Is your shopping bag really eco-friendly?

Plastic bags: an environmental problem with a natural solution

For decades, the massive use of plastic bags has caused devastating damage to the environment. Although consumers are increasingly aware of the problem, the figures remain alarming. In the United States, for example, around 100 billion plastic bags are discarded every year, according to the Worldwatch Institute. The country’s Environmental Protection Agency reported that only 9.1% of these bags were recycled in 2007, compared to 36.8% of paper bags.

In Europe, the situation is not much better. In France, plastic bags generate more than 72,000 tonnes of waste per year, and it is estimated that 122 million bags pollute the 5,000 kilometres of coastline, according to the Ifremer institute. Most worrying of all: a single plastic bag can take between 100 and 400 years to decompose.

What about reusable bags? They are not always so green

In an attempt to reduce the use of disposable bags, many supermarket chains have begun offering reusable bags. However, most of these are made from non-woven polypropylene, a plastic polymer whose production requires up to 28 times more energy than that of a conventional disposable bag, and 8 times more than a paper bag.

Although reusable, these bags are not biodegradable, which means they continue to contribute to long-term pollution. So is there a truly eco-friendly alternative? Yes: jute.

Jute: a natural, strong and sustainable solution

At Deyute, we have chosen to revive and promote the traditional production of jute bags, a plant fibre with multiple environmental benefits:

• Natural and biodegradable: unlike plastic, jute breaks down naturally without leaving toxic residues.

• Strong and durable: ideal for carrying weight and long-term use without losing shape or tearing.

• Sustainable from cultivation: jute requires no pesticides or chemical fertilisers. In fact, it improves soil fertility, adds organic matter and micronutrients, and acts as a natural barrier against pests.

• Compatible with crop rotation: it grows easily alongside crops such as rice and potatoes, contributing to agricultural biodiversity.

Design and sustainability can go hand in hand

At Deyute we prioritise not only sustainability, but also design. We believe an eco-friendly bag can also be beautiful, modern and functional. That’s why we develop visually appealing products, ideal both for grocery shopping and everyday use, helping to change consumption habits in a natural and elegant way.

Choosing jute bags is not just a practical decision: it is a statement of values. It means choosing a cleaner future, fairer production and a healthier planet.

Will you join the change?