What Should You Know About Grocery Bags? September 30, 2022 08:00

Buying groceries online is nothing new. Still, several consumers like to stick to their offline shopping trends. They visit the local stores and purchase groceries for their daily needs. Bag manufacturers have started designing different types of grocery bags to serve these consumers. Modern customers are also interested in using stylish bags for their everyday grocery shopping purposes. Let’s delve deep into the world of grocery bags.

In this article, we are going to discuss everything about grocery bags so that, as a consumer or a business owner, you can make the right decision while choosing any one of them.

• History of grocery bags
• Reusable grocery bags vs single-use grocery bags
• Fabrics of reusable grocery bags
• How to discard old grocery shopping bags
• Common FAQs on grocery bags
• Conclusion

History And Evolution Of Grocery Bags- A Transition From Plastic To Grocery Bags

During the 1970s, there was a trend of using plastic shopping bags in every part of the world. There is a use of trillions of bags every year. However, these bags have become the biggest contributor to environmental pollution.  

In 1933, a chemical plant in England manufactured polyethene, a type of plastic. During the Second World War, the British military used the bags secretly. In 1965, a Swedish company, Celloplast, patented a polyethene shopping bag. The plastic bag designed by Sten Gustaf Thulin replaced the cloth in Europe.

Plastic bags covered 80% of the bag market, and they started spreading from Europe to the USA. Plastic manufacturers started marketing their single-use products.  

Kroger and Safeway, the big supermarket chains, began to rely on plastic bags. These bags are more cost-effective alternatives, and several stores prefer them.

Charles Moore, one of the researchers, discovered that the ocean accumulated several plastics that could threaten marine life.

Plastic pollution is responsible for harmful effects. In 2002, Bangladesh was the first to put a bag on plastic bags. Then, in 2018, UNEP found that several countries have created laws against using plastic bags.

These facts have encouraged consumers to reject disposable plastic shopping bags. That is why they have started using reusable shopping bags. 

The eco-friendliness of these grocery bags aligns with green goals helping brands to prove authenticity.

Why You Should Choose Reusable Grocery Bags Over Single-Use Plastic Bags

Grocery bags represent common items used every day by populations in countries and nations across the world. Reusable grocery bags represent a certain, popular variety of product. Typically fashioned from durable materials, such as cotton cloth or jute (also known as burlap), these bags enable users to shop for grocery items every day. In fact, bulk reusable grocery bags continue to be a fast-selling item across supermarkets and other stores. These products are available in various sizes, shapes, and colors – and they offer consumers steady help in completing their daily or weekly grocery shopping trips.

Bags have turned out not only as a utility product but also as an accessory which reflects your style statement. Especially, in today’s world which is crying due to pollution of the natural environment, the people look and seek only eco-friendly reusable bags which are safe for them, nature and all others around them. 

There are many other reasons as well which can propel you to use these bags over any other type of grocery bags. Let’s have a look on some of these points.

• Durable products lasting long and giving value for money

In terms of sheer durability of product, custom reusable grocery bags present a definitive value proposition. The weaves and strands of natural fiber used to construct these products makes them ideal for months and years of prolonged use. In addition, such bags are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand casual handling in the hands of different types of shoppers. Certain users choose to build collections of such bags for use during specific days of the week. This idea helps extend the life of individual bags, thus reinforcing the case for using reusable grocery bags.The bags made of canvas or jute are really long lasting and can withstand multiple usage for carrying groceries as well as other items. On the other hand, single-use plastic bags offer short lifespans, remain prone to scarring, and ultimately are destined for polluting landfills. 

• Washable, Breathable

Typically, users can wash printed reusable grocery bags as part of preserving the integrity and health of these products. They can soak the bags in warm detergent solutions once a month; such actions disinfect the bags, restore product attributes, and generally promote good household practices. Ideally, washed reusable grocery bags must be dried in the sun in open areas. This helps remove any unpleasant odors from the bags, thereby encouraging users to find new uses for these products as they navigate various phases of product life cycle. Grocery bags when used to carry vegetables, sometimes end up soiled. However, the washing gives an all new and fresh look to them which is not possible with other single use bags. They offer no such choices. 

• Varying Sizes for varying usage

Modern consumers can find innovative uses for large-sized reusable grocery bags. For instance, personalized tote bags Australia can find use as personal carry bags when students choose off-beat carriage for their books, journals, pens, and paper headed for school and college. The smaller sizes are easy to carry along and offer great convenience. These environment-friendly products project a responsible social image, promote safe carriage choices, and help educate other members of the community. In contrast, single-use plastic bags carry within themselves a high cost to the natural environment, and therefore their use must be discouraged in all communities.

