To reduce the massive volume of non-biodegradable waste materials, many local government units issued ordinances that require the use of more environment-friendly alternatives such as the use of paper bags, cloth, recyclable paper and reusable checkout bags at the point of sale in all establishments.

Paper bags are made from bleached or unbleached kraft paper. It can come with twisted brown upright handle or an open-hole handle. The paper bags can also be customized with print and are available in varying sizes and paper thickness.