By Howie Goldfinger, CEO, Ecorite

We’ve all been alerted to the environmental impact of single-use plastics.  Consumers, with the aid of government legislation in some markets, have been given more durable, reusable, and recyclable options.  Among these are reusable polypropylene bags.  These bags are often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags, and they have become increasingly popular. However, beneath their recyclable facade lies a more complex reality.   These include misleading claims about the recyclable nature of the product, downcycling of the recycled product, and the ominous threat of microplastics in our ecosystem (and our bodies, it turns out).

Misleading Claims: Polypropylene (PP) bags bear the recycling symbol (♻️), leading consumers to believe they are fully recyclable. Unfortunately, inadequate recycling infrastructure and consumer behavior often result in these bags ending up in landfills or incinerators, or in heaps of trash, along with single use plastics, as shown in the image above.

Downcycling: Even when recycled, PP bags are typically “downcycled” into lower-grade products. This process diminishes their overall environmental benefit.

Litter and Microplastics: Unrecycled PP bags contribute to litter, clog waterways, and harm wildlife. Over time, they break down into microplastics, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Ecorite sells a variety of nonwoven polypropylene totes for several purposes.  Many styles are themselves made from recycled polymers. We believe that responsibly distributed, reused, and eventually disposed of, that nonwoven totes are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, and are not ‘greenwashing’ as some critics might suggest.

We encourage you to also consider using natural and bio-degradable products.

Natural Alternatives by Ecorite

By far our most popular products are cotton canvas, jute and hemp.  These products are all biodegradable and contain no harmful chemicals, dyes or plastics.

1. B9206 Cotton Promo Tote: Crafted from 11 oz. cotton canvas. Sturdy, functional, and stylish.
2. B8610 Recycled Cotton Budget Tote – Made from 100% recycled 11 oz. cotton canvas. Biodegradable and AZO-Free. Perfect for everyday use.
3. B3505 Hemp Shopper Tote -Crafted from 100% hemp. Sustainable and biodegradable.

Earth-friendly and versatile.

By choosing natural alternatives like cotton and hemp totes, we can reduce plastic waste and make a positive impact on our planet. Let’s embrace eco-conscious choices and protect our environment for future generations. 🌿🌎

By Howie Goldfinger, CEO, Ecorite

We’ve all been alerted to the environmental impact of single-use plastics.  Consumers, with the aid of government legislation in some markets, have been given more durable, reusable, and recyclable options.  Among these are reusable polypropylene bags.  These bags are often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags, and they have become increasingly popular. However, beneath their recyclable facade lies a more complex reality.   These include misleading claims about the recyclable nature of the product, downcycling of the recycled product, and the ominous threat of microplastics in our ecosystem (and our bodies, it turns out).

Misleading Claims: Polypropylene (PP) bags bear the recycling symbol (♻️), leading consumers to believe they are fully recyclable. Unfortunately, inadequate recycling infrastructure and consumer behavior often result in these bags ending up in landfills or incinerators, or in heaps of trash, along with single use plastics, as shown in the image above.

Downcycling: Even when recycled, PP bags are typically “downcycled” into lower-grade products. This process diminishes their overall environmental benefit.

Litter and Microplastics: Unrecycled PP bags contribute to litter, clog waterways, and harm wildlife. Over time, they break down into microplastics, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Ecorite sells a variety of nonwoven polypropylene totes for several purposes.  Many styles are themselves made from recycled polymers. We believe that responsibly distributed, reused, and eventually disposed of, that nonwoven totes are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, and are not ‘greenwashing’ as some critics might suggest.

We encourage you to also consider using natural and bio-degradable products.

Natural Alternatives by Ecorite

By far our most popular products are cotton canvas, jute and hemp.  These products are all biodegradable and contain no harmful chemicals, dyes or plastics.

1. B9206 Cotton Promo Tote: Crafted from 11 oz. cotton canvas. Sturdy, functional, and stylish.
2. B8610 Recycled Cotton Budget Tote – Made from 100% recycled 11 oz. cotton canvas. Biodegradable and AZO-Free. Perfect for everyday use.
3. B3505 Hemp Shopper Tote -Crafted from 100% hemp. Sustainable and biodegradable.

Earth-friendly and versatile.

By choosing natural alternatives like cotton and hemp totes, we can reduce plastic waste and make a positive impact on our planet. Let’s embrace eco-conscious choices and protect our environment for future generations. 🌿🌎