The Ultimate Guide to Creating Custom Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable bags: The benefits of reusable bags. Why should you use them?

There are a number of reasons why your business should take reusable bags into consideration. As mentioned earlier, personalised reusable grocery bags have many advantages that will promote a healthier environment and benefit your business in various ways. However, as environmental concerns were one of the main reasons for using these bags, let's start with that.

1. They encourage a green movement

The most prominent consideration in relation to reusable bags is sustainability. But how exactly do reusable bags benefit the environment? The main aim of environmentally friendly reusable shopping bags is to reduce and reuse.

Using shopping bags again helps significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic causing pollution worldwide. Reducing plastic usage is one of the most important environmental issues, and demonstrating your company's interest in sustainability is as simple as using reusable shopping bags.

2. But can reusable bags be recycled?

The answer is complicated. Reusable bags cannot normally be recycled. When they are worn out, consumers cannot simply throw them in the recycling bin. These bags may be made from different materials, some of which are recyclable and some of which are not. They need to be recycled using proper infrastructure and programmes such as Wal-Mart's blue bag recycling programme. Nevertheless, reduction and reuse are much better than recycling, as dismantling, remanufacturing and redistribution require more energy.

3. They offer operational advantages

As well as being sustainable, the functional advantages are another reason why people should replace single-use bags with reusable ones. Reusable bags are stronger and more durable, and can be adapted for different functions to satisfy various packaging requirements, providing a more satisfactory customer experience.

4. They are excellent for marketing, advertisement and brand recognition

Moreover, custom reusable shopping bags are an inexpensive way to put your brand in the limelight. With your logo and branding on them, your bags act as mobile advertisements for your business! According to an Ad Impression Study by ASI, the average bag receives 1,940 impressions during its lifetime, and 43% of consumers report keeping and using a reusable bag for at least two years.

Reusable bags can be used for advertising and brand recognition through regular exposure, and can be used to offer special promotional opportunities at events and trade shows, which will further enhance brand awareness.

5. Differentiation and competitive edge

Bags with unique, eye-catching brand designs are also a sure way of ensuring that your business stands out in the market. This is because, by providing customers with such quality bags, you differentiate your business from others who usually use generic, single-use bags.

Don't believe us? ASI's Ad Impressions Study also found that 26% of consumers would be more likely to do business with a company that gave them a branded bag.

6. It increases customer loyalty and interaction

This automatically results in increased consumer loyalty and engagement. You can entice customers by offering them a practical, stylish and environmentally friendly bag that sets you apart from your competitors. These reusable bags will create a positive perception of your brand and enhance customer loyalty as they identify with sustainability. At the same time, they will enhance your brand's personality by showcasing your design skills.

Types of Reusable Bags

Despite all these advantages of reusable bags, it is almost certain that companies should switch to this alternative to conventional single-use bags. As we have already mentioned, there are numerous varieties to choose from, each with their own particular style and advantages. The most popular types of bags are listed below.

Tote bags: The reusable bag. They come in different sizes, are durable and attractive. They provide enough space for consumers to transport items such as groceries or books.

Drawstring bags: As the name implies, these bags have drawstrings so that they can be easily closed to ensure that items do not fall out. Drawstring bags make good giveaway gifts and can be used by consumers in their daily lives, for example when going to the gym.

Foldable bags: These bags have creases and can be easily stored and transported when not in use. Custom foldable reusable grocery bags are a good substitute for conventional plastic bags.

Insulated/cooler bags: These bags contain thermally insulating materials or refrigerant gel to help keep items at a certain temperature. They keep cold food cold and hot food hot, making them ideal for food and drink.

Features of customised reusable bags

As well as the various types of bags available to suit your specific requirements, you can also customise the bags further to enhance their quality, functionality, security and perceived value. These characteristics include:

• Zippers

• Inside pockets

• Buttons

• Ropes

• Straps
• And more!

Printing and designing tote bag surfaces

Deciding on the type of bag and its design is all well and good, but the real fun and personalisation begin with printing. Printing transforms a generic bag into branded artwork that will make you stand out from the competition.

However, not all bags are created equal, nor are all printing methods the same. How you print on tote bags depends on time, budget, the complexity of the design, and the material the bag is made of. Fortunately, there are a number of printing methods that can be used to meet specific requirements.

Screen printing: This is the most common technique for printing reusable bags in bulk. It is applicable to most materials and ideal for simple, bold logos and messages. However, images with more detail or more than one colour would be better printed using another technique because this method uses one colour at a time.

Digital printing: Digital printing is ideal for smaller quantities and detailed designs with bright colours. However, it may not be as durable as screen-printed designs. Furthermore, synthetic bags cannot be used with this printing method. This is because digital printing involves the use of heat, which can result in the synthetic materials melting.

Embroidery: Embroidery will give your bag a high-quality, luxurious look. While it produces good aesthetics, it falls short when it comes to more complex designs. This printing method works best with simple designs.

Puff embroidery: Puff embroidery is three-dimensional, involving the use of materials such as foam to lift the stitching off the bag's surface. It is best suited to simple, blocky text or shapes.

How can you introduce reusable bags to your business?

Bags are an integral part of daily life, and it's easy to see how reusable bags can be incorporated into your customers' routines. They are ubiquitous among gym-goers, people who want to carry groceries for the week, and people who want to carry their books to the library.

Tap into this daily need and help the environment and your business with custom reusable shopping bags! Reusable bags are commonly provided in grocery or retail stores, but they can also be given out at events, as promotional items, or even as holiday gifts.

The beloved IKEA Frakta bag

IKEA is an example of a company that introduced reusable bags. The iconic Frakta bag is a large, strong, recyclable bag in plain bright blue with yellow zippers and a logo in IKEA's brand colours.

IKEA has developed a reusable bag that is simple, practical and sustainable for consumers, businesses and the environment.

Get started with custom reusable shopping bags

Reusable bags are an effective and fashionable initial step that any company can take towards sustainability. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This is where Winpack Printing can help, by providing the support you need.