Sustainable Branding: Best Recycled Bags As Brand Merchandise

What is Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an internationally recognized certification that sets requirements for third-party verification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. Introduced by Textile Exchange, GRS ensures that products labeled as “recycled” are genuinely made from sustainable materials and meet strict environmental and social responsibility standards throughout the supply chain.

Recycled bags, made from materials like recycled polyester (rPET) and polypropylene, offer the perfect blend of functionality, style, and eco-consciousness. When certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), these products ensure that recycled content meets environmental and social responsibility standards.

Read more: Sustainable Marketing Efforts: What Is Global Recycled Standard?

Popular Recycled Materials in Eco-Friendly Bags

Several materials are used to create sustainable bags, but recycled polyester (rPET) stands out as the leading choice for eco-conscious brands. Each material offers unique benefits, but rPET’s combination of durability, water resistance, and vibrant design possibilities makes it ideal for promotional products like branded backpacks, tote bags, and thermal lunch bags.

Here are some commonly used materials in recycled bags:

• Recycled Polyester (rPET): Created from post-consumer plastic bottles, it offers excellent durability, is water-resistant, and reduces waste.
• Recycled Polypropylene: A sturdy, versatile option often used in shopping bags.
• Recycled Cotton: Soft and breathable, but less common in bags due to its lower durability compared to polyester.
• Recycled Canvas: Made from recycled cotton or blended fibers, it’s strong, durable, and perfect for tote bags and backpacks.
• Hemp: A natural fiber known for strength and sustainability, it’s pesticide-free and ideal for blending with other materials.
• Cork: Harvested from cork tree bark, it’s renewable, lightweight, water-resistant, and often used for trims or bag accents.

Why Recycled Polyester (rPET)?
Recycled polyester provides all the benefits of virgin polyester: strength and flexibility, while significantly lowering its environmental impact. Producing rPET uses 59% less energy and emits 32% fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional polyester.

Read more: What is Recycled Polyester?: A Business Sustainability Overview

Best Recycled Bags: When Style Combines Sustainability

Recycled bags offer a perfect mix of functionality and sustainability, making them practical and environmentally responsible promotional items. Some popular styles include:

1. Belly Bags (Recycled Hemp)

This lightweight and compact belt bag is perfect for carrying your essentials on casual outings. Made from recycled materials, it offers a comfortable fit with its adjustable strap and a modern look, making it a stylish and sustainable hands-free option

2. Backpack (Cork)

Ideal for commuters and travelers, this spacious and durable backpack is made from recycled polyester. It features multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized and proudly displays brabd logo. The water-resistant fabric makes it suitable for all weather conditions, perfect for the eco-conscious adventurer.

3. Thermal Lunch Bag (Recycled Polyester)

This eco-friendly lunch bag is made from recycled polyester and helps keep your meals fresh while reducing the use of disposable plastics. It’s a great choice for students and professionals who want to pack their lunch sustainably and in style.

4. Drawstring Bag (Recycled Polyester & Cork)

This lightweight and versatile drawstring bag is perfect for the gym or casual trips. Its simple design is appealing to everyone, and the durable recycled polyester ensures it will last. It’s a subtle yet effective way to highlight brand’s dedication to sustainability.

5. Tote Bag (Recycled Canvas)

This stylish and practical tote bag, made from rPET (recycled polyester), is perfect for everyday errands and shopping. Its robust construction and eco-friendly material make it a great alternative to single-use plastic bags.

6. Shopping Bag (Recycled Silk)

This sturdy shopping bag is designed for repeated use and is a great replacement for disposable plastic bags. Made from durable recycled polypropylene, it’s perfect for grocery shopping, and the large capacity and comfortable handles make it a practical choice for environmentally responsible consumers.

Read more: 8 Cutting-Edge Sustainable Packaging Ideas for Eco-Conscious Brands

The Process of Making a Recycled Polyester Bag

The process of making recycled polyester (rPET) transforms discarded plastic bottles into durable fabric, giving new life to plastic waste. Here’s how it works:

1. Collection and Sorting: Used poly bags are collected and sorted by type to ensure only suitable materials are processed.
2. Crushing and Washing: Sorted plastic is crushed into smaller pieces and thoroughly washed to remove impurities.
3. Melting and Pelletizing: The clean plastic is melted and converted into pellets, which serve as the raw material for polyester fibers.
4. Weaving into Fabric: The fibers are spun into yarn and woven into durable fabric for various applications like bags and apparel.
5. Design and Assembly: The fabric is cut, sewn into finished products, and customized with branding and designs.
6. Reuse and Recycling: These bags can be recycled again, creating a closed-loop process that reduces plastic waste.

This process reduces energy and water use compared to virgin polyester, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32% and preventing plastic waste from ending up in landfills and oceans.

How to Use Recycled Bags for Marketing

Beyond their eco-friendly appeal, recycled bags offer a unique opportunity to boost your brand. Here’s how your business can leverage these items to drive engagement and cultivate a positive brand image:

• • Corporate Gifts: Use branded recycled bags as corporate gifts to showcase your company’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Trade Show Giveaways: Stand out at events by offering eco-friendly bags that attendees will reuse, ensuring long-term brand exposure.
  • Retail Merchandise: Add sustainable bags to your retail line to appeal to eco-conscious customers and generate additional revenue.
  • Social Media Campaigns: Collaborate with influencers to promote your eco-friendly merchandise on social media platforms, targeting younger, environmentally aware audiences.
  • Customer Loyalty Programs: Reward loyal customers with recycled bags as part of a green initiative.

Read more: 9 Ways to Leverage Paper Pulp Packaging for Sustainable Branding

Conclusion

For ODM, recycled bags are a shining example of how sustainability and branding can go hand in hand. Using recycled materials for promotional products, especially when GRS-certified, not only reduces waste but also aligns with global efforts to combat environmental challenges.

 Contact us now to learn how we can help you bring your eco-friendly merchandise for sustainable branding!