"Paper bags or plastic bags?" is one of the most common questions we get — and the answer depends on what matters most to you: performance, sustainability, cost or availability. Here's an honest breakdown to help you choose.
Bag performance
Both can be strong. HDPE plastic singlet bags are among the toughest; many retail LDPE bags are weaker than people expect and can stretch or tear. Both print well, but minimum runs differ — stock paper bags can be printed from as few as 500 units, while printed plastic bags usually start around 10,000.
Environmental considerations
Paper: biodegradable, recyclable and compostable, and usually higher-volume — but energy-intensive to produce. Plastic: lower manufacturing energy and moisture-resistant — but made from a non-renewable resource and slow to break down, with a real impact on Australian waterways and wildlife when littered.
For a genuinely better eco choice, consider reusable non-woven polypropylene or calico bags — used over and over, and your printed branding gets seen again and again.
Cost
From lowest to highest, typically: plastic bags, paper bags, non-woven polypropylene, then calico. Final pricing depends on size, thickness, handle type and material.
Availability
Supply varies with demand — order in reasonable quantities and order early, and keep a back-up option in mind for busy periods.
FAQ
Are paper bags better for the environment than plastic?
In Australia, where litter often reaches waterways, paper (and especially reusable) bags are generally the better choice — though it depends on the full lifecycle.
What's the most eco-friendly retail bag?
Reusable calico or non-woven polypropylene, because they replace many single-use bags.
Our take
QIS Packaging stocks all of these. For most retailers, paper bags are a strong all-round choice — durable, widely available, and economical to print in small runs. For maximum sustainability, reusable calico bags are hard to beat. Browse paper bags, plastic bags and reusable bags, or call 1800 555 343.
