Which Eco-Friendly Bag is the Best? (A Guide For Businesses)
With the single-use plastic ban in Malaysia, reusable bags are more popular than ever!
Sources suggest the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) might impose a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags by 2026.
Not only are reusable bags convenient to consumers and environmentally-friendly, they present a valuable opportunity for businesses to align themselves with sustainability values.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll address a key question for many businesses: “Which eco-friendly bag is the best?”. We’ll also cover factors to consider when choosing a reusable bag.
What Makes a Bag “Eco-Friendly”?
Eco-friendly bags are designed to minimize environmental impact and offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.
They are typically made from reusable, biodegradable, or recycled materials, ensuring longevity and reducing waste. Key characteristics of eco-friendly bags include:
- Reusability: Designed for multiple uses, reducing the need for disposable plastic bags.
- Biodegradability: Made from natural fibers that decompose naturally, unlike plastic.
- Sustainable Materials: Produced from organic cotton, jute, non-woven fabric, and recycled materials.
Types of Eco-Friendly Bags
Here are several types of eco-friendly bag options, each tailored to different needs and budgets.
|
Material |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Non-Woven bags |
Lightweight, cost-effective, and durable, making them ideal for businesses looking for affordable promotional items. |
|
Cotton Bags |
Soft, biodegradable, and premium in feel, cotton bags offer a stylish, eco-conscious choice. |
|
Jute bags |
Highly durable and compostable, jute provides a natural aesthetic that appeals to eco-conscious consumers. |
Let’s Compare: Which Eco-Friendly Bag is the Best?
Non-Woven Bags
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Best for: Trade shows, expos, supermarkets, and mass promotional campaigns.
Cotton Bags
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Best for: Boutique stores, eco-conscious brands, corporate swag, and premium promotional gifts.
Jute Bags
Source: Freepik
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Best For: Farmer’s markets, organic brands, corporate gift sets, and sustainable lifestyle promotions.
Unsure which is the right one for you? Contact our team today! We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you find the bag that fits what your brand needs.
What Features Do Consumers Want?
If you’re looking for the best reusable bags for your brand, it’s important to understand what qualities your target audience looks for in eco-friendly bags.
One great way to get insights is exploring public forums like Reddit and Quora.
In this section, we look at discussions from r/BuyItForLife, r/abbotsford, and r/ZeroWaste which center around the best reusable grocery bags.
Brands that were mentioned often include:
|
Brands |
Features Consumers Liked |
|---|---|
|
|
Large capacity, durable, easy to carry on shoulder |
|
|
Durable, comfortable handles, washable, flat bottom |
|
|
Strong, foldable Note: Higher price point. |
Good qualities that were mentioned often include:
- Cloth / Canvas
- Durable / long-lasting
- Strong and large capacity
- Foldable / collapsible
- Easy to carry — wide handles, straps that fits over shoulder
- Flat bottom
- Machine washable
- Water resistant
- Insulated
- Nice print or colour
This is supported by a 2023 research which found that consumers are more likely to reuse packaging that ages gracefully (outer appearance); and are durable and easy to clean.
Therefore, brands need to consider these factors/qualities to create reusable bags that resonate with, stand out to, and are purchased by their customers.
Why Eco-Friendly Bags Are the Future
The shift towards sustainable packaging is not just a trend but a necessity. In 2022, 175 governments worldwide agreed to work out a global agreement to end plastic pollution.
In Malaysia, the government has enforced a ban on single-use plastic bags in Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah — with plans for a nationwide ban by 2026.
In fact, starting the 1st of March 2024, Penang introduced a “No Plastic Every Day” campaign, encouraging consumers to bring their own reusable bags.
With these moves towards banning plastic-use, businesses are embracing eco-friendly solutions to comply with regulations and meet consumer expectations for sustainability.
Why Are They Better Than Plastic?
Here are a few reasons why eco-friendly bags are better for the environment and businesses:
- Faster Decomposition: Unlike plastic, which takes centuries to break down, eco-bags decompose naturally.
- Healthier for the Environment: Reduce pollution and protect marine life.
- More Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Reusable and durable compared to disposable plastic bags.
- Enhanced Brand Perception: Consumers are more likely to support eco-conscious businesses.
Use Cases For Businesses
Eco-friendly bags serve multiple industries:
- Retail: Supermarkets, boutiques, and e-commerce brands use them for sustainable packaging.
- Corporate: Companies distribute branded tote bags as corporate gifts, event giveaways, and promotional merchandise.
Benefits of Partnering with Viazan Print
Why Choose Viazan Print?
Viazan Print is committed to providing high-quality, reusable bags tailored to modern business needs. Key advantages include:
- Local manufacturing
- Quality assurance
- Customisation services
- Direct price from manufacturer
- Free delivery
- 99% satisfaction rating
Customization Process
Here’s our process for ordering and manufacturing custom eco-friendly bags:
- Step 1 — Inquiries: Check out our product list to see our range of reusable bags, their specifications, and minimum order quantity.
- Step 2 — Confirm Order: Choose the bag material, select a colour, decide on the bag design*, and pick your preferred printing method.
Then, confirm your order with us via Jeff.viazantg@gmail.com or 019 2768 227. We’ll discuss the details with you after reviewing the design.
- Step 3 — Deposit Payment: Deposit a down payment when confirming your order (This is part of our company policy).
- Step 4 — Design Artwork: If you require our design services, our designers will work on the pattern/motif/artwork of your bags.
- Step 5 — Mock Up Sample: Before moving on to the bulk printing, we’ll share with you a mock up sample to ensure the final product aligns with your vision.
- Step 6 — Production: The production process usually takes around one week, but this depends on the order quantity.
- Step 7 — Delivery: We’ll deliver the product right to your doorstep. Balance payment will be collected upon delivery.
*Note: If you have your own design, please email the file to us in a high-resolution PDF.
What Customisation Options Are Available?
Businesses looking to promote their brand while maintaining sustainability can benefit from Viazan Print’s customization options:
- Advanced Printing Methods: To ensure high-quality, durable, and vibrant graphics, we offer printing types such as heat-press and laminated printing.
- Wide Range of Reusable Bags: From tote bags to drawstring bags, we offer a wide range of customizable bag options that fit various branding needs.
- Diverse Selection Of Colours: Brands can choose from our colour chart, allowing your business to align the packaging with its brand identity.
Looking For a Reusable Bag Supplier?
At Viazan Print, we take pride in providing high-quality reusable bags tailored to meet your needs.
As our best-selling product, these bags are not only durable and reusable but also customisable for your branding and promotional purposes.
Whether for retail, events, or everyday use, our bags are the perfect choice for combining practicality and sustainability.
Explore our range of reusable bags — Contact us today and find out how we can create customised bags for your brand!