With the rapid development of the global e-commerce industry, the use of e-commerce express bags has increased. Traditional plastic express bags are more polluting to the environment. It is necessary to produce poly mailers that are recyclable, reduce environmental pollution, and reduce corporate costs.
This article will explain what poly mailers are recyclable, their applications, benefits, etc., and I hope it will be helpful to you.
What Is a Recyclable Poly Mailer?
Recyclable shipping bags are courier bags that can be reused multiple times, with the goal of reducing environmental pollution, reducing production costs, and saving money.
What Are Poly Mailers Made Of?
Recyclable plastic bags are lightweight and durable plastic bags made of polyethylene that can be recycled after use.
Compared to traditional plastic bags, the materials (recycled plastic or additives that help decompose) are recyclable and widely used on e-commerce platforms to transport clothing, accessories or small items. In addition, it is cheap, durable and more friendly to the earth.
Recyclable plastic bags are lightweight and durable plastic bags made of polyethylene that can be recycled after use. Compared to traditional plastic bags, the materials (recycled plastic or additives that facilitate decomposition) are recyclable and widely used on e-commerce platforms to transport clothing, accessories or small items. In addition, it is cheap, durable and more friendly to the earth.
Ordinary plastic bags are usually made of mixed plastics, which can be troublesome to recycle. Recyclable plastic bags are designed with recycling in mind. They are waterproof and tear-resistant, but easier to recycle. They can often be found online, in retail stores, and even in person (if you mail gifts in a sustainable way).
Advantages of Recyclable Mailers
Durability: Recyclable courier bags are usually made of high-strength materials such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), which can withstand multiple uses without being easily damaged.
Environmental protection: Most of them use degradable materials, such as starch-based and polylactic acid, which can quickly decompose in the natural environment and reduce pollution to the environment.
Versatility: Some recyclable shipping bags are designed with shockproof and waterproof functions to better protect the internal items.
Cost-effectiveness: The initial purchase cost is higher, but the durability and reusability of poly mailers recyclable make the use cost lower in the long run.
How to Recycle Plastic Mailers
Check for recyclability: Look for the recycling symbol or GRS certification on recyclable bags. If it says “recyclable polyethylene,” you’re good to go.
Remove non-recyclable parts: Remove any tape, stickers, or labels. These may affect the bag’s recycling program.
Find a recycling point: Most curbside trash bins don’t accept plastic mailers, so look for a plastic bag drop-off point at places like Walmart or Target.
Clean: Make sure there’s no dirt or food residue on the mailer. Clean recyclable mailers for better recycling.
For Businesses
If you’re an e-commerce seller, help your customers recycle. Add a note on your website or package that says, “Hey, this eco-friendly plastic bag is recyclable! Remove the label and take it to your local store’s plastic bag drop-off point.” It’s a small gesture that shows your commitment to sustainable shipping solutions.
Common Challenges
Sometimes, it can be frustrating that local plastic bag recycling programs don’t accept plastic film. If this is the case, you can look for mail-in recycling programs at your e-commerce shipping supply supplier or a nearby recycling center. It may take some effort, but for the planet, it’s worth it.
Recyclable vs Compostable vs Recycled
| Criteria | Recyclable Poly Mailers | Traditional Poly Mailers | Paper Mailers | Compostable Mailers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly poly mailers support a circular economy by being reusable after recycling. Reduces plastic waste with plastic film recycling. | Often end up in landfills due to mixed plastics, harder to recycle. Limited sustainable packaging benefits. | Easier to recycle in curbside recycling programs, but production may have a higher environmental footprint. | Break down naturally, but require industrial composting facilities, reducing landfill waste if composted. |
| Durability | Tough, waterproof, and reliable for e-commerce shipping. Comparable to traditional mailers. | Tough and waterproof, ideal for protecting goods during shipping. | Less durable, not waterproof, may tear easily with soft or heavy items. | Durable but less resistant to water compared to recyclable packaging bags. |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive upfront but cost-effective packaging long-term due to appeal to eco-conscious customers and lower shipping costs. | Cheaper upfront, but less appealing to eco-conscious consumers. | Often more expensive due to weight and material costs, increasing e-commerce shipping expenses. | Can be pricier than eco-friendly poly mailers and may require special disposal processes. |
| Best For | Ideal for clothing or soft goods needing sustainable shipping solutions. Best where plastic film recycling is accessible. | Suitable for budget-conscious businesses not prioritizing green packaging solutions. | Best for rigid items like books or electronics, where curbside recycling is available. | Great for eco-conscious customers with access to industrial composting facilities. |
Are Plastic Mailers Recyclable
Yes, many plastic mailing bags are recyclable, but it depends on the type.
