The CO₂ footprint of a paper bag vs plastic: the honest answer
LCA data, end-of-life scenarios and the variables retailers should put in their sustainability claims.
The paper-vs-plastic debate is older than the LCA methodology itself, and it has been weaponised by both industries. The honest answer requires four variables: fibre origin, weight per bag, number of reuses, and end-of-life route.
Production carbon
A typical paper carrier bag (50 g) emits 25–80 g CO₂eq in production. A lightweight HDPE plastic bag (5 g) emits 15–25 g. On production alone, plastic wins per bag — but loses per kilogram of product carried.
End-of-life is decisive
Paper that enters the recycling stream is recovered at 80%+ in most EU countries. Plastic recovery for film and carrier bags is below 15%. Once landfill and ocean-leakage scenarios are included, paper's footprint per use drops significantly while plastic's rises.
The honest claim
- Paper bag with FSC fibre, recycled in EU: 30–50 g CO₂eq per use.
- Plastic bag, single use, landfill: 20–35 g CO₂eq per use.
- Plastic bag, single use, ocean leakage: significantly higher environmental impact.
"Honest LCA storytelling beats greenwashing. Retailers who quote real numbers earn long-term trust."
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