A BAW bag is a reusable shopping bag made from recycled plastic bottles. BAW stands for Bottles Are Worthless, a play on words to highlight that plastic bottles can be given new life by turning them into useful bags.
What are BAW bags made of?
BAW bags are made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is the type of plastic that disposable water and soda bottles are made from. On average, each BAW bag is made from 5-6 recycled plastic bottles.
The plastic bottles are collected, sorted, shredded into flakes, washed, and then melted down to form a polyester yarn. This yarn is used to weave and knit durable BAW bags that can hold up to 22 pounds.
Why use BAW bags?
Using BAW bags helps keep plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans. Americans use about 50 billion plastic water bottles per year, and only about 7% are recycled. The rest end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter in the environment.
It takes at least 450 years for a plastic bottle to fully degrade in a landfill. However, BAW bags allow plastic bottles to be given a second life as reusable shopping bags. This diverts waste, reduces litter, and decreases the need for virgin plastic production.
BAW bags are also durable and can be used up to 100 times. Compared to disposable plastic bags, they lead to less waste and environmental impact over time.
BAW bag features
Here are some key features of BAW reusable shopping bags:
- Made from 5-6 recycled plastic bottles
- Can hold up to 22 pounds
- Machine washable
- Fold up into an integrated interior pocket for easy storage
- Equipped with long handles for carrying over the shoulder
BAW bags come in a variety of colors and patterns. They contain no BPA, lead, or other toxic chemicals. The bags meet all US safety guidelines for reusable bags.
Environmental impact
It’s estimated that the average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags per year. BAW bags provide a green alternative by transforming plastic bottle waste into useful products.
Here’s a comparison of the environmental impact of BAW bags vs. disposable plastic bags:
| Impact | BAW Bags | Disposable Plastic Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material | Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles | Made from virgin petroleum |
| Reusable | Can be reused up to 100 times | Single use |
| Recyclable | Fully recyclable at end of life | Only about 5% are recycled |
| Landfill Waste | Greatly reduces plastic waste | Billions end up in landfills annually |
| Litter | Prevents bottle litter by giving them new life | Significant source of plastic pollution and litter |
As shown, BAW bags are clearly a more sustainable option compared to disposable bags. Their reuse and recycling helps minimize waste, litter, and the need for virgin plastic production.
How are BAW bags made?
BAW bags are manufactured at facilities in the United States. Here is an overview of the production process:
- Plastic bottles are collected and sorted – Bottles are gathered from recycling facilities and sorted by color and type.
- Bottles are shredded into flakes – The bottles are shredded into small flake pieces about the size of a dime.
- Flakes are washed – The flakes are thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue and impurities.
- Flakes are melted and extruded – The flakes are melted down and extruded through small holes to form thin spaghetti-like strands.
- Strands are drawn into fiber – The plastic strands are stretched and aligned to create a continuous PET fiber.
- Fibers are knitted or woven – The PET fibers are knitted or woven together to create a durable fabric.
- Fabric is cut and sewn – The fabric is cut into bag shapes and sewn with long shoulder straps.
- Quality control checks – Each bag undergoes quality testing to ensure durability, safety, and consistency.
- Bags are packaged – Finally, the finished BAW bags are folded, packaged, and prepared for distribution.
It’s an involved manufacturing process, but the end result is a high-quality reusable bag made entirely from recycled bottles that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill.
Where to buy BAW bags
BAW reusable shopping bags are available from various eco-friendly retailers and boutiques. The bags typically retail for $5 – $15 depending on size and design.
Here are some places where you can buy BAW bags:
- Online at thebottlebag.com – the official BAW bag company website
- Amazon.com – search for “BAW bag”
- Walmart.com and other major retailers
- Whole Foods and other grocery stores
- Boutiques and gift shops, especially those focused on eco-friendly products
BAW bags make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasion. Their environmental focus and unique origin story help make them popular items.
How to use BAW bags
Using your BAW bags is easy! Here are some tips:
- Take them shopping at the grocery store or market to carry produce, bulk items, jars, and more.
- Use them for carrying books, electronics, and other items around town or while traveling.
- Stuff them inside one another when not in use so they take up minimal storage space.
- Wash periodically in the washing machine – let air dry.
- Avoid exposing them to excessive heat or sunlight over long periods.
- Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals when washing.
- Check periodically for wear and replace bags if they develop holes.
- Recycle the bags when they are no longer usable.
Pros of BAW bags
Here are some of the top advantages of using BAW reusable shopping bags:
- Made from recycled materials – gives plastic bottles new life
- Reusable and recyclable
- Durable and can hold a lot of weight
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Fold up into a small size for convenient storage
- Fun designs and colors
- Plastic-free alternative to disposable bags
- Great for the environment by reducing waste
- Affordable and cost-effective over the long term
Cons of BAW bags
The disadvantages of BAW bags are relatively minor:
- Need to remember to bring them shopping
- Can pick up odors if left damp or used to carry smelly items
- Not ideal for very heavy or bulky items like cases of soda
- Require periodic washing
- May wear out over time with heavy use
However, with proper care and maintenance, BAW bags can serve you well for years. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for most shoppers.
The future of BAW bags
BAW bags first launched in 2011, and since then millions of the bags have been sold and used. The company continues to refine its bag designs and expand its operations.
In the future, we may see BAW bags available in even more retail locations. There are also opportunities to increase the proportion of recycled content used to make the bags. Right now they utilize about 5-6 bottles per bag, but technology enhancements could potentially increase this to 8-10 bottles or more.
New styles and designs also provide an opportunity to keep the bags fresh and attractive to consumers. Partnerships with colleges, sports teams, and nonprofits allow custom bags to be created that support worthy causes.
There have been some copycats over the years, but BAW remains the original bottle bag company. Their focus on quality, durability, and environmental sustainability gives them an edge in the market.
Conclusion
BAW reusable shopping bags provide an innovative solution for reducing plastic bottle waste. By transforming used bottles into useful bags, BAW gives wasted plastics a second life. The bags are affordable, durable, and stylish, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Compared to disposable plastic bags, BAW bags are clearly a more sustainable option. Widespread use of the bags could divert billions of plastic bottles from landfills annually. This helps cut down on waste, litter, and the need for new plastic production.
The bottle-to-bag story helps make BAW bags unique. Shoppers can feel good knowing their BAW bag kept at least 5-6 plastic bottles out of the waste stream. With proper use and care, these handy bags can serve you well for years to come.