When purchasing packaging materials, purchasing managers no longer only have to consider cost and durability, but the list of requirements has expanded to now include sustainability. Luckily, advancements in poly bag manufacturing are allowing for the innovation of recyclable alternatives that still align with the cost-effectiveness and durability of traditional packaging solutions.
One specific area where purchasing managers may look to switch to environmentally-friendly packaging solutions is at the grocery store, and more specifically, the bread aisle. Let’s explore whether bread bags are recyclable, as well as some more sustainable alternatives to traditional bread packaging.
Are Bread Bags Recyclable?
The short answer is, it depends. What it depends on is where you’re recycling them.
The vast majority of community recycling centers do not accept bread bags in curbside recycling bins. The reason behind this is that most facilities do not have the proper equipment or enough personnel to be able to handle smaller, thinner plastic items like bread bags. These small plastic bags would clog conveyor belts and jam the machinery, requiring the problem to be cleared by hand. This would make recycling operations very costly and inefficient.
An alternative to curbside recycling is the recycling programs facilitated by local grocery stores. Grocery stores offer recycle bins typically near their entrances where customers can recycle plastic grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, produce bags, and more.
However, this option is not always accessible as it should be. They’re inconvenient for customers. In addition to asking customers to save their plastic bread bags separately from the rest of their recyclables, this recycling option also requires customers to remember to bring their bags back to the grocery store. This option also requires the bags to be completely clean, free of crumbs, and dry.
Are There Recyclable Options for Bread Bags?
Now that we’ve determined that bread bags can be recycled, let’s discuss the recyclable options available when manufacturing bread bags. When considering recyclable alternatives, one of the first options that comes to mind is paper bags. However, this option is quickly determined to be an insufficient solution for housing bread. Paper bags are not durable enough to safely store and transport bread.
If we don’t want to use plastic to store bread, but we also can’t use paper, what materials are we left with?
While the use of plastic bags is widely frowned-upon today, plastic still provides necessary packaging solutions for the agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. In order to continue meeting the demands of both customers and society as a whole, the poly bag industry continues to make improvements and drive innovation.
Plant-based additives are driving the poly bag industry forward, providing customers with an option that contains less plastic, is made from fewer fossil fuels, and has less of a negative impact on the environment. Poly bags made with plant-based additives are also durable and cost-effective. Customers are able to access solutions that fit their budget, meet durability requirements, and address the environmentally-conscious demands of the market. Plant-based poly bags offer the best of both worlds!
A More Sustainable Option for Bread Bags
A-Pac Manufacturing is proud to offer a new sustainable packaging solution: poly bags manufactured with plant-based additive NuPlastiQ. This option allows you to enjoy the benefits of plastic bag packaging, while also building a better future for our environment. By adding up to 20% plant-based material, we are able to provide you with the durable poly bag solutions your business needs while also supporting green packaging initiatives.
NuPlastiQ plant-based poly bags are customizable, recyclable, and utilize up to 20% less fossil fuels. You can feel confident in this plant-based solution because it’s cost-effective, provides an environmentally friendly option for conscious consumers, and meets the durability demands of product storage and transportation.
Plant-Based Bread Bags
In the interest of providing customers with a more sustainable bread bag solution, A-Pac Manufacturing offers poly bag formulas with up to 20% plant-based additives. When looking for recyclable bread bags, this customizable solution is a great option. If you’re interested in exploring this sustainable packaging solution, for bread or truly any other packaging need you may have, contact our team.
