Our planet has suffered through enough, and though we needed some time to realise this, we are finally accepting the need to switch to more eco-friendly materials. Businesses and individuals alike are slowly educating themselves on products that have a less damaging impact on our environment. One of those is a reusable bag, which could stay in use for years and thus significantly cut our need to use plastic carrier bags.
However, not every reusable bag is the best eco-friendly solution out there. When you have a business, there are other factors to keep in mind, too, such as the price and how the bag’s design could help promote a brand further.
Essentially, all promotional eco bags have pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which are worth investing in. Fortunately, we have a few tips that could help you make an informed decision and ensure your business impresses a more eco-friendly audience.
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What to Consider When Buying Eco-Friendly Bags
Material
The great thing about reusable bags is that they are made from a plethora of eco-friendly materials. These include fan-favourites like jute, cotton, hemp and bamboo, which we can recycle and thus avoid creating more waste than our planet needs.
Bamboo, hemp, and jute are always good options, as the plants grow fast and don’t require any pesticides or chemicals. Since these materials can be a bit rough, manufacturers often add some cotton to them to soften them and improve their appearance.
You can also go for custom cotton bags and branded hessian bags, as both cotton and jute are renewable and biodegradable. Plus, bags made of this material are rather user-friendly since they’re lightweight and can be machine-washed.
Whichever material you go for, make sure that it’s suitable for the printing method you’re eager to use. Keep in mind that if you want your eco bags to carry your logo or feature full-colour artwork, the material must handle heat transfer well to ensure perfect results.
Features
Every bag comes with its own set of crucial features. However, there is more to keep in mind when choosing an eco-friendly bag than what you might have thought.
Gussets, Handles, and Size
First, consider the gusset, or rather the bag’s depth. If you want to target shoppers, the bags should be deep enough for carrying groceries (and lots of them!).
Another tip is to consider adding more pockets and other compartments to the bags. These should ultimately make it easier for the users to keep their things organised.
While checking the design, look into the handle length and grip as well. Sturdy handles should keep the bags in use for longer and enable them to carry heavier loads.
For more robust bags, consider going for hemp, jute or bamboo eco bags. If the bags, however, are meant for carrying lightweight items, cotton would be fine too.
Finally, match your target audience’s needs with the bag’s size. Smaller bags usually cost less, though they may not be so practical to use on a daily basis. It all depends on the material, however. Even small eco bags can be pretty expensive if they’re made from a silken material and feature more sophisticated, decorative drawstrings.
Every business is different, so you have to consider your target audience’s preferences here. The safest bet is to compare the costs of the small, medium, or large bags. Then, figure out which ones would work best for a particular campaign and would later become your audience’s daily essentials.
Moisture Absorption and Foldability
You want your bags to become must-haves that don’t overwhelm the users but rather make their lives easier. To achieve that, you should consider the bag’s foldability and moisture absorption.
Logo printed foldable bags are a real treat as they don’t take up much space, allowing users to carry them with them wherever they go. This should make them value the bag even more, as they’ll always be ready for impromptu shopping trips, no matter where the day takes them.
Moisture absorption, on the other hand, is closely linked to breathability, or lack of it, which may result in moisture buildup. The best materials to consider to fight this issue are jute or bamboo. These fabrics have a woven texture that lets air flow through the bag, warding off moisture. Though cotton bags have many advantages, we have to wash them regularly to avoid bacteria and moisture buildup.
Cost
Finally, before ordering your eco bags, you ought to consider the price and how much value you’ll get for it.
Generally speaking, you wouldn’t have to ponder much about this if you were buying just one bag. But when shopping for wholesale branded eco bags, the cost definitely affects your decision just as much as it affects your whole marketing budget.
Those looking for a more affordable solution may want to consider cotton bags. These are usually cheaper than bamboo, hemp or jute bags, which should please businesses with more limited budgets. If you’re eager to brand them, you shouldn’t have any issues with that either. They’re easy to print on and will come out looking spectacular and ready to dazzle the crowds.
Keep in mind, though, that cotton bags aren’t as durable as bamboo, jute, or canvas bags. In terms of keeping your logo in circulation for longer, those other materials may have an advantage that’s worth considering.
Besides all this, you must take into account any extras the bags may come with, such as an internal waterproof lining. By comparing all the different features, you will see firsthand which ones are worth allocating a greater chunk of your budget to and which ones you can miss out on for the time being.
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As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us to talk through your ideas. Together, we’ll make sure your chosen eco-friendly bags fit any event or giveaway you have in mind! You may give a member of our experienced team a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today.