• The Culture Factor

At the end of their lifespan, reusable grocery bags can be creatively repurposed to serve as a variety of home-made products. These include cushion coverings, custom door stops, floor mats, colorful (but washed out) wall hangings that adorn private living spaces, playthings for small pets, etc. The fabric in these bags enables such an extension of choices, thereby retaining these products within the household. An extensive use of reusable grocery bags also encourages modern industry to create new lines of environment-friendly products destined for mass markets. In contrast, single-use plastic bags must be disposed of and they offer zero extension in lifespans. These also signal the dangers posed by man-made pollution in modern times. 

• Promotional use of custom grocery bags

Owing to the great demand and use of reusable grocery bags by people, many businesses choose them as a tool to advertise their brand. Getting a preferred size of the bag and personalizing it with a company’s name or logo imparts a distinctive feature to the bag which carries a brand name to far off places. Such bags available in varying sizes, colors or designs can be used by different businesses to delight their customers and extend the visibility of the brand. Usually, such reusable grocery bags are bought in bulk to given as a freebie to the loyal customers or revisiting customers during festivals and long weekends. Just make sure to choose the best quality grocery bags to offer to your customers and extend goodwill and reputation across people.

What Are Reusable Grocery Bags Made Of?

Grocery bags entertain the market in different fabrics, out of which reusable bags are the most common ones as they are eco-friendly and affordable to purchase. Since people have different needs and varying choices, they come in a variety of fabrics, shapes, designs, and patterns. You can also stock with some of these at home to use for your varying shopping needs like for a vegetable market, a grocery shop, or a fruit market.

Here are some of the various fabrics in grocery bags that you can choose the next time you go shopping:

1. Canvas bags– You have encountered the name several times in your life and you even have one at home. Canvas or cotton shopping bags are extremely common type of bags. These are made from natural fibres like cotton or organic cotton and are reusable, thus causing no harm to the environment. Such grocery bags with logo look more stylish when carried. They are durable and sustain outdoor wear and tear. Mostly available in plain colors, you can find them in different prints as well. however, if you are purchasing them for business promotion, then choose a single color bag which reflects your logo well. 
2. Jute bags– These are yet another common type of bags we see around people carrying, though they are more suitable for commercial usage. Jute being a strong fibre has strong physical properties and can carry bulky goods. That’s why jute is used to make ropes, sapling bags etc. The reason you should use jute bags is because they are light in weight and extremely durable which makes it convenient to use for longer periods of time. In warehouses, godowns and stocks, the manufacturers or the agricultural producers stock the produce in such jute sacs which are safe and easy to be piled up. To make the bags look distinctive, they get them customized with the company’s name and logo. 
3. Hemp bags– Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa plant species used for industrial purposes. Thus, the usage of hemp bags comes into existence. Hemp bags are originally made from yarns of hemp fibre. These bags are considered to be the best fit for travel bags are they are strong, light weight and extremely absorbent. Such bags are also UV resistant making them suitable for the outdoor use. 
4. Recycled PET bags– As the name suggests, these are the kind of bags which are recycled from plastic containers or bottles. These bags are strong, durable and since they are recycled, they even help to reduce waste. These bags can be combined with other fibres to make more use out of them. These bags can also be used in promotions as printed bags and can enhance the look of a particular brand. 
5. Calico bags- Calico bags are made from 100% cotton and are highly used bags these days. Many people use them without even knowing the names. However, for commercial and business usage, they are ordered with proper name. These bags come in a variety of handle designs like drawstring, two short handles, long shoulder straps and more. Being made out of cotton, they are washable and reusable. When discarded, they can be sent for recycling. 
6. Cotton- Organic cotton and recycled cotton are some of the natural fibers used for making reusable bags. These eco-friendly bags never harm wild lives. It is also easy to wash them every your regular use. In terms of strength, these cotton bags are thicker and more durable than plastic bags. You can buy reusable grocery bags wholesale to get these products at a lower price. With a variety of prints, these bags will match your style.

Grocery Bags With High Usability Value

Grocery bags may be used in the different ways. Consumers have used for the multiple purposes. By reusing the bags, we can save nature. These bags can be of various colors according to the manufacturing trend. We can also make the business more successful by making the promotion for the grocery bags  and making it the trend among all.

The most exciting thing about these eco friendly bags is their cost effectiveness as they are made of biodegradable material. For this reason, they are not that much costly. Moreover, for manufacturing these bags we need the 5 times less energy than producing the traditional plastic bags. In this way, it will be cost effective

Best Ways To Discard Your Old Grocery Shopping Bags

We are bringing for you a few ways of discarding your bags so that you end up getting rid of them without causing any harm to anyone. Let us talk about those shopping bags and the right process of disposing of them.

Plastic bags-

It is very common for us to take a plastic bag with us while shopping anytime. However, most of us know the fact that plastic is a threat to our environment. As one of the health-conscious shoppers, you have to be environmentally responsible. Plastic carriers are non-biodegradable items, and as they end up in a landfill, they can cause pollution. You may think of reusing them in some ways or send them to a recycling center.

