FAQs

What is an Earth Bag?

A Earth Bag is a reusable, 100 percent natural, biodegradable bag. It is a woven paper bag which contains no harmful chemicals, is sourced from a sustainable forest, is long-lasting, stylish and can carry up to 25 kilograms.

The strength of the woven paper fibre and durability of their manufacture make Earth Bags reusable time and time again. They have a usable lifespan of two years.

The unique coating makes Earth Bags water-resistant and prevents damage to the bag in the event of leakages.

Earth Bags are available in numerous shapes and sizes and can readily be branded with a company’s corporate logo with environmentally friendly natural colour dyes.

Why are Earth Bags better for the environment than ‘green bags’?

Unlike plastic bags or green bags, Earth Bags are 100 percent biodegradable.

In research conducted by Murdoch University, the Earth Bag broke down within 45 days, biodegrading completely in a composting environment without any negative impact on the environment. ¹

Green bags are not biodegradable. Made from polypropylene, a material derived from petroleum, green bags take over 1,000 years to partly break down after disposal.²

Earth Bags produce 20 percent less carbon emissions than green bags.

On average the Earth Bag produces between 0.37 and 0.41kg of greenhouse gas emissions during its production and disposal phases, which is a reduction in emissions of between 12-21 percent over a 12-month period compared to a similar study of green bags.³

Is there research to support the environmental benefits of the Earth Bag?

Yes, in 2010, Murdoch University in Western Australia conducted two independent research studies on the Earth Bag.

Biodegradability of the Earth Bag, an alternative to Non-Degradable ‘Green Bags’ carried out by Dr Jaya Nair and Dr Martin Anda assessed the degradability of Bebak Bags under various disposal conditions.

Carbon Footprint Analysis of a Retail Paper Shopping Bag – The Earth Bag carried out by Dr Martin Anda, David Goodfield, Joanne Stewart and Les Westerland compares the carbon footprint of the Earth Bag against its polypropylene equivalent (green bags) and the slightly larger woven density polyethylene bag.

Who produces the Earth Bag?

Earth Bags Australia developed the concept and manufactures the environmentally friendly Earth Bag.

Earth Bags Australia aims to produce socially and responsible products, striving to set and example of environmental leadership with the production of its Earth Bag.

What are the bags made from?

A paper pulp product that is sourced from renewable forests, we then process this in special way to produce the bag.

How strong are the bags?

The bags have been tested to carry as much as 25 kilos, not that we would think people will carry that much.

Will the bags fall apart if a carton of milk bursts open inside the bag?

Absolutely not, the bags have been coated in a natural product that gives the bag a certain amount of water resistance and strength.

Can we put our company logo on the bags?

Yes - we would love you to!

What colours are available?

We have a large selection of colours but please note that the colour on the bag will not have a glossy finish, as to do so, a chemical would need to be added and we do not use any harmful chemicals in the bags.

Can the bags be made to different sizes?

Yes we can make the bags to almost any size but this will depend on quantities.

How long will it take to get the bags once we place an order?

Approximately 8-10 weeks

Are you an Australian owned company?

We are very proud to be Australian owned.

You say the bag is bio degradable, how long does it take to bio degrade?

That will depend on where the bag is disposed of and the soil and weather conditions. Think of a bag in the rubbish tip in Kalgoorlie and a bag on the rubbish tip in Canberra, the bag in Kalgoorlie will degrade much quicker in the warmer climate.

How many times can you reuse the bags?

We would estimate that under normal shopping conditions the bags will last you about 2 years.

How can I order the bags?

You can order them securely online here

References:

1. Dr Nair, J. And Dr Anda, M. 2010. Biodegradability of ‘Earth Bag’, an Alternative to Non Degradable ‘Green Bags’. Murdoch University, Western Australia
2. Dr Anda, M., Goodfield, D., et al. 2010. Carbon Footprint Analysis of a Retail Paper Shopping Bag: The Earth Bag. Murdoch University, Western Australia.