Learn about the carbon footprint of plastic bags, their environmental impact, and why switching to alternatives matters for sustainability.
Sustainability
4
mins

Carbon footprint of plastic bags: what you need to know

Updated on
June 26, 2025

The carbon footprint of plastic bags is much more relevant than it seems.
Each bag, no matter how simple, generates emissions from the moment it is made until it is discarded.

And when we’re talking millions per day, the impact skyrockets.

For many companies, these kinds of products go unnoticed.
But if we want to comply with regulations, optimize resources, and stay competitive, we have to start measuring.

We can’t manage what we don’t know.

Understanding this footprint is key to making decisions.

It’s not just about counting emissions, but about identifying where the biggest impacts are and how we can reduce them without complicating things.

Why Should We Care About the Carbon Footprint of Plastic Bags?

Plastic bags are everywhere.

From the supermarket to industrial packaging, they are part of daily life in nearly every sector.

The problem is not just their volume, but the hidden impact they generate.

Each bag involves emissions that often go unseen. Manufacturing, transporting, using, and discarding them has an environmental cost.

If we don’t measure it, we don’t control it. And if we don’t control it, we won’t meet our goals or regulations.

The impact adds up quickly. When multiplied by thousands or millions of units, the effect on a company’s ESG indicators can be more serious than it seems.

Plastic bag emissions are measurable. Use the right sustainability software to track and reduce them.

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Plastic Bags?

The carbon footprint of a plastic bag measures the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
generated throughout its entire life cycle, from oil extraction to disposal or incineration.

Every stage counts: raw materials, production, transportation, use, and waste management.

Everything adds up.

Practical example: a single-use supermarket bag may seem harmless.
But if we consider its short lifespan versus the production volume and daily usage, the environmental impact becomes evident.

Our Vision: Measuring Is Only the First Step

Measuring is good, but it’s not enough. If we stop there, we’re not using the full potential of ESG data.

The key lies in integrating measurement into a broader strategy.

One that helps us continuously improve and make decisions based on real information, not assumptions.

Data is useless if we don’t use it to act.

And this is where sustainability becomes a real strategic lever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Difference Between Carbon Footprint and Ecological Footprint?

The carbon footprint focuses on greenhouse gas emissions.

That is, it measures the CO₂ and other GHGs generated by a product or process.

The ecological footprint is broader. It includes resource consumption, land use, water, etc.

But if we’re talking about emissions, what matters is the carbon footprint.

How Does the Type of Plastic Influence the Carbon Footprint?

Not all plastics pollute the same.

It depends on the base material, the manufacturing process, and whether it’s recycled or not.

The more complex the plastic, the higher its footprint tends to be.

The energy used to produce it and how it’s managed at the end of its life also play a role.

Can the Carbon Footprint Be Reduced Without Eliminating Plastic Bags?

Yes, but it has to be done right.

Using less intensive materials, extending product lifespan, and improving logistics already represents major progress.

Eliminating isn’t always the only option.

Optimizing can be just as effective when done wisely.

What Data Do I Need to Accurately Calculate This Footprint?

We need full life cycle data. From raw materials to transportation, usage, and end of life.

The more accurate the data, the more realistic the calculation. And the more useful it will be for decision-making.

How Often Should the Carbon Footprint of Products Like Bags Be Measured?

Ideally, every time key conditions change.

For example, if you change suppliers, materials, or processes.

It also makes sense to do it periodically. This way we can track progress and adjust strategy without improvising.

Take control of your ESG data today.
Take control of your ESG data today
Start nowRequest a demo
Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.