Customized Grocery Bags

Goodbye Plastic Bags

It’s an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste being dumped in the world’s oceans each year, and we are all responsible. There must be something else also causing the seeming avalanche of announcements from all sections of society to combat this level of waste.

Many commentators have attributed the pace of action to the Blue Planet II nature series, released last year, which documented to such large audiences the damaging impacts of single-use plastics.  Canvas bags and other reusable bags are emerging and becoming more popular for shopping and other daily activities that can be done with bags large and small enough to hold.

As the mood has changed, small companies to large corporates (and governments), have acted quickly to ensure they remain on the right side of public opinion. The website called  Climate Action has spent time wading through the press releases, policy documents and sustainability targets to see who is being the most bold. In doing so, they have come up with a top 5 list of companies which are really testing themselves, and could have the most impact. Here are 2 of them.

ASDA

Even before ASDA’s planned merger with Sainsbury’s was announced, the UK food retailer had made bold commitments on plastic pollution. Earlier this year, it set out plans to immediately reduce plastic use by 10 percent in 2018, which will require the replacement of 2.4 million drinking straws. All of its stores will also remove single-use cups and cutlery by 2019.

In the long-term, it set out ambitions to make all its branded packaging recyclable by the mid-2020s. As the company currently serves 18 million people a week, the potential for changing consumer behaviour is high.  ASDA is also owned by US giant Walmart and the merger with Sainsbury’s will create the largest supermarket chain in the UK. It’s uncertain if the latter will take on ASDA’s plastic plans, but it could come under pressure to step up to the plate.

McDonalds

With over 36,000 restaurants in 122 locations, it’s clear when McDonald’s commits to doing something “across the globe”, it means it.

The fast food chain hasn’t received a good press for its business practices over the years, and recent environmental commitments are perhaps designed to counteract this negative image.

“As the world’s largest restaurant company, we have a responsibility to use our scale for good to make changes that will have a meaningful impact across the globe,” Francesca DeBiase said recently, McDonald’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

She was commenting on the company’s landmark decision to ensure 100 percent of its packaging comes from renewable, recycled or certified sustainable sources within the next eight years.

The move has been backed by leading environmental organisations and McDonald’s has pledged to work with local governments to help achieve the goal.

If successful, it would mean a huge amount of plastic diverted from the world’s oceans, and an unprecedented number of people engaged along the way.

Promotional Shopping Bags for Branding Your Business

With the introduction of greener initiatives and more environmentally-friendly options across all industries, it only makes sense that the popularity of custom reusable bags continues to rise among business advertising strategies.

Reusable bags are sturdier, prevent waste, and are easy to carry on-the-go. They're perfect for grocery shopping, running errands, or even as an everyday carryall to take to work. In short, everyone can benefit from a reusable shopping bag. And many don't think to buy one for themselves.

You can capitalize on this opportunity by designing custom reusable shopping bags with your logo for your customers. It's an easy and effective way to share motivational or funny messages to help boost brand awareness. This affordable promotional tactic can help get your business in front of a bigger audience on a more consistent basis. Plus, it provides a value and convenience to your client base with little cost needed on your end.

Shop Custom Reusable Bags

There are several different colors and styles of bags to choose from -- all you have to do is make is add your personalized touch. Make sure to include your business tagline or logo when customizing bags to get the most out of your messaging.

Then, take them to your next tradeshow or corporate event. Pass them out at your next open house or gift them through the mail to potential customers. There's no limit to how creative you can get with styling and distributing your promotional shopping bags.

A custom reusable bag ensures visibility of your brand whenever and wherever your recipient uses it. The amount of exposure they can generate for your business far outweighs the minimal cost it takes to make them.