Why Do We Use Plastic Polymailers?

Why Do We Use Plastic Polymailers?

When it comes to e-commerce, the packaging we choose is as important as the products we sell. We pride ourselves on our eco-consciousness, so you might wonder why we still use plastic polymailers instead of more "eco-friendly" alternatives like biodegradable or oxo-biodegradable bags. It’s a fair question, and the answer lies in the unique waste management system of Singapore, as well as the practical benefits of plastic polymailers.

1. Singapore's Unique Waste Management System

Singapore is often praised for its clean streets and efficient waste management system. But here’s something you might not know: Singapore relies heavily on incineration rather than composting. According to Semula Asia, the majority of waste in Singapore is incinerated, which reduces the volume of waste by up to 90%. While this is an effective way to manage waste in a densely populated city-state, it doesn't make biodegradable materials more sustainable.

Biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable bags require specific conditions to break down, typically involving prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, and microorganisms. Unfortunately, these conditions are not present in Singapore's waste management system. Instead of breaking down, these materials end up in incinerators just like regular plastic. Worse still, the production process for these "eco-friendly" alternatives often uses more resources and energy than traditional plastics. In other words, they might end up causing more harm than good when you consider their entire lifecycle.

So, while biodegradable bags sound good in theory, in practice—especially in Singapore—they don't live up to their green promises. That's one big reason we stick with plastic polymailers: they’re more aligned with Singapore's waste management system and, counterintuitive as it might seem, are often a more environmentally sound choice here.

2. Durability: The Reusability Factor

Let’s talk about durability. Imagine receiving a package wrapped in a biodegradable bag, only to find it torn or damaged upon arrival. Frustrating, right? Biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable bags, while made with good intentions, tend to be less durable than plastic polymailers. They tear easily, especially when exposed to handling (sometimes roughly) during packing and shipping. This fragility often means they are used only once before being discarded.

Plastic polymailers, on the other hand, are tough. They can withstand rough handling, rain, and the various other challenges that come with shipping. This durability not only ensures your product arrives safely but also means the polymailer can be reused. Whether it’s by the customer for another purpose or even by us in the shipping process, reusing a polymailer significantly extends its life cycle and reduces its overall environmental impact.

Think about it: A single plastic polymailer, reused two or three times, has a smaller environmental footprint than a biodegradable bag that tears and gets discarded after just one use. That’s another reason we stick with plastic polymailers—they last longer and can be reused, making them more resource-efficient in the long run.

3. Our Commitment to Alternative Packaging: Cardboard Boxes

We understand that plastic isn’t everyone’s first choice, and we get it—sustainability is important to us too. That’s why, whenever possible, we pack our products in cardboard boxes. Cardboard is not only sturdy and reliable but also highly recyclable. In fact, cardboard is one of the most recycled materials globally, and it can be composted at home if you have the right setup.

Cardboard boxes are an excellent option for larger or more fragile items that need extra protection during shipping. Plus, they align with our goal to reduce our environmental impact. But here’s the thing: cardboard isn’t always cost-effective for smaller or less fragile items. In fact, the logistical footprint of using cardboard in these instances might cost more environmentally too! In these cases, plastic polymailers are the best option—they’re lightweight, which reduces shipping costs and emissions, and they provide the necessary protection to ensure your items arrive in perfect condition.

4. Looking Ahead: Balancing Sustainability and Practicality

We know there’s no perfect solution when it comes to packaging. The balance between sustainability, practicality, and cost is a tricky one to navigate. But we’re committed to making the most responsible choices we can. By understanding the specific context of Singapore’s waste management system and considering the full lifecycle of our packaging materials, we constantly iterate our packing processes and practices to offer the best balance for customer needs.

That means we’re never resting on our laurels — we’re always exploring new materials and methods to reduce our environmental impact. Whether it’s improving the reusability of our packaging or finding new ways to incorporate more sustainable materials, we’re committed to doing better—step by step, package by package.

Conclusion

In an ideal world, we’d all have access to the perfect packaging material that balances environmental concerns with practicality and cost. Until then, polymailers and cardboard boxes remain a responsible and practical choice, particularly in Singapore. We encourage all our customers to reuse these packaging materials meaningfully, and even better, opting for used packaging when you’re buying from us! By considering the specific context of waste management here and the durability of our packaging, we aim to make choices that are as sustainable as possible, for our business and for our planet.