Plastic Carrier Bags - The Unsung Hero?

 An unpublished Government report shows us that the plastic carrier bag may be an environmental hero rather than an Eco villan.

The report in question "Life Cycle Assessment of Supermarket Carrier Bags" reveals that the Eco warriors bag of choice the cotton bag may be a wolf in sheep's clothing, with HDPE carrier bags which have a baseline global warming potential of 1.57kg, reducing to just 1.4kg after one re use, the report shows that you would have to use your cotton bag 131 times for it to emit a similar level of CO2 equivalent to HDPE plastic carriers bags and after just reusing your carrier bag once this increases to 171.

With the current situation in Wales that has seen the Welsh Assembly pass a compulsory charge of 5p per carrier bag onto its retailers, this report could not have come at a better time, it highlights the fact that all packaging material has an environmental impact but the key is to either re use your plastic carrier bags in what ever way possible, for example as a bin liner or if you are sticking with your cotton bag you need to make sure you use it over and over again.

Carrier Bag Usage Continues To Fall

The number of carrier bags issued by UK supermarkets has fallen by more than 40 per cent since 2006, according to figures released by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

The fall was recorded across both 'single-use’ carrier bags and all reusable bags, which overall have seen a 4.5 billion reduction in use – representing 41 per cent cut – since 2006, when figures were first recorded, according to WRAP. The weight of bags handed out has also fallen by 42 per cent, or by 39,700 tonnes over the four years. Read Full Story here

5p Carrier Bag Charge Becomes Law in Wales

From the 1st October 2011 Welsh shoppers will be the first in the UK to face a mandatory charge for single use carrier bags after the Welsh Assembly Government approved the plans to make retailers legally obliged to charge for every single use carrier bag.

The original charge for the single use carrier bags was going to be 7p but after the BRC (British Retail Consortium) pointed out that this would make the carrier bags more expensive than some of the bags for life offered by retailers the decision was made to reduce the cost to 5p.

The aim of this charge is to encourage the use of re usable bags for life, but a consequence of this charge could be a huge increase in the use of the heavier bags for life as the customers may start to treat them as single use carrier bags rather than re using them. If this is the case the impact on the environment could be significant with each bag for life containing up to 8 times as much material than single use carrier bags.

Rather than a one size fits all solution the BRC is in favour of retailers being given the power to judge what will work best for their customers, this approach has seen the Welsh retailers reduce carrier bag use by up to 50% since 2006.

For more information visit us on YouTube where we have a video on this subject.

What are your views on the use of carrier bags, what is the best way forward to reduce the impact on the environment. Please comment.

FREE Biodegradable Carrier Bags Are Being Given to Small Retailers

Tendring council have started an initiative as part of their "shop local" campaign to supply small retailers in Tendring with free biodegradable carrier bags. The bags will display the "shop local" message and have details of the free parking scheme, the aim of the free carrier bag initiative is that it will urge shoppers to use their local retailers. Full Story Here

Should more councils follow Tendrings example?

Italian Bag Ban is Illegal and Damaging, Plastics Bodies Claim

Italy has banned its retailers from giving their customers new single use non biodegradable plastic carrier bags, once their current stock has depleted. For a country that uses around 3 times as many single use carrier bags as the UK, this could be a tall order and a massive blow to the carrier bag industry.

Read The Full Story

Carrier Bags Explained

Choosing the right carrier bag for your business or event is important, if you get it wrong you may end up with a pile of bags which are not fit for purpose and an ineffective marketing tool. To help you make the right choice we have put together a breakdown of the various bag types and finishes available today.


Paper Bags
Luxury rope – laminated, these litho printed paper bags are made from a high quality coated board and hand finished to a high standard. With card reinforced handle and base, they are a strong and durable bag.

Luxury rope – un laminated, with the same specification as the laminated version these are an eco friendly alternative, 100% recyclable, so ideal for those people wanting a luxury bag, with the environment in mind.

Twisted or Tape Handle, very popular machine made paper bag’s. These bags are 100% recyclable and the paper used comes from fully sustainable sources.

Counter Bags, are a very economical paper bag mainly used for greetings cards, small gifts and as sandwich bags. The paper is from a sustainable source.

Polythene Bags
Patch or flexi loop handle, a very popular carrier bag, ideal for use at exhibitions and for retail purposes.

Duffle Handle, also a very popular and modern carrier bag, ideal for use at exhibitions and for sports retail shops.

Vest Handle, a very popular choice with supermarkets and other retail outlets, machine produced which makes them one of the most economical options available.

Mailing Bags, in today’s internet world, where more and more is being bought over the web, branded mailing bags are becoming extremely popular.

The Green Option
Cotton Bags, natural, reusable and biodegradable, available with long or short handles, with or without gussets. The standard bags are natural beige and have not been bleached.

Jute Bags, promote waste minimization activities and to boost environment awareness. They are a positive choice for retailers and consumers alike. Ideal for exhibitions and retailers. Available with Jute or Cotton Handles.

Non Woven PP Bags, the advantage of strength whilst being light weight, which makes them the ideal packaging solution for many different products. Available with short, long or plastic handles.

Woven PP Bags, ideal for long term use, being very strong and easy to wipe clean. They can be printed with any design and manufactured to virtually any size or shape.

Whichever bag you decide to use it is always best to consult your supplier as they will have many years of experience and will be able to suggest the perfect solution which will save you time and money.

For more information on the various types of carrier bags available and lead times visit 

Carrier Bags – An Affordable Way to Promote Your Business

With small and larger companies alike competing for their customer’s attention, sometimes within a very crowded market place it can be difficult to decide how to promote your business effectively and affordably. 

There are many ways to do this, Digital media is becoming more and more popular but can become very expensive to implement and maintain, usually needing an outside professional to set up and run your campaign, also traditional print media such as leaflets is still very popular but have a very short life span and normally end up in the bin with the customer not having read any of the information provided.

There is another type of media that is versatile, re usable and cost effective………. Carrier Bags!  Carrier bags are an affordable and effective way to promote your business and they have the added benefit of being re usable so your business will be seen again and again as they turn your customers into “walking ambassadors” of your brand.  With the modern printing processes and huge array of bags to choose from you can create something that makes your brand stand out from the crowd.

Because of the relatively inexpensive nature of these products you can afford to have an eco friendly, sturdy product such as Jute, Cotton or Woven PP which will not only show your companies concern for the environment but will ultimately last much longer and customers will be more likely to re use them thus promoting your brand for longer.

For more information on the various types of carrier bags available visit