Sustainability: end-of-life/ waste

What to do with the bag after use? It is an important but not straightforward question that depends on the composition of the bag, local waste policies and innovations in the waste handling process.

The principle is that we apply the circular economy to the maximum degree whereby we want to ensure that packaging waste can be returned to the cycle.

In doing so, there is a difference between recycling and composting. Based on the R-ladder, recycling of packaging is preferable to composting as a new high-value product can be created from a high-value product [1]. In composting on the other hand, you degrade the quality of the product, for example a bag, and a lower value product is created, namely compost.

If packaging cannot be recycled or composted, it belongs in residual waste. The principle of waste-to-energy now applies in which energy recuperation from the waste handling process takes place.

What is ultimately most important is that waste is processed with awareness. Effective sorting is essential and litter must be avoided at all times.

Recycling/composting at Baginco

What does this principle of the circular economy in terms of waste mean at Baginco? We work with raw materials that are either recyclable or compostable.

Here is a summary of the recyclability/compostability of the individual raw materials:

Raw material	Recyclable	Compostable
Paper	Recyclable	Non-compostable
Greaseproof paper	Recyclable	Non-compostable
Film (PP & metallised)	Recyclable	Non-compostable
Bio paper	Recyclable (in theory)	Compostable
Bio film	Non-recyclable	Compostable

Naturally, these raw materials are made into a bag. We also offer custom bags in which any (bio) paper can be combined with a (greaseproof) paper or (bio) film. So, there are at least 43 possible combinations [2].

In order to provide a summary of what to do with the bag after use, we have prepared a breakdown: