The big comparison: 5 sustainable carrier bag alternatives
Carrier bags and the different materials
Carrier bags are an integral part of our everyday lives – whether for shopping at the supermarket, in stores, or for personal use. However, the choice of material has far-reaching consequences for the environment, resource consumption, and waste generation. Since the Austrian ban on single-use plastic bags, they are no longer permitted on the market. Biodegradable carrier bags made from renewable resources and suitable for composting are exempt. This regulation aims to pave the way for more sustainable solutions.
Materials compared: advantages and disadvantages
The world of carrier bags is diverse. Each material has its own specific properties – and not all are as environmentally friendly as they initially appear. The material you ultimately choose depends on its intended use, but also on personal preference. People are often willing to accept one or two of a material's drawbacks. To be clear, there's no such thing as the "perfect all-purpose solution" here either.
Plastic (PE, PP) carrier bags
Plastic carrier bags remain widespread because they are inexpensive, sturdy, and waterproof, and—depending on the material and its thickness—can last a long time. However, they are based on fossil fuels and are not biodegradable. Their biggest problem is the formation of microplastics, which can enter the environment and persist there for decades. While recycling is possible, the process is energy-intensive and often not implemented consistently. The environmental impact is particularly poor when these bags are used only once.
Paper carrier bags
Paper carrier bags are considered more environmentally friendly because they are made from renewable raw materials, biodegradable, and recyclable. However, their production is resource-intensive, requiring a lot of water and energy. Furthermore, paper carrier bags are less tear-resistant and have a shorter lifespan. For single use, their environmental impact is even worse than that of plastic, while consistent recycling improves their overall performance.
Cotton / Fabric Carrier Bags
Cotton tote bags are durable, washable, and suitable for multiple uses, making them a popular alternative. However, cotton production involves enormous water consumption and often the use of pesticides. For a cotton bag to be ecologically sound, it must be used very, very frequently. Only then does its initially poor environmental impact become less of an issue.
Jute / natural fiber carrier bags
Jute bags and other natural fiber products are robust and biodegradable. They are often considered more sustainable than cotton because their cultivation is less resource-intensive. However, they are heavier and less water-resistant, which can limit their everyday usability. With frequent use, however, their environmental impact is positive.
Recycled PET for carrier bags
Carrier bags made from recycled PET utilize existing plastic resources, thus conserving raw materials. They are waterproof and reusable. However, the recycling process remains energy-intensive, and the bags are not compostable. Compared to virgin plastic, they perform better, but are not a completely sustainable solution. The issue of microplastics also remains.
Bioplastic carrier bags (starch)
Bioplastic carrier bags are based on renewable raw materials such as cornstarch and are compostable. They contain no pollutants or plasticizers and do not produce permanent microplastics. Limitations sometimes exist regarding very heavy loads and heat resistance, which is why they are not suitable for all applications. Composting allows them to close the loop.
Material comparison of carrier bags – overview table
| Material | Benefits | Disadvantages | Environmental impact |
| Plastic (petroleum-based, e.g., PE) | affordable, stable, waterproof | non-biodegradable, microplastics, single-use problem | high CO₂ footprint, marine litter |
| Paper Industry | biodegradable, recyclable | high energy consumption, short lifespan (moisture) | Good for recycling, bad for single use |
| Cotton | durable, washable, reusable | high water consumption, often pesticides | good for frequent use |
| jute | robust, biodegradable | heavy, less water resistant | sustainable for multiple uses |
| rPET | recycled, reusable | energy-intensive recycling, microplastics | better than new plastic |
| bioplastic | compostable, pollutant-free, breathable | Limited load-bearing capacity depending on the design under heavy loads; not heat-resistant. | no permanent microplastics |
Bioplastics as an alternative – a closer look
As an alternative to conventional bag materials, NaKu offers carrier bags made from bioplastics based on plants such as cornstarch. The carrier bags are:
- Compostable (DIN 13432).
- Based on renewable raw materials and free from pollutants, heavy metals and plasticizers.
- Can be used multiple times and can be used as a biodegradable waste bag at the end of their life cycle.
- breathable, which keeps food fresh for longer.
The variant “ NaKu Bio Carrier Bag Lightweight ” meets the requirements for trade and commerce (cf. Austrian plastic bag ban ):
- Maximum wall thickness: 15 µm.
- More cost-effective and tear-resistant than paper carrier bags.
- Ideal for fruit, vegetables and bread – and can later be used as a compostable waste bag.
Tips for consumers: How to use carrier bags sustainably
- Use multiple times: Whether it's paper, fabric or bioplastic – the more often a bag is used, the better the environmental impact.
- Ensure proper disposal: This is the only way recycling is possible.
- Conscious shopping: Fabric bags are only sustainable if they are used very often.
- Keep food fresh: Breathable biodegradable carrier bags can help to make food last longer and thus reduce food waste.
You can find NaKu's biodegradable carrier bags or biodegradable sacks in the NaKu online shop.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as the perfect carrier bag – every solution has its pros and cons. The key is the combination of material choice, reusability, and proper disposal. Biodegradable carrier bags offer an interesting alternative, combining ecological benefits with practical everyday usability.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the different materials used for carrier bags/sacks
Why was the plastic bag ban introduced in Austria?
The ban aims to reduce the amount of single-use plastics and decrease environmental pollution from microplastics. It has been in effect since 2020 and applies to all non-biodegradable plastic carrier bags.
Which carrier bags are exempt from the ban?
Lightweight carrier bags made from biodegradable material, consisting of renewable raw materials and suitable for composting, are permitted.
Are paper carrier bags really environmentally friendly?
Only to a limited extent. Paper is biodegradable and recyclable, but its production requires a lot of water and energy. For single use, its environmental impact is worse than that of plastic.
Do I need to reuse a cotton bag more often for it to be sustainable?
Yes, only with very frequent use does the high resource consumption during production become offset.
What happens to bioplastic carrier bags after use?
They can be composted (DIN 13432). There they decompose without pollutants and leave no microplastics behind.
Are biodegradable carrier bags just as durable as conventional plastic bags?
They are suitable for transporting food such as fruit, vegetables, or bread, but not for very heavy loads. They are sufficiently durable for everyday use.
Can biodegradable carrier bags also be used as compostable waste bags?
Yes, that's a big advantage. After shopping and multiple uses as a carrier bag or for food storage, they can be used directly for collecting organic waste.
Why is multiple use so important?
The more often a carrier bag is used, the better its environmental footprint. Single-use is problematic for all materials.
Are carrier bags made from recycled plastic a good solution?
They are better than virgin plastic because they save resources. However, they are not compostable and the recycling process is energy-intensive.
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