- Team BIDBI
- 24th February 2018
We all know that Plastic bags are bad. They can be seen flapping in tree branches, floating in rivers or standing out amongst landfill mounds. However, it is not only that plastic bags take hundreds of years to naturally degrade, it is also that manufacture and transport is very costly for a disposable, one-time use.
According to GOV UK, in 2014 over 7.6 billion single-use plastic bags were distributed to customers by large UK supermarkets. This accounts to around 140 bags per customer and an equivalent to 61,000 tonnes. Particularly in the last decade, Fashionistas, recessionistas and green gurus everywhere recognise the Eco-bag trend – a positive initiative to combat the amount of plastic used on a daily basis. This is a trend which is growing increasingly popular since the proliferation of the 5p bag tax in 2015, when the Guardian reported that plastic bag usage dropped by 85%.
Here are four reasons why Cotton Tote Bags are better than plastic bags and why they can benefit both businesses and consumers.
1. Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility
Since 2007, many companies have committed themselves to fulfil Corporate Social Responsibility and Eco-bags with Fairtrade certification serve as an effective way to communicate this message. They can be used as a promotional tool for events of customer giveaways or a practical canvas for artists and designers to showcase their artwork. Customers are yearning for brands to have a conscience; and eco-bags communicate that a brand is willing to do more to save the environment.
BIDBI can also offer ethical accessories such as purses, aprons and tea-towels to communicate your brands message, or smaller drawstring or shopper bags to act as fashionable yet ethical packaging.
2. Price of Investment
Not only do eco-bags send a message; the returns of investment are huge as a cotton tote bag can be used again and again. As a result, this saves the cost of plastic-bag production and depletes the 400 years to decompose each and every one. If hygiene is a concern, a cotton tote bag can be hand washed ready for its next use. A basic style promotional cotton bag with a screen-pint is cost effective and can still create a vibrant look.
3. More Durable
In comparison to plastic bags which are prone to break easily, a canvas tote is secure enough to house shopping which plastic would not withstand. In addition; over-the-shoulder straps means shopping can be transported more conveniently. A larger shopper bag is constructed in a heavy weight with a gusset and woven handles, which is strong enough for the weekly grocery run.
4. An ethical Fashion Statement
Eco-bags are increasingly seen as the latest cool fashion accessory. Plastic bags in garish colours are not the most flattering however tote bags can effectively make a bold fashion statement which compliment an everyday style. At BIDBI, our printing services can establish a range of fabrics and finishes to ensure the outcome is as unique as the brand. Advanced printing techniques such as metallic foil, fluorescent ink, puff ink and discharge ink create a look which will create brand exposure.
References
The Guardian source:
GOV UK source:
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