While they may seem like a small part of your business, garbage bags are used daily across various industries — from F&B and hospitality to offices and industrial sectors. If you’re looking for eco-friendly garbage bags, you may be surprised to know that there are so many options in the market. So, how do you choose the best eco-friendly garbage bags that balance sustainability, cost, and practicality?
This guide will help you understand the different types of eco-friendly garbage bags available, why making the switch benefits your business, and what to consider when selecting the right garbage bag supplier in Singapore.
What Are Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags?
These bags are gaining popularity in Singapore as more businesses join sustainability initiatives like NEA’s “Say YES to Less Waste” campaign, which encourages reducing single-use plastics and embracing greener waste management practices.
Eco-friendly garbage bags are made from biodegradable, compostable, or recycled materials designed to reduce their environmental impact compared to traditional plastic bags. These bags decompose more quickly, breaking into non-toxic components or returning to the earth without leaving harmful residues.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags?
Even though most of our waste is incinerated to produce energy, the ashes produced still fill up space in the Semakau Landfill. Choosing eco-friendly garbage bags helps reduce the volume of long-lasting waste that ends up there.
Here is why it matters for your business:
- Practical first step: Initiatives such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030 encourage businesses, especially those in the F&B and hospitality industries, to adopt green practices. Selecting eco-friendly garbage bags can be a practical and manageable entry point to reducing waste.
- Futureproof Your Business: Over 2000 tonnes of ash and non-incinerable waste are sent to Semakau Landfill daily. Predicted to reach its full capacity by 2035, and being Singapore’s only landfill, it is not hard to see stricter regulations being implemented regarding single-use plastic and waste disposal.
- Elevate your CSR: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be a powerful business strategy. Switching to eco-friendly garbage bags reinforces your CSR efforts, attracting eco-conscious customers, partners, and stakeholders. It also helps you stand out in the increasingly sustainability-driven marketplace.
Types of Biodegradable Garbage Bags
You may be overwhelmed by the many choices available when searching for biodegradable garbage bags. Here’s a breakdown of common types to help you make an informed decision:
Compostable Bags
Compostable bags are made from organic materials that break down completely in a composting environment without leaving harmful residue. While composting is not widespread in Singapore yet, these are ideal if your business separates organic waste or collaborates with composting services.
Oxodegradable Bags
Oxodegradable bags contain additives that speed up their degradation when exposed to oxygen and UV light. These bags are designed to break down quicker compared to traditional plastics. A notable example is BIOGreen’s Biodegradable OXO Bio Carrier Bag, formulated to be 100% biodegradable, ensuring it fully decomposes without leaving harmful microplastics.
Bio-Plastic Bags
Bio-plastic bags are made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based materials, making them more eco-friendly than conventional plastic. These bags mimic the properties of traditional plastic but with a lower environmental impact.
Recycled Paper Bags
Recycled paper bags are made from paper that has been previously used and processed through recycling systems. These bags are fully biodegradable and compostable, making them an eco-friendly choice for businesses wanting to reduce plastic use. However, they are prone to tearing when exposed to moisture.
Blended Bags
Blended bags contain a combination of different materials, such as plastic, fabric, and biodegradable elements. However, the downside is that the mixture of different materials may prevent it from being 100% biodegradable or take a longer time to decompose. These bags can also cause complications in the recycling process, resulting in them being incinerated rather than recycled.
How To Get Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags in Singapore
If you’re ready to switch to eco-friendly garbage bags for your business, there are several ways to source them in Singapore:
- Local suppliers: Singapore has several garbage bag suppliers, such as BIOGreen, specialising in eco-friendly products. Partnering with local suppliers also allows for bulk purchasing at competitive prices, making it easier to maintain stock for larger operations. Furthermore, they have a dedicated sales team to assist you in making the best choice.
- Supermarkets and retailers: Eco-friendly garbage bags can be found at large retail chains. However, supermarkets do not provide tailored advice or cost benefits that suppliers offer. This could result in the wrong purchase, especially if you have specialised waste management needs that aren’t addressed by retail staff.
- B2B platforms: Although online platforms are convenient, they may present inconsistent pricing and product quality issues, as items may not always match their images or descriptions. This can lead to dissatisfaction or additional costs if an incorrect product is ordered. For consistent quality and peace of mind, it is always recommended to partner with a local supplier.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Supplier
Product Quality
Ensure the eco-friendly garbage bags suit your business’s waste disposal needs, especially when dealing with heavy or wet waste.
Range of Sizes and Options
Keep an eye out for suppliers that offer a variety of bag sizes and types, such as BIOGreen. This allows you to select options that match your business’s needs, whether small desk bins, large waste receptacles, or specialised compostable and biodegradable materials.
Certifications and Environmental Impact
Look for suppliers who offer certified products. BIOGreen is an example, as we use materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures responsible sourcing. Our products are also certified under Singapore’s Green Labelling Scheme, which provides assurance that the products you use meet international sustainability standards.
Switch to Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags for a Greener Tomorrow
Businesses that prioritise sustainability not only reduce their environmental impact but also strengthen their brand and appeal to the increasingly eco-conscious consumer base. With government regulations in Singapore evolving to support sustainability, making the switch now can also future-proof your business.
Are You Looking For The Best Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags?
Contact us and choose BIOgreen as your eco-friendly garbage bag supplier in Singapore today to invest in a cleaner, greener tomorrow — for your business, customers, and the planet.
