When it comes to choosing the right material for reusable mesh produce bags, the choice is often made considering your requirements. Learning the difference between all the materials used for producing bags will surely help you settle on a decision which will work for you. Being eco-friendly appeals to discerning consumers, so it makes sense to use these bags to carry fruits, vegetables or other stuff from one place to another.
While it’s true that producing as well as shipping reusable bags has a huge impact on the environment, any reusable bag is quite eco-friendly than just an option: single-use plastic bags or paper. Top-notch quality bags are often much better for the environment in more than one way.
So, how do you choose the ideal reusable mesh produce bags for your requirements? Read about every material alternative in this guide to narrow down your choices.
Let’s look at the most common materials utilized to manufacture reusable mesh produce bags.
1. Cotton
Cotton mesh produce bags are produced from recycled cotton (reclaimed cotton scrap), organic cotton (grown without pesticides), or traditional cotton (chemically treated, raw and natural). Cotton is available in various densities with denser varieties being heavier. Conventional cotton canvas bags are thicker and thus, costlier than lighter cotton bags.
The benefits of reusable cotton bags feature the soft, strength, smooth texture, biodegradability, durability, wide availability as well as ease of washing. Its disadvantages are high production and shipping costs, susceptibility to moisture damage, and shrinking from machine washing.
2. Calico
Calico is a part of cotton storage bags that utilizes semi-processed as well as unbleached cotton, and it comprises the same attributes as cotton bags. Calico bags are eco-friendly as it doesn’t go through full processing as well as bleaching, and it is less expensive than cotton bags. The bags are durable and strong, however inclined to shrink while washed in water, cold or hot.
3. Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a flexible resin polymer. Its lower production cost as well as relative durability have viewed nonwoven polypropylene as among the exceptional materials for reusable bags.
Polypropylene is estimated in grams per square meter (GSM), a measure of the weight and density of the material. Bags with huge GSM are stronger and highly expensive.
People who choose woven polypropylene grocery bags typically refer to their resistance to chemical corrosion, strength, low porosity, ease of wiping clean, diversity of color alternatives and flexibility in brand printing. Therefore, its significant disadvantages are that it’s made from petrochemicals, non-biodegradable, isn’t delicate to the touch, and is inappropriate for machine washing.
4. Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that was at first delivered as a substitute for silk in fabrics. Nylon fabric is basically found in tights, track pants, lightweight jackets, umbrellas, swimwear, etc. Currently, it has found application in reusable mesh produce bags because of its ease of maintenance.
Nylon reusable bags are strong, durable, readily foldable, lightweight, easily dyed as well as water-resistant. They are, however, petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and obtain an unpleasant appearance under heavy use.
5. Polyester
If you require some time to look at the names on your clothes, one sort of fabric is probably going to come up more than most: polyester. Polyester is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, a similar material used to make drink bottles. It was created in 1941, however, gained traction in the 1970s while disco wear was taken by storm. Polyester would thereafter be criticized as the fabric for affordable suits, yet its reputation has steadily got better as quality and application expanded.
Polyester reusable bags are water-safe, versatile, don’t crease effectively and are foldable. On the other hand, the bags are produced using plastic, the material doesn’t break down simply upon disposal as well as heavy use causes wearing off any branding ink on its surface.
6. Hemp
Hemp isn’t just drought tolerant yet flourishes without the requirement for manures or pesticides. An acre of hemp produces 3 to 6 tons of fiber while requiring little water to grow. Hemp fiber is strong, long, and durable. It’s incredible for making organic reusable bags.
Hemp reusable mesh produce bags are robust (it’s more times stronger than cotton), rot-resistant, durable, smooth and soft to touch, can be machine washed, and can be combined with different materials like recycled PET or cotton. On the disadvantage, hemp ordinarily must be imported in a large part of the Western world, which adds to the complete cost of the bags.
In Conclusion
No matter what kind of reusable bag you choose, it’s always much-needed for the planet than the option. Firstly, reusable bags were boring and drab. Over time, they have turned fashionable and sophisticated, ensuring users obtain the best of both worlds. When purchasing reusable mesh produce bags, focus on purchasing the right material that meets your needs. I hope this guide will be truly helpful to ensure that you get the best for your money.