Environmentally friendly polyethylene mailing bags made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are often recyclable through plastic film recycling programs. They usually can't be put in curbside trash bins because they get tangled in the sorting machines.
You can take them to a plastic bag drop-off at a grocery store or recycling center. Be sure to remove paper labels or tape first, as they can interfere with the recycling process. Check for certifications like the How2Recycle label or the Global Recycling Standard (GRS) to confirm recyclability.
How to Choose the Best Recyclable Poly Mailers
Size and thickness: Make sure the recyclable bags fit your products and are thick enough to protect them. A 2.5 mil thickness is suitable for clothing, while a 3 mil thickness is better for heavier items.
Customization: Want to make your brand stand out? Look for custom plastic mailing bags that can be printed with your logo or colors. This is a great way to make the unboxing experience memorable.
Supplier reliability: Choose wholesale recyclable mailing bags from suppliers that have GRS or Blue Angel certifications to ensure high-quality, eco-friendly plastic mailing bags.
Cost: Strike a balance between sustainability and budget. Recyclable plastic mailing bags may cost more than traditional bags, but they are often cost-effective packaging due to lower shipping costs and greater customer preference.
FAQs
Are Amazon Plastic Shipping Bags Recyclable
Amazon’s plastic shipping bags, like many plastic mailing bags, are generally recyclable but cannot be put in curbside trash. These recyclable bags are typically made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and can be dropped off at a plastic film recycling site.
Some Amazon bubble bags may not be recyclable due to mixed materials, so check for a How2Recycle store drop-off label.
Recycling results vary – some drop-off boxes may not process plastic as expected, and there are reports that some materials end up in landfills.
Can You Recycle Bubble Wrap at Supermarkets
Yes, you can usually recycle bubble wrap at supermarkets that have plastic bag recycling points. Bubble wrap is usually made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), similar to plastic shipping bags, and can be recycled with other flexible plastics, such as grocery bags. Make sure the bubble wrap is clean, dry, and has no tape or labels. Pop the bubble wrap before discarding to save space.
Why can’t I recycle poly mailers at home?
You can’t recycle plastic mailing bags in your curbside trash at home because most recycling facilities aren’t equipped to handle flexible plastics like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These plastic shipping bags can get tangled in sorting equipment, causing delays and damage.
Plastic mailing bags with paper labels or mixed materials (such as plastic mailing bags with bubble liners) require an extra step of removing the labels, which curbside recycling programs can’t handle. To recycle properly, take clean, unlabeled, eco-friendly plastic mailing bags to a designated recycling site.
Do printed poly mailers still qualify as recyclable?
Yes, as long as the printed poly mailers are made from recyclable polyethylene and the printing process does not affect the recycling process, they can still be recycled. Water-based inks commonly used on custom poly mailers do not usually affect their recyclability.
Can I use recycled poly mailers and still recycle them?
Yes, recycled plastic bags (made from 100% recycled content or post-consumer waste) can still be recycled after use, provided they are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These eco-friendly bags can be taken to plastic film recycling points just like regular recyclable plastic bags.
Conclusion
Recyclable plastic bags are a great option for any business that wants to be eco-friendly without spending too much. They are lightweight and durable, and a great way to show your customers that you care about the planet. Not all plastic bags are recyclable, so it’s important to choose eco-friendly shipping bags that are certified to be recyclable.
Do you have any questions or suggestions about recyclable packaging bags? Contact us now to continue the eco-friendly conversation!
