The Truth About White Bags: Why Mill26 Sticks to Natural Hemp

When you order from traditional paper bag suppliers, solid white bags are commonly an option. However, you may notice that all of our hemp bags at Mill26 are not white and only available in the natural brown or tan hue. Therefore, we do get this question quite a bit: “Does Mill26 offer bleached bags?”

The quick answer is no, we don’t offer bleached bags even though we do understand why some customers prefer them. For example, black ink can provide a starkly contrasting effect to make a brand logo pop—we get it! However, we do have good reasons for not using bleach with our 100% hemp paper bags. Take a closer look at our reasoning below.

Why We Don’t Offer Bleached Bags at Mill26

Brown paper bags are often considered less trendy or a little too traditional in appearance, but we only offer natural-hued bags for one major reason. At Mill26, our commitment to sustainability drives every decision, including not offering bleached bags.

No Bleach Means a More Sustainable Paper Bag

Bleaching paper involves chemicals like chlorine or chlorine dioxide, which are resource-intensive and contribute to environmental pollution. By avoiding bleach, we reduce the use of these chemicals, thereby minimizing our ecological footprint as a company, which is something we’ve been doing for decades. Our natural-colored hemp bags are a testament to our commitment to sustainability from production to product.

A Closer Look at the Dangers of Bleaching Agents in the Environment

The bleaching process in paper production, particularly when using chlorine-based compounds, introduces significant environmental risks that many people don’t recognize. Dioxins and furans, byproducts of this process, are not only highly toxic but also extremely persistent in the environment. According to environmental assessments, these chemicals can accumulate in water bodies and lead to a host of alarming problems, such as:

  • Water Contamination: Studies indicate that effluents from pulp mills using chlorine bleaching can contribute to water pollution, with dioxins and furans detected in nearby water sources. These pollutants do not degrade easily. Therefore, one paper mill’s bleaching practices could easily lead to long-term pollution.
  • Impact on Aquatic Life: Research has shown that even minute concentrations of dioxins can affect aquatic ecosystems, leading to reproductive issues in fish and other aquatic organisms. This bioaccumulation can magnify through the food chain, affecting larger predators and ultimately humans who consume seafood.
  • Human Health Risks: The potential for dioxins to “bioaccumulate,” which means in simple terms they can enter the human food chain and have the potential to pose health risks including cancer, immune system damage, and developmental issues in children.

By avoiding bleaching agents, as Mill26 does, we not only reduce the direct environmental impact but also mitigate the broader ecological and health risks associated with these pollutants. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability that extends beyond production, aiming for a cleaner, safer environment for all.

At Mill26, We’re Committed to Sustainability at Every Turn

Our range of hemp paper products, from bags to tubes and other solutions, reflects our dedication to providing alternatives that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible. Each product is designed with the natural color of hemp, but we believe this choice highlights its inherent beauty and reinforces our message of sustainability.

Choosing unbleached hemp paper bags might mean forgoing the stark contrast of black ink on white, but it’s a trade-off we believe in for the greater good. If your brand is looking to take more steps toward sustainability or even just earth-friendly choices, unbleached bags, whether hemp paper or not, are always a better solution.

Explore Our Full Collection of Sustainable, Unbleached Hemp Paper Products at Mill26

When making small decisions like what kind of paper bags you use, sustainability may not be at the forefront of your decision-making process. However, it is the small changes we can all make in every industry that lead to the biggest difference when protecting the planet we all share. One small way you can make a difference is by embracing the natural composition and color of hemp when picking paper bag supplies for your business. Explore the full collection of hemp paper bags at Mill26, where sustainability always matters.

Copyright © 2025 Mill26 |

Site by CannaPlanners