There are some interesting ways of using plastic shopping bags. Take your old plastic bag, ball them up tightly, and stuff them in your pillowcases. If throwing them up is at all needed, the you must look for bins that are used specifically for plastic wastes. In most of the communities, such provisions are available for them. Even in parks and other public places, you would find special places for throwing plastic bags so that they can be discarded, reused, or recycled properly by the authorities.

Paper bags-

One of the eco-friendly and reusable shopping bags is the paper bag. These paper bags undergo decomposition very fast, and we can recycle them easily. Instead of dumping them into your garbage holder, you can send them to recyclers.

However, as there are different types of paper packaging, you can find difference in its environmental impact. For instance, unbleached paper has a lower environmental impact than that of the bleached ones.

Not all paper carriers are fully recyclable. Papers are recyclable, while they are free from ink, plastic coatings, and other contaminants. Thus, papers, which are original and unadulterated, are easy to recycle. Even if thrown in your regular dustbin, they do not pose any threat. So, here you can simply throw them or stack up all the bags for reuse or to sell to the collectors who look for used papers.

Cloth bags-

Cotton cloth bags are highly durable and we can use them several times. You can find shopping bags with logo of some brands. Some of us also use non-woven cloth bags to deliver foods. These translucent bags have slightly rough texture, compared to cotton bags. Untreated cotton fabrics are eco-friendly and they do not cause environmental pollution, as you discard them. You can think of reusing them after washing or else you can also throw them away in your bins.

However, the best option for you is to donate your cotton items to non-profit organizations. These charities will pass along unusable, old cotton fabrics for proper recycling. You can also personally call a vendor who collects old used cotton tote bags or other bags made of natural fibres and sell them. This will get you some money to buy your new bags.

Jute bags-

Colorful jute bags have become trendy choices for shoppers. Jute is a biodegradable and cheaper material with high sturdiness. Jute is recyclable by composting them. However, you may use it as mulch in your garden. It is the best way of reusing jute bags instead of discarding them.

Canvas and hemp are some other reusable and eco-friendly fabrics used for shopping bags. Thus, based on the type of materials used for your branded reusable bags, there is a need for proper disposal methods. Nowadays, lots of brands choose reusable bags as promotional gifts for their customers.

For businesses that choose to promote or advertise their brand, the best way is to go with shopping bags with logo that are made of biodegradable material. This way you will promote your brand in an eco-friendly manner and would make the job of users easier by allowing them to discard it the way they want without causing any harm to the nature.

FAQs On Grocery Bags

Buying grocery bags for your daily usage is common, but if you are buying bags for promotional or branding purpose, then you need to clear a few of your queries before- hand to make the right buying decision. Here are some common FAQs you must go through.

How To Organize Grocery Bags?

You can gather your bags and keep them organised at one place. It is easy to fold these fabric bags and store anywhere. Stack each bag on the top of another.

How To Carry Heavy Grocery Bags?

Make sure that the weight of your bag is 15% of your body weight. Moreover, it is better to place the heavier staff on the bottom. Another trick for you is to carry multiple bags and avoid making a single bag overloaded.

How To Clean Reusable Grocery Bags?

It is easy to clean cotton and canvas bags. You can use laundry detergent and hot water to clean the bags. These fabrics are machine washable, and thus, you will save effort. You may also use anti-bacterial wipes for your grocery bags.

Where Can I Buy Grocery Bags?

Grocery bags can be bought in online as well as brick-and-mortar stores. Many times, even the supermarket, general store, or shop you are visiting might give a free bag with the purchase. In festive seasons and sale season also, you might get a free grocery bag for a certain amount of purchase. At Bags247, you can discover a wide variety of grocery bags in different fabrics that can bought in bulk along with custom-printing services.

What Can I Do With Old Reusable Grocery Shopping Bags?

The old shopping bags can be discarded and sent for recycling. However, at home you can do some DIY craft also with your old bags by turning them into wall hangings, small bags, garden planters and more.

How Are Grocery Bags Made?

Grocery bags are made using different fabrics like cotton, jute, canvas, denim, woven and non-woven materials which are stitched in different patterns and designs to get a desired shape and size of the bag. They can be hand-made at home also using the old denims, cloths, jute or canvas sheets.  

How To Fold Grocery Bags?

Folding grocery bags are quite easy. The tote grocery bags come with a broad bottom that you should first fold by pulling them inwards towards the bag body. Then fold the bag laterally and store at a safe place. However, mostly the bags are hanged to keep them aerated and fresh.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that shopping bag styles have undergone transformation in terms of size and fabrics. Consumers prefer reusable materials for their grocery bags. These bags prevent contamination of food, and thus, they are safe for storing groceries and other edible items. Moreover, you can print the fabrics for promotional campaigns.