Shopping Bags That We Use Are Changing
The way we use shopping bags is changing here in the UK. Last year, the Queen’s Speech set out the plan for a 5p charge to be introduced for each plastic bag that is used in any shop. Despite warnings from David Cameron that stores would be forced to start charging customers unless they reduced the usage of plastic carriers, the numbers of plastic bags given away rose. Now the legislation is due to go through in late 2015, and the customers will have to foot the bill. But, as good business owners know, cutting costs and offering quality to your clients is key. So, with that in mind, we’re here to offer you some quality, alternative shopping bags.
Why Has There Been A Change In Shopping Bag Legislation?
The reason for the change in shopping bag legislation is simple: it’s far more environmentally friendly. In England alone, eight billion disposable bags are used each year – if you consider the population of the country, this works out at 130 shopping bags per person. It has been known for many a year, that plastic carriers have caused serious harm to marine life and birds up and down Britain’s coastline. Indeed, it’s even thought that about 70 plastic bags are littering each mile of Britain. So far, the scheme has worked in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales – bag usage has been dramatically reduced. So while it can seem like undue governmental pressure on businesses, there’s a lot of social responsibility behind the decision. It’s noteworthy that small and medium sized business – those with 500 employees or fewer – will not have to face passing the 5p charge onto customers and are exempt. However, it’s clear that you should consider dropping the plastic carriers in the bin if you want to be seen to be socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Major retailers have got behind the campaign too – such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, B&Q, WH Smith and the Co-op. Do you want your business to be left behind?
Eco-Friendly Cotton Bags Can Leave Your Customers Contented
It is incredible how things have changed; just a decade or two ago, the thought of using eco-friendly cotton bags for shopping would have been seen as an unnecessary extravagance. Nowadays, it’s seen as majorly fashionable to be associated with ‘eco-friendly’. The trend, over the past decade, has continued with shoppers becoming more and more interested in the mechanics of what they’re buying and what they’re using. So more environmentally friendly baskets, such as paper carrier bags and even the jute bag, have become very popular. The trend started in 2007 when Sainsbury’s launched bags made from unbleached cotton for £5 at selected stores. Within an hour of going on sale, they had sold out. This type of bag was also chosen as the gift bags for guests at Vanity Fair’s 2007 Oscar night party. So, to consumers, the chance to be fashionable – while also saving the planet – is a no-brainer. And while the cotton bag may be too expensive to give away to your customers, it is worth making sure you have them available and within eyeshot of customers so that they have the option to go with a luxury, stylish and economically friendly bag.
Why You Should Consider Promotional Paper Bags For Branding
So when it comes to buying these alternative holders, such as cotton and paper bags, it’s worth considering their worth as promotional bags. The logic behind doing so is clear: with legislation changing so that plastic carriers now cost more money, you’re going to be seeing less of them. What we’re going to be seeing more of is fashionable, eco-friendlier baskets. These bags are more about quality, whereas plastic carrier bags were about mass quantity. By having your company’s branding on such carriers, you’re sending out a message – you’re fashionable and eco-friendly. Not only that, but people won’t just fling away these bags like their plastic bags, they’ll re-use them. And every time they re-use them, they’ll be carrying around your brand message for other shoppers to see. Effectively, you’ve got people acting, in some sense, as your company’s walking advertising billboards! When you stop to think about it, it’s an astonishing investment. Research also shows that people will keep promotional products for far longer than non-promotional products. So if you’re running a campaign, get a load of bespoke bags in to help advertise it, whether it’s a sale or a product launch or something different. At Shopping Bags Direct Ltd, we can make custom bags to fit whatever specification you desire.
Small Gift Bags Can Be A Novel Idea
If you want something a bit different or you want to treat your clients, you can do little wrong with small gift bags. These sorts of holders are perfect to hold smaller, and often more expensive items, such as jewellery. However, this does not mean you have to shower your clients with lavish gifts, as favours and such like are often small. At product launches, companies tend to give away gift bags, and a small gift bag could be the perfect option. After all, no one wants to carry around a huge bag with them all night. At Shopping Bags Direct Ltd, we can cater for all sizes of gift holders. We offer them in a range of materials too if you’re looking for them to be custom-made. However, if you’re just looking for a simple, coloured gift bag, we have plenty of options in stock in nearly 20 different colours. We also have great discounts for those who want to buy small and large gift bags in bulk, which is often the case with corporate orders. You will experience a significant discount per unit if you go down this route.
Get Your New Shopping Bags At Shopping Bags Direct Ltd
So, with this in mind, there are loads of reasons why you may want to look beyond the old-fashioned, out-of-touch plastic shopping bags. From cotton bags to paper bags, there are many alternative solutions to choose from, and we have them all available at Shopping Bags Direct Ltd. Contact us at 0207 993 3813, email us at info@shoppingbagsdirect.com or fill out the enquiry form for a quote at www.shoppingbagsdirect.com – we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Since 2001, we’ve been providing quality bags for all sorts of businesses; come and see what you’ve been missing.
