It seems like shopping bags have always been a part of our lives. From picking up a takeout order and checking out at the local grocery store to using them to promote our brand, we are used to seeing personalised shopper bags everywhere we go. But bags haven’t been around forever, though. So, where did they come from and how did we reach this point?

What Are Reusable Bags?

Generally speaking, any heavy-duty bag that can be used multiple times is considered a reusable bag. Thanks to durable materials and a unique manufacturing process, these bags can handle the weight of several items. While their designs differ depending on the manufacturer, most Reusable Bags have dual handles and a generous main compartment. However, you can also find bags that feature small pockets for additional storage space.

Humble Beginnings

Before the 1800s, there were no shopping bags anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact, shoppers would either have merchants deliver the goods to their homes or carry products in baskets. However, everything changed when a schoolteacher from Pennsylvania, called Francis Wolle, invented a machine that was able to produce paper bags. Initially, these were basic envelope-style bags with a small carrying capacity.

But, in 1871, Margaret Knight designed her own paper bag machine, which was capable of producing spacious bags with a flat bottom. Unfortunately, these bags were also lacking, as they weren’t able to stand vertically on their own.

It was in 1883 that Charles Stillwell perfected the craft. He came up with the collapsable brown paper bags that we still use today. In other words, he completely reinvented paper bags, revolutionising the shopping experience for billions of people worldwide.

Paper Tote Bags

Although collapsable paper bags were effective, people started to notice their shortcomings. Simply put, as shops grew and offered a wider range of goods, consumers needed bigger bags to carry even more items.

That’s why, in 1912, Walter H. Deubner, a Minnesota grocer, added handles and reinforced traditional paper bags with a cord, essentially creating the first reusable bag and paper tote at the same time. They were practical, useful, and, best of all, incredibly affordable. In fact, they were sold for 5 pence or £1 in today’s pounds. So it comes as no surprise that within a year, Walter H. Deubner sold millions of these paper tote bags.

Plastic or Paper?

Throughout the following years, shops all over the country have begun to use paper bags. However, later in the 60s, a Swedish company patented plastic bags. In the 80s, they had reached the U.S. market, and most shops were offering them alongside tote bags.

Yet, since they were cheaper than paper bags, plastic ones became incredibly popular, especially for retailers that were looking to save as much money as possible. However, people would soon start to question just how much damage plastic bags can cause to the environment.

Eco-Friendly Options

As years went by, more and more people became aware of pollution. Naturally, since their material isn’t biodegradable, plastic bags began to lose their popularity, slowly but surely. In the meantime, manufacturers have come up with dozens of eco-friendly alternatives, such as non-woven bags, hessian bags, and cotton bags.

Nowadays, almost every store discourages shoppers from using plastic bags. Some stores have increased the price of plastic bags drastically, while others have removed them as an option entirely. On the other hand, reusable bags are more varied than ever, with multiple unique styles, designs and materials. That’s why, in 2007, reusable bags became one of the most sought-after fashion accessories.

Even brands are saying goodbye to plastic bags, embracing an eco-conscious approach to promotional products. Not only can personalised eco-friendly bags make for great promotional items, but since they are reusable, they provide plenty of opportunities for shoppers to display their brand. And most importantly, reusable bags align with green initiatives, helping companies merge marketing, authenticity, and transparency.

Related content:
Custom Eco Bags – Your Grocery Shopping Partner

The Future of Shopping Bags

With the climate crisis going on, it is expected that reusable bags are only going to become more popular as time goes on. That’s because consumers are advocating for a reduction in carbon emissions. They are also pushing for recyclable and reusable alternatives to goods like bags and bottles. As a result, you should take this opportunity and make a change for the better.

If you own a retail business, replace plastic bags with reusable ones. Additionally, remember to incorporate them into your marketing strategies. For instance, bundle reusable bags with other promotional items such as branded pens and custom notepads to create a goodie bag and give it away during trade shows or corporate events. Alternatively, you can just gift them during charity events to reward those who donate. But no matter which way you use reusable bags, you can be sure that your business will flourish and reach new heights.

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Contact GoPromotional at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today, and let’s start your newest marketing journey in style!

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