Both shop owners and shoppers are conscious of their use of reusable bags vs single-use bags.
When it comes to shopping, the bag used to carry items home is as much a concern for the shopper as it is for the store proprietor. Cost, convenience, durability, and style are all factors when considering single-use vs reusable bags.
Fortunately, a variety of shopping bags are available to meet the needs of a wide range of consumer items. Reusable bags and renewable bagasse and paper bags are becoming the preference for items such as groceries, clothing, and other household consumer goods.
Biodegradable specialized single-use seafood bags and baked good bags are also available for to-go food orders.
For stores then, the type of bag is not a trivial consideration. Utility and cost-effectiveness are a need but, for some shops, so is branding. The style of the bag, its materials, its color, and even the addition of a logo can all contribute to an enjoyable shopping experience furthering the goals of the brand.
The Evolution of Reusable Bags and Biodegradable Single-Use Bags
Environmental concerns are encouraging manufacturers to develop more options for eco-friendly, biodegradable single-use bags along with sustainable reusable bags, giving businesses and shoppers more options than ever before.
Paper and bagasse bags made from sugarcane processing waste, are increasing in popularity and allow brands to customize their bags in different colors and include their logo.
Reusable tote bags are preferred by a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers who also consider the amount of waste they produce each year. For businesses that offer reusable bags, they benefit in multiple ways including customer goodwill and the ability to brand their business every time the shopper carries their bag. They can even save on the expense of shopping bags by charging customers a small fee to purchase a reusable bag.
What Are Reusable Bags?
Reusable bags are designed to be sturdier, allowing for long-term repeat use by shoppers. Common use cases for these totes are groceries, wine shops, retail stores, events, trade shows, and sales conferences.
Often made from recycled materials such as water bottles, Recycled Polyethylene (rPET) laminated reusable shopping totes are durable, comfortable to carry, attractive in design, and an eco-friendly way to eliminate the use of thousands of plastic bags for just one shopper!
Custom Reusable Bags Make Great Promotional Items
Businesses recognize that custom reusable bags vs single-use bags amplify their brand voice and complement existing marketing efforts. Because of this, some companies choose to give away custom reusable bags. By adding their brand’s color and logo, businesses take advantage of the additional eyeballs that will see the bag, increasing exposure for the business at very little cost. Custom printed reusable bags receive an estimated 6,000 impressions!
Here are common ways that businesses can leverage custom reusable bags:
As a reward. Giving away a free, attractive reusable tote bag as part of a brand’s rewards program shares goodwill with customers, increases brand exposure, and reduces single-use bag costs.
As a promotion. Offering a reusable tote bag to shoppers on a specific day or who spend over a certain amount of money with you is a great way to encourage higher sales and provide a great customer experience at the same time.
Event giveaway. Trade shows and other large events frequently include a branded reusable bag for attendees so that they can carry around the sales and other marketing materials they collect. These bags reinforce the sponsor’s brand and messaging long after the event is over.
Reusable vs Single-Use Bags for Going Green
Businesses that want to show their customers that they are environmentally conscious have access to eco-friendly options within both the single-use and reusable bag lineup.
Green Single-Use Paper Bags
Since paper bags are made from sustainable or recycled materials that compost well, they are a popular option for environmentally conscious businesses and their customers. Paper shopping bags can also be branded and even include a variety of styles, including handle options, making them a good choice for businesses that are eco-friendly and want to offer a cost-effective, easy-to-carry tote bag for their customers.
Coming in all sizes and custom use cases such as pharmacy bags and bakery bags, single-use paper bags are a good option for many businesses.
Because paper bags are biodegradable, they do not harm the environment. Choosing a 100% recycled natural grocery, bakery, or pharmacy bag, provides customers with the stylish and eco-friendly packaging they expect.
Green Bagasse Bags
Made from leftover sugarcane fiber that might otherwise be discarded, bagasse bags take advantage of a readily available renewable resource, and, because sugarcane is fast growing, bagasse is more sustainable than bags made from paper.
Another benefit of bagasse is its environmentally friendly manufacturing process using less energy and chemicals than other bag options. Toxin and chemical-free, bagasse can decompose in home composts in 90 days, making disposal easy and eco-friendly.
The renewability, sustainability, and compostability of bagasse make it a great option when environmental concerns are combined with the need for quality, durability, and attractiveness.
Bagasse bags are a popular choice for grocery stores, food services, and to-go orders. Due to their structure and durability, they are perfect for discerning foodservice providers and their customers.
Green Reusable Bags
Reusable bags tell customers that a business is conscious of how they impact the environment and that they support shoppers who share the same concern. Reusable bags with your brand name on them boost your business image and help influence others to do the same. Today’s consumers, especially younger generations, are very environmentally conscious and have a greater affinity for brands that share their values.
Choosing Reusable vs Single-Use Bags
When selecting a reusable bag for your business, ensure that it is high quality. Focus on construction, durability, and style. Some reusable bags are not constructed for longer term use and can therefore represent your brand negatively. If you are going to offer a reusable bag, commit to quality and your customers will reward you for it!
Reusable Bags for Luxury Products
Discerning shoppers expect their customer experience to match the value of the product you sell – including the packaging they take it home in. High-end goods and items sold in boutiques require shopping bags that match the brand’s messaging.
Consider custom, high-quality reusable shopping bags for clothing boutiques, salons, jewelry stores, books, electronics, and wine shops.
For food items, consider bagasse bags or other high-quality single-use paper bags.
Reusable Paper Bags
Some paper bags are designed to be reusable along with their other benefits of being recyclable and biodegradable. With options including flat or twisted handles, reusable paper bags come in all sizes and are a great option for bakeries, boutiques, and other retailers.
Single-Use Paper Bags
Durable single-use paper bags can be customized for the brand, providing a more memorable, higher-quality customer experience. Designed to support greater amounts of weight, shoppers appreciate having the option of single-use plastic bags.
Costs: Reusable Bags vs Single-Use Bags
As shoppers increasingly prefer reusable bags, some stores can reduce or even eliminate the need to purchase single-use bags. This saves stores expenses in the long run. Stores can even charge for the reusable bag, eliminating or reducing their costs to stock them.
When shoppers purchase a reusable bag they are likely to use it more frequently and over a longer period of time. The simple act of paying a low fee for a custom reusable bag, tells the shopper that the bag is valuable and should not be discarded.
Cost-Effective Single-Use Bags
Paper bags are especially cost-effective when taking into account their durability and customization potential. Made from a renewable resource, paper bags are sustainable and their biodegradability makes them a preferred option for many shoppers.
Ask Servous About Reusable or Single-Use Bags for Your Business
Environmental awareness has resulted in more bag options than ever for businesses and their shoppers. The experts at Servous can help you determine the right bags for your store no matter your business type or budget. We can even customize bags to match your brand.
Contact us today to speak with one of our bag specialists.
