For Steel City Marketing the biggest selling item in terms of volume is Polythene Carrier Bags. In nearly 30 years we have sold literally millions. They are generally purchased for use at Exhibitions, companies using them to dispense information to potential customers.

The most commonly used size is 380 x 460 x 76 mm which provides a large print area, allowing great visual impact. Various styles are available – bags with flexible polythene handles, with rope handles, with clip close tops and duffle style bags.

The debate is on however regarding their Eco-friendliness and a number of alternative materials are coming to the fore.

Dealing first with Polythene it is generally perceived that the use of degradable film is preferable due to the fact that the majority of bags go into landfill. Recyclable material is an alternative.

There are Companies who are presently switching to what has become known as “Bags for Life”. These are becoming more and more visible on the High Street hence their increasing popularity in the Promotional Product Market.

Cotton, Canvas and Jute are three materials now utilised. They are versatile, reusable and represent a sustainable alternative. Although considerably more expensive, Companies are making this choice, particularly with their customers’ reactions in mind. Bags made from certified organic grown cotton are also available. All three are biodegradable but, paradoxically, all require high CO_2 emissions to manufacture and distribute.

Non-Woven and Woven PP are relatively new on the scene. They are both long lasting and have the feel of cloth. “PP” is actually a soft textured Polypropylene, which is biodegradable.
Woven PP provides the possibility of producing a light, strong, reusable bag ideal for long-term use. It is generally regarded as the ultimate “Bag for Life”.

Paper Bags do not present the same sort of environmental challenges as their rivals. Basic Bags come in white or brown and are available in numerous sizes. Handles are often made from twisted paper to provide extra strength.

At the top end of the Carrier Bag market come Gloss Laminated Bags – the type used largely in the retail sector. Bags such as these can be completely bespoke giving great visual impact. They are used extensively in the Promotional Product Industry.

The lamination process does carry, however, with it environmental issues. The greenest option for bags of this type would be to use non-laminated kraft paper with handles made from cotton. Non- laminated paper would lessen the visual impact of the product, but along with most other green options mentioned above, it is a price that is more and more being paid.

Find a wide selection of carrier bags and business gifts at Steel City Marketing