PET
is the common abbreviation for Polyethylene Terephthalate, a clear,
opaque or white polymer, most commonly used for packaging, primarily
water bottles and food containers.
A non-woven fabric form of recycled PET is available which uses 100%
recycled materials (mostly post-consumer plastic bottles).
Recycled PET non-woven fabric can be about 40% stronger than regular
non-woven fabric.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene bags are manufactured from polypropylene gas, an
oil-refining by-product, and come in a range of weights. One of the
advantages of these bags is that they are cheaper to buy than cotton and
PET. Recycling options are being developed in NZ.
Cotton
Cotton bags are produced from a renewable resource. The production of
cotton can involve large quantities of water and herbicides and
pesticides, so some bag manufacturers are now producing organic or eco
cotton bags.
Paper
Paper bags are produced from a renewable resource and can be produced
from recycled paper and paper harvested sustainably from forests. Paper
bags can be recycled in most places around the world or can be
composted.
Paper production is energy and water intensive and the inks and coatings
used on some paper bag varieties means not all of them can be recycled.
This results in vast quantities ending up in landfills.
Bio-plastic
Bio-plastic bags are manufactured from vegetable components such as
GE-free cornstarch, vegetable oils and biodegradable polymers. Once they
have been used, these bags can be composted and usually biodegrade
within 90 days.
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Hemp and jute are renewable, fast-growing crops that produce a very
strong fibre, making them hard-wearing and long-lasting. Neither
requires herbicides and pesticides in their production and both are
biodegradable.
PET
is the common abbreviation for Polyethylene Terephthalate, a clear,
opaque or white polymer, most commonly used for packaging, primarily
water bottles and food containers.
Cotton
Bio-plastic
Hemp and jute