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 An unpublished Government report shows us that the plastic carrier bag may be an environmental hero rather than an Eco villan.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