FAQs

Eco-friendly bags adhere to the highest environmental standards throughout their lifecycle. They are made from sustainable materials that are natural, renewable and biodegradable such as jute,cotton, hemp or other natural fibres. Designed to be durable and sturdy these bags are reusable eliminating single-use bags and lowering overall waste. At the end of their use these bags should be easy to recycle or compost, ensuring they don't end up in landfills.

Every year we use 500 billion plastic bags. In particular every Indian uses 83 bags every year. Unfortunately only 1% of these are recycled and rest end up in landfills, oceans, rivers , underground water tables and the air. Eco-friendly bags reduce the dependency on single-use plastic bags, typically requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to plastic bag production. These bags are biodegradable and sustainable since they are made from natural and renewable materials like jute, cotton, and canvas. While their initial cost might be higher, eco-friendly bags are reusable and durable, leading to cost savings over time for both consumers and retailers. They also lead to Job Creation as it supports industries like farming and local manufacturing that forms the back bone of our country. Reducing plastic pollution leads to cleaner environments and healthier population reducing the health risks associated with exposure to toxic substances from plastic degradation.

Eco-friendly bags minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Hence the entire process from material sourcing to manufacturing and disposal is designed to fulfil that promise. Here’s a detailed look at the various steps in the process:

• Material Sourcing: The base material should originate from a renewable source like jute, cotton, hemp, water hyacinth etc. This should never result in reduction of green cover in an area.
• Spinning and Weaving: While the process varies by type of fabric at a fundamental level the fibers are spun into threads. This involves twisting the fibers together. The thread is then woven into fabric using either a handloom or a powerloom.
• Dyeing and Printing: Natural or low-impact synthetic dyes and inks are used for coloring and printing on the fabric. These dyes are less harmful to the environment compared to conventional dyes. The dyeing process involves soaking the fabric in dye baths and then drying it. Designs and logos are then printed on the fabric. Screen printing the most common method, where ink is pressed through a screen to create patterns. Digital printing is another eco-friendly option, using less water and producing less waste.
• Cutting and Sewing:The dyed and printed fabric is then cut into pieces based on the bag design using patterns using cutting machines.The cut pieces are sewn together. Skilled workers or artisans stitch the fabric to create the bag shape, adding handles, zippers, and other features. Double stitching is often used for added strength. Very few eco-friendly bags - can be stitched using fully automated machines. The entire process is labour intensive.

Eco-friendly bags are made from a variety of materials that have minimal environmental impact. These materials are chosen for their sustainability, renewability, and lower ecological footprint compared to conventional plastics. The most commonly used materials are jute, cotton,canvas, hemp, several types of grass including bamboo.