Reusable
• Environmentally friendly
• 100% recyclable
• Hydrophilic
• Biodegradable
• Easier to carry and contains more item than plastic bags
• Made from renewable resources

 

 

The global growth seen in the paper bag sector have been driven mainly by its environmental benefits. Paper bags are biodegradable and easy to recycle. It takes less time to disintegrate when compared to plastic and polythene products, which makes it sustainable. Paper bags cause less pollution and reusable. They are made from locally available and renewable resources such as wood. They are considered good for the environment and help reduce greenhouse emission.

There is a growing demand for industries to ensure compliance with sustainable production processes and the use of safe materials for consumers’ health. Also the adoption of circular economy and effective management of solid waste has given rise to the need for eco-friendly materials such as wood, edamame beans, waste hazelnuts, and cocoa beans for manufacturing paper bags.

Paper bag is the most preferred bag option because the value of products, materials, and resources. It can be maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste minimised. It is an essential contribution to the EU’s and global efforts to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy. Finally government policies and regulations worldwide are friendly to paper packaging products. The ban on regular plastic carrying bags and packaging by most countries have increased the demand for paper bags.

Plastic and polythene bags are also used for similar purpose, but they are gradually replaced by paper bags because of the negative effect of disposed plastic bags to the environment. The disadvantage of plastic and polythene materials is that they do not biodegrade, and takes many years to decompose in landfill. Even when they are broken down, its fragments are toxic and contaminate land and water resources. This has consequently led to increase waste generation and poses danger to human health. Also, it has negative impact on biodiversity and known as the major source of solid waste pollution globally. Studies show that plastic is the most collected marine debris from rivers and seas globally. This has led to some countries banning or putting a strict restriction on the use and production of plastic products to reduce its overwhelming effect to the environment..

However, paper bag is seen to be decomposable and eco-friendly. It is hydrophilic and biodegradable, posing less threat to aquatic and wildlife when disposed in water or land respectively. It is viewed as the most preferred choice of packaging when compared to plastic products.