The end of your bag's life - taking responsibility.
Have you thought about what happens to your bag at the end of its useful life?
Here at Simply Jute we are taking our product stewardship and end of life use to a new level. We would love you to join us and think about the end of life of everything you buy.
Whether you are having your own bags made or just buying a bag for yourself what happens at the end can influence your decision at the point of purchase.
Have you ever asked yourself if your bag actually needs a plastic lining? What would and could you or your customers do when your jute bag has eventually served its purpose and is ready for the next phase of its life.
We believe the best option is to choose a bag with no plastic lining. It will be 100% biodegradable and can be returned to nature easily in a home compost bin or worm farm. It is also the cheapest, easy to print and hand washable. Unlined stiffened jute is very strong and can comfortably carry a full load of shopping.
When you are convinced that an unlined stiffened jute bag will be perfect, you will know you are taking responsibility for the end of the life of your bag.
However, if you feel you need a plastic lining, there are two types available, LDPE and PP. Understanding the difference will help you make a more responsible choice.
LDPE is a low-density polyethylene, a soft No. 4 plastic that with some effort, can be recycled. It would involve waiting until the end of useful life, separating the plastic lining from the jute, composting the jute and taking the plastic to a soft plastic recycling centre which are still few and far between. Currently, soft plastics can't be recycled at our local transfer station so you need to be creative with how you can reuse your bag for as long as possible.
PP is a polypropylene which is the cheapest, but it never breaks down and there is no means of recycling it. It will be around forever.
How can you rethink the short term and long-term purpose of your bag and it’s lining?
We want to limit the waste impacts we have and need your help and support to do it. What can we achieve together?
Unlined Stiffened Jute Bag
Cost - Low
Strength - Very strong
Durability - Good
Washing - Hand washable
Printing - Fully printable
End of Life - Biodegradable
LDPE Lined Bag
Cost - Higher
Strength - Very strong
Durability - Very Good
Washing - Hand washable & wipe clean
Printing - Fully printable
End of Life - Difficult to recycle
PP Lined Bag
Cost -Medium
Strength - Very strong
Durability - Very Good
Washing - Hand washable & wipe clean
Printing - Fully printable
End of Life - Landfill only