Plastic pollution is currently one of the major environmental issues. As plastic bags are part of this threat, we decided to do a diploma research on possible means of reducing the free, thin plastic bags used for fruits and vegetables within the stores of the trading company Lidl Slovenia. Furthermore, we focused on finding a sustainable solution for Lidl. Firstly, we checked what other companies in Slovenia and elsewhere are using as replacements for disposable plastic bags. Secondly, we focused on three different reusable mesh bags that are already being used as replacement on the market. Two of them were made from polyester and one was made from recycled PE plastic. All of them were knitted differently. The purpose of the thesis was to determine which bag carries the heaviest physical load, achieves the best color fastness, and has the longest life span. This required us to check the basic mechanical and optical characteristics of the bags as well as their surfaces. To test the color fastness, we had to design fruit characters in the Adobe Illustrator program and print them on the bags using a transfer printing method. We discovered that the Sample 1 achieved the best results on all tests. This sample was made from polyester and had the net knitted more densely compared to other samples. Moreover, the Sample 1 had the highest breaking force, which allowed it to carry more fruits and vegetables than other bags. This sample also had the best color fastness after the rubbing test. However, we concluded that the printing has not served any useful purpose. In addition, we have found that it is a big expense, while the usage of the printing inks adds to the environmental burden. Based on the analyzed samples we consider the Sample 1 as the most suitable choice for Lidl, whose vision is to provide excellent quality to customers and create a better world for all.
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