The production of re-usable bags has a significant bearing on their overall calculated environmental impact, according to the Environment Agency.
A report commissioned by the regulator reveals that light-weight single use carrier bags have the lowest overall carbon footprint, when compared to paper, heavyweight plastic or cotton alternatives.
The findings were based on the resources and energy used in their production, although the agency report notes that the key issue is actually the number of times people reuse the bags.
The retail industry and manufacturers concerned about the environmental impact of these bags, and their choice of what to offer consumers, should consider carefully how their customers are likely to use them day-to-day.
A spokesperson for the agency noted: "All multi-use bags need to be reused as much as possible to reduce their relative environmental impact and be responsibly recycled at the end of their life.
"Plastic 'bags for life' only need to be used a few times to have a lower environmental impact than single-use carrier bags."
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the plastics recycling industry includes; Elevators – bucket elevators – valves
