At GoSweetSpot, we offer both compostable and recycled plastic bags to suit your shipping needs while also considering their impact on our environment. Each type has their own unique strengths and attributes that will determine which one you would prefer for your parcels. With both materials, we have tried to balance environmental impact with durability so regardless of which option you choose, the environmental impact is lower than alternative products.
If you are an existing customer with us, you can go to the Supplies tab on the dashboard to buy various courier-related items. If you haven’t signed up with us, don’t worry! You can purchase our compostable and plastic bags (plus many more handy supplies!) please visit couriersupplies.co.nz.
What size are GoSweetSpot Bags?
Recycled Plastic Bags
Compostable
bags
Honeycomb Padded Paper Bags
Bubble wrap Padded Bags
A1
450 x 540mm
A2
450 x 450mm
A3
360 x 415mm
FS
280 x 390mm
A4
235 x 325mm
A5
210 x 260mm
DLE
150 x 260mm
What are each of these bags made out of?
Recycled Plastic Bags
These bags are made through processing NZ manufacturing waste and recycled resin from third-party processors. Alongside the resin processors, our supplier sources post-consumer recycled LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene). These recycled contents make up at minimum, 80% of the bag’s material.
Compostable bags
Our compostable bags are derived from biopolymers and co-polymer; PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), Corn-starch and PLA (polylactic acid). Our compostable bags do not contain any conventional plastic whatsoever. With our high quality resourced materials, our bags decompose in compost faster than other compostable products on the market.
LDPE
LDPE Recycled Material
PBAT
PLA
+
(Representation of PBAT Pellets)
Biodegradable Copolymer
(Representation of PLA Pellets)
Derived from corn starch and sugar cane, put through a fermentation process to produce pellets of material that can tbe used to create strong, flexible products.
Bubble wrap Padded Bags
The bubbled inner layer on our plastic bubble bags are made of a minimum of 20% recycled material. The bubble wrap surrounding the bag’s interior will help to prevent damage during transit. The bag’s outer material is made of a minimum of 80% recycled plastic.
Honeycomb Padded Paper Bags
Our honeycomb-padded paper bags offer both versatility and sustainability. The honeycomb inner padding provides exceptional cushioning and protection for your valuable contents. Additionally, they are made from 100% eco-friendly materials, with the outer shell constructed from recycled kraft paper that is FSC-certified and the inner padding composed of recycled paper honeycomb for added durability.
What should I do with the bags once they’ve been used?
Recycled Plastic Bags
Cut off the end where the glue is based and recycle the bags in soft plastic recycling stations. Soft plastic recycling stations are different to our normal everyday recycling bins. They would need to be taken to a special soft plastic recycling station. Please click on this link to find out more about where soft plastic recycling stations are located https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator
Remove or cut off any added glue (labels/stickers) still attached and place the bag itself into your compost bin. If you do not have a home compost, you can send them to your nearest commercial composting facility. To find a composting facility, please follow this link https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/nz-facilities-that-accept-compostable-packaging. There are also helpful apps you can use to share another person’s compost, such as Sharewaste.
Bubble wrap Padded Bags
Similar to “Recycled Plastic Bags” Cut off the end where the glue is based and recycle the bags in soft plastic recycling stations. Soft plastic recycling stations are different to our normal everyday recycling bins. They would need to be taken to a special soft plastic recycling station. Please click on this link to find out more about where soft plastic recycling stations are located https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator
Honeycomb Padded Paper Bags
Crafted with precision from paper, these bags guarantee recyclability once any additional components are detached. This thoughtful design streamlines the recycling process, aligning with conventional paper recycling methods and promoting sustainable practices.
Which bag should I choose for my business?
Recycled Plastic Bags
Our range of recyclable plastic bags are perfect for those that prefer to buy their bags in bulk as plastic bags have a longer shelf life than compostable bags. Plastic also has stronger durability to facilitate for heavier items that you wish to send out.
Compostable bags
These bags are expertly fashioned from paper, ensuring recyclability upon removal of any attached components. This design facilitates easy recycling, treating them in the same manner as conventional paper products, thereby contributing to sustainable practices.
Bubble wrap Padded Bags
Similar to “Recycled Plastic Bags” please cut off the end where the glue is based and recycle the bags in soft plastic recycling stations. Soft plastic recycling stations are different to our normal everyday recycling bins. They would need to be taken to a special soft plastic recycling station. Please click on this link to find out more about where soft plastic recycling stations are located https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator
Honeycomb Padded Paper Bags
Our honeycomb padded paper satchels cater to those in pursuit of a natural, eco-friendly substitute for plastic packaging. Not only do these bags provide an environmentally conscious option, but they also feature a gentle cushioning interior, ensuring the safe transportation of delicate items.
How long will they take to break down?
Recycled Plastic Bags
Our range of recyclable plastic bags are perfect for those that prefer to buy their bags in bulk as plastic bags have a longer shelf life than compostable bags. Plastic also has stronger durability to facilitate for heavier items that you wish to send out.
Compostable bags
These certified compostable bags completely break down in a home compost in 180 days, or in a commercial compost in 90 days. This has the added benefit of returning nutrients to our earth. These bags are a great alternative to plastic bags if durability isn’t a major factor.