Combating Exhibition Waste: The Case for Jute and Canvas Bags in India

Exhibitions and trade shows are vibrant events in India, attracting thousands of visitors and vendors. However, there's a less glamorous side to these gatherings: the mountains of waste they generate, particularly from the distribution of paper and plastic bags.

The Problem with Paper and Plastic Bags

At any given exhibition, it’s common to see exhibitors and participants handing out promotional bags made of paper or plastic. While paper bags are often perceived as eco-friendly, they have significant environmental drawbacks. In India, over 25 billion paper bags are used annually, with each ton requiring about 20-25 trees to be cut down, along with substantial amounts of water and energy. Additionally, many paper bags are coated or dyed, complicating the recycling process or rendering them non-recyclable. Despite being biodegradable, these bags can take years to decompose in landfills, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Plastic bags are even worse. With over 16 billion plastic bags used annually in India and less than 1% being recycled, the environmental impact is dire. Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, leading to long-term pollution of our land and waterways.

The Sustainable Solution: Jute and Canvas Bags from Unroutine

At Unroutine, we offer truly sustainable alternatives: jute and canvas bags. These bags provide several advantages over their paper and plastic counterparts:

1. Brand Awareness: Each jute or canvas bag can last for almost a year and be reused multiple times. During this time, custom-branded bags act as silent reminders, driving brand awareness.

2. Durability and Reusability: Jute and canvas bags are designed to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing the need for single-use bags. A single jute or canvas bag can replace hundreds of disposable bags over its lifetime.

3. Eco-friendly Production: Jute is a renewable resource that requires minimal pesticides and fertilizers. It’s also a major cash crop in India, supporting rural economies. Canvas bags, typically made from cotton, are equally eco-friendly and durable.

4. Biodegradability: Unlike plastic, jute and canvas bags decompose naturally without releasing harmful toxins into the environment.

5. Economic Benefits: The production of jute and canvas bags supports sustainable agriculture and provides jobs in rural areas, contributing to the local economy.