Types of reusable bags according to the materials used

There are basically 3 main types of reusable bags: cloth, paper, and plastic.

Reusable cloth bags

There are plenty of reusable tote bags on the market today. Each bag has its pros and cons.

Cotton and Canvas – These are the most common type. They are made with natural fibers. They can be made from traditional cotton, organic cotton, or recycled cotton. Each cotton bag must be reused 131 times to match the efficiency of using a plastic bag just once. This is necessary to offset its huge carbon footprint or global warming potential.

Calico – This is a cotton fiber that is not fully processed. Because this is somewhat similar to a cotton bag, it requires a lot of resources. It must be used hundreds of times to match the green performance of its alternatives.

Hemp – This is a natural fiber that is stronger than cotton. It is used for industrial or textile applications. The crop can be grown on poor soils. It is also drought resistant and grows very well even without the application of fertilizers and pesticides. This material is among the best options as it is highly durable and rot resistant. It is often mixed with cotton.

Jute – This is also a natural plant fiber that can be spun into strong threads. It grows in areas of high rainfall and, like hemp, can grow beautifully without pesticides. This can also be mixed with other fabrics.

reusable paper bags

Paper bags are now used in stores around the world. It is biodegradable and made from a renewable source. The main problem with its use is that it breaks and loses strength when wet. In addition, they are 6 to 10 times heavier than lightweight plastic bags.

reusable plastic bags

PET – It looks and feels like a cloth bag, but it is made of plastic. This material is very durable and eco-friendly. It is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and containers. This will also require 2/3 less energy to create products made from PET. More importantly, it can be mixed with other fabrics to make a better looking material.

Polypropylene – This is made from non-woven, spun bonded polypropylene. This is popular due to its strength and slightly stiff profile. To provide stability, a semi-rigid insert is placed in the lower area of ​​the bag.

Nylon – This is a type of synthetic polymer, originally used to replace silk. The material can be compacted into a small bag for easy use and storage.