Paper bags are part of our everyday lives. With plastic bags largely banned and people becoming more concerned about the effects of plastic trash, paper bags have returned and looks to stay for the foreseeable future. Paper bags, however, are inferior to plastic bags when it comes to durability. Paper tears where plastic stretches. Because of this, manufacturers are looking for ways to produce a more durable type of paper suitable for paper bags. So what makes paper bags durable?
There are different raw materials used to manufacture paper. The type of raw material used has the significant effect on the durability of the paper. New raw materials are being tested every day as manufacturers look for ways to produce more cost-effective and durable paper. One example is bamboo. Bamboo fibers are quite strong. Bamboo is also easy and fast to grow, making it the more sustainable option.
The thickness of the paper affects strength. The thicker the paper, the stronger it is. The thicker the paper, it also tends to be more expensive.
Paper is weak against water. Ordinary paper bags cannot be used for wet items or items that generate moisture. Waterproofing is needed to make paper bags more usable. Waterproofing of paper bags in done in multiples steps. The first one is during manufacturing in which paper undergoes high-pressure rolling. This process compresses the fibers and increases the density of the paper to make it less water-absorbent. A waterproofing agent can then be applied during manufacturing or post-manufacturing. A waterproof barrier is formed which prevents moisture from contacting the paper.
The durability of paper is affected by the structure. Structure refers to the design of the paper bags.
The location of the folds and joints affect the strength of paper bag and determines where it will first fail. To make paper bags more durable and capable of carrying a heavier load, the weak areas are reinforced by adding more paper or other reinforcing materials. Adhesives are also added to further strengthen the bag.