Degradable lining for our jute bags

Our jute bags really do make a difference to the environment, because they are reusable alternatives to a damaging, disposable oil-based product. However, some people do not like the thin plastic lining (or lamination) that is an important feature of many popular jute bag styles - even though it enhances the hygiene and reusability of the product.

In response to customer concerns we have conducted intensive research and development to develop our unique oxy-biodegradable lining. This means that even the small amount of plastic used to give a hygienic lining to many of our bags will biodegrade completely. 

While the natural plant-based materials in Canby bags will biodegrade harmlessly if disposed of in the normal way, plastic is made of long chains of molecules which are tightly “bonded”, meaning that they are very stable. Therefore the plastic lining, or lamination, would until now have remained in the environment much longer than jute or cotton – possible hundreds of years. Canby’s degradable lining looks, feels and performs exactly the same as our conventional high-quality lamination and will last just as long. But a patented additive is mixed with the raw polyethylene to enable the chemical bonds to break under certain conditions, making it less stable – in other words “degradable”.

This process is carefully controlled to happen over the average life of a Canby bag in regular use (3-4 years) but is accelerated when exposed to bright light for prolonged periods or buried in landfill. About a year after disposal, the plastic will have broken down into short molecular chains of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen – becoming a food source for the algae, bacteria and fungi that carry out the final work of biodegradation. So when the bag’s life has come to an end, it can be safely added to the waste stream where it will break down into natural byproducts.

Our exclusive oxybiodegradable lamination is part of our total commitment to the environment - and is not available from any other UK supplier. So if you really want to make a difference, the only jute bags to have are Canby bags.

WHY ANY PLASTIC AT ALL?

The addition of a thin lining of plastic to our jute bags gives them many advantages. It forms an impermeable, wipe-clean layer between the bag’s contents and the outside world. It gives the bag strength and durability, meaning it can be reused for longer. It also means the bag looks neater, displays better and stands up when being packed.

We use the minimum amount necessary – typically 30-40g per bag, which is about the same amount as three single-use disposable carrier bags. This, we believe, is completely outweighed by the estimated 300-400 disposable bags that will be saved by every Canby shopping bag. The plastic itself (LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene) is recyclable where facilities exist. 

If even this is too much plastic, we offer a range of unlined pure jute bags. Click here to see them.