Are paper bags recyclable?

The use of unsustainable packaging is one of the biggest causes of pollution. That is why most of the brands have shifted toward the use of paper bags. But the question arises about these bags, which is “are paper bags recyclable?” There are several factors that impact the sustainable nature of these bags. 

Several brands have started using these bags as an alternative to plastic bags, but only a few know about the renewable nature of paper bags. From the base material to outer coatings and printing, all impact the recyclable nature. Let’s read the blog and discuss i detail. 

Do Paper Bags Go in Recycling?

If the paper is dry and free from heavy contamination, it can be reduced easily. Kraft paper is used to manufacture grocery bags, and this material is the least processed. Even the brown paper of the Kraft is retained by avoiding the bleaching process. Below are a few things on which the reusability of the paper depends:

• Coatings
• Contamination
• Additives
• Local recycling rules

Wood is the main material from which we obtain kraft, and wood can be recycled in several types. But, we cannot say that we can recycle food fibers for an unlimited time. When we recycle the paper again and again the base fiber shortens in length, and its tear resistance and paper’s mesh structure decline. Eventually a time came when you can no longer recycle it.

Are Brown Paper Bags and Grocery Paper Bags Recyclable?

One of the common questions that we have to encounter is “Are brown paper bags recyclable?” The simple answer is yes! Uncoated and unbleached papers are easy to recycle. This is because they have undergone minimal processing. Packaging companies manufacture grocery bags for strength rather than aesthetics, which means they are minimally processed and easy to recycle. 

Another question that people may have is, “Do paper bags go in recycling?” Contamination of paper due to food and grease makes it unfit for dumping in the recycling bin. But a clean paper can be directly thrown away in the recycling bin. 

What Makes Paper Bags Recyclable?

The length of the fiber and the absence of contamination are both necessary to make the reproduction process of paper easy. This is because intact fibers can be separated from each other and reformed into renewable paper. These key factors include the following: 

• High cellulose fiber content
• Absence of plastic linings
• Minimal chemical coatings
• Water-based or soy-based inks
• Dry and clean condition

Paper bags are shredded and mixed with water to create a smooth paste. This pulp is filtered and cleaned of the residues to get new paper sheets. The extent of paper complexity and the level of processing influence the reproduction process. Kraft paper is the least processed, so it is easy to be recycled. Below is a standard depiction of fiber type and the level of recycling that can be done.

What Reduces the Recyclability of Paper Bags?

From food contamination to the presence of non-renewable materials, all can impact this. Some of the major outliers are as follows: 

• Residual particles of the food weaken the fibers and interfere with the pulping process. 
• Plastic or wax coatings are difficult to separate from the base material 
• Heavy printing and metallic inks 
• Too many chemical treatments 
• Wet and moldy bags are also difficult to recycle, as the fiber is damaged 

Why Is Recyclability Important?

It is one of the important aspects in reducing the carbon footprint of a brand and greenhouse emissions. If you are only preferring new paper, then you are contributing to deforestation. To prevent this, the regeneration of paper is extremely important. 

In addition to climate benefits, the regeneration helps in the circular economy. When consumers are reutilizing resources and putting less stress on the new trees, it helps in energy conservation. This conserved energy creates a balance between conservation and consumption. 

Can Recycling Only Be Done at an Industrial Level?

Although recycling can be done at an industrial level only, the contribution of individual brands and consumers can never be neglected. Among the various questions you must also be pondering over is “are paper bags recyclable at an industrial level or not. At home, the process of recycling is limited to the separation of reclaimable and non-reclaimable materials. What businesses can do is use materials that can be reprocessed and reused. Nonetheless, the major process can be done only at the industrial level, as everything has to be controlled to get the best paper without too much energy consumption and by-product generation. The reuse of the paper before regenerating can also be done at the consumer level to play a positive role in the environment. 

Conclusion

Paper bags can be recycled, but you have to make sure that there is no sustainable component present in your bag. They can also contain contaminants and grease that can reduce the recyclable potential. To ensure you are using only sustainable packaging bags as a brand, make sure you are investing in a brand that gives certified eco-friendly paper. Waxpapers is one of such brands that make sure your brand is not contributing to environmental pollution.