No matter how useful custom plastic bags are, their excessive use can irreversibly harm our natural environment. Non-biodegradable plastic bags are a major source of pollution on land and water. In fact, large amounts of plastic waste from shopping bags can disrupt natural ecosystems around the world.
Luckily for us, scientific discoveries do more than provide evidence of the need to minimise plastic use. They also push product designers and manufacturers to develop other, more sustainable ways of meeting customer demands. Switching to reusable branded eco-bags can reduce the amount of waste from single-use plastic bags. On average, plastic bags are more numerous than their eco-friendly alternatives. They are also far more likely to end up in a landfill than a reusable eco-bag.
The Eco-Bag Industry
Many countries around the world have banned the use of plastic bags. Such laws point to a global shift towards more eco-friendly ways of doing business. As a result, local economies have developed suitable alternatives, like eco-bags.
Increased popularity and customer preference for recyclable products have key implications for businesses. Companies now have a chance to gain a competitive edge in the market as they become more eco-socially responsible. Eco-bags can thus help a company create goodwill among potential customers.
Businesses can also use eco-bags to market and advertise their products or services. What’s more, reprocessing centres for eco-bags can support local communities and economies in a positive way.
Eco-bags as Promotional Products
Eco-bags are also a fantastic option for businesses to use as a promotional product. During marketing campaigns, eco-bags can be distributed among potential customers as giveaways or free goodies. Advertising through reusable eco-bags is a long-term investment since recipients can use them for a good many years.
Promotional eco-bags will also improve a company’s brand image as customers tend to prefer doing business with environment-friendly companies. What’s more, considering that eco-bags are easily customisable, they also offer a great medium to advertise specific products or services or the brand as a whole.
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8 Reasons Why Eco-Bags Are Better Than Plastic Ones
- Biodegradable — Eco-bags are made of organic material, so they naturally decompose over time. In that way, eco-bags leave behind a much smaller ecological footprint than plastic bags.
- Long-lasting — Eco-bags are reusable as they are made of washable and reprocessable material (cotton, jute, etc.). In fact, we can even recycle plastic waste to create eco-bags using woven Polypropylene.
- A better, more solid grip — On average, compared to plastic shopping bags, eco-bags have a more solid hand-grip. That means they are less likely to rip or tear at the base or handles.
- Creating more jobs — The eco-bag industry (both the manufacturing and recycling activities) can create new job opportunities. At the same time, it reduces the eco-footprint from the manufacture of plastic bags.
- Reduced levels of greenhouse gas emissions — Unlike plastic bags, eco-bags do not emit harmful or toxic chemicals when exposed to fire. By reducing the need to dispose of plastic by burning, eco-bags help mitigate the effects of global warming.
- Greater product diversity — Eco-bags come in different shapes, sizes, and textures. As a result, there is more variety of aesthetic styles and functional features to choose from. For example, our recycled custom drawstring tote bags are both beautiful and useful. And, for the individual customer, their eco-bag shopping experience will be more exciting and satisfying!
- Supporting other related industries — Eco-bags are made from a range of material types, including cotton, denim, jute, wicker, you name it! For this reason, the eco-bag industry also supports several related and niche industries.
- An excellent tool for marketing products and services — Research shows that functional and reusable advertising products are one of the most effective marketing techniques. Eco-bags can therefore be a great marketing tool for businesses to advertise their brand.
The Process of Recycling Used Eco-Bags
Eco-bags can naturally decompose over time. However, it is more profitable and eco-friendly to recycle them for future use. Eco-bags are recycled in special cleaning and processing facilities through an innovative and highly cost-effective process.
By and large, we can break this process down into four stages.
Stage 1: Collecting and Sorting Recyclables
Collecting and sorting out used bags is the first step of the recycling process. Recyclables can be collected from drop-off centres or curbside bins and then sorted according to the material they are made of: paper, jute, cotton, or recyclable plastic. Once sorted, they are sent to different units for further processing. There, these materials are cleaned and churned for the manufacture of customisable shopping bag material.
Stage 2: Cleaning and Processing Eco-Bags
Bag material produced after initial processing becomes the raw material for Stage 2. During this stage, the material is treated with specific chemicals to make a new, freshly manufactured fabric. The end product is a foldable bulk, all set for the next stage of the recycling process.
Stage 3: Colouring and Printing
At this stage, your bag needs a little flair and colour! Plain new fabric produced in bulk is now dyed or printed according to product orders or market trends.
Stage 4: Customising Orders for Eco-Bags
During the last stage of the process, bags are aesthetically or functionally enhanced. Designers then add special features — for example, wooden handles, inner or outer lining, zips, buckles, or pockets. These add-ons will make the final product more attractive to buyers. And they also create a greater diversity in bag styles, fashion, and design.
This four-part process makes it possible to have an old, worn-out eco-bag become as good as new all over again!
Final Thoughts
More than a product buy, eco-bags represent a lifestyle! Sustainable life choices like using recyclable bags can lead us to a better, more secure future. Easy on the eyes as they are on the environment, eco-bags are one small step in the right direction.
Greater product diversity also means that customers now have more options to choose from when it comes to shopping or travelling bags. On the other hand, businesses now have a new way of marketing their products and services to potential customers.
For these reasons and more, reusing and recycling eco-bags is a welcome trend — one that benefits individual customers, businesses, and the society at large.
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Check out our full collection of logo branded bags which includes cotton bags, tote bags, jute bags, travel bags, and drawstring bags. If you require further information or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to give a member of our experienced team a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. We are sure you will find what you’re looking for!
