Sustainable Bag Sales:
How To Secure Orders & What To Sell

Did you know that 78% of U.S. consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, per a recent NielsenIQ study? What’s more, six out of 10 distributors say they’d prefer to buy products that are environmentally friendly or socially responsible, per the Counselor 2022 State of the Industry report. The numbers don’t lie. Both within and outside the promo industry, sustainability is a selling point you need to know.

With Earth Day taking place in April, now’s the perfect time to update your product assortment with sustainable favorites like eco-friendly and reusable bags. Allow us to help with sales-driving statistics, timely information and product recommendations your clients will love.

Sustainable Bags by the Numbers

One of the most prominent indicators of the growing call for sustainability is the elimination of single-use plastic bags in many states across the U.S. While the specifications vary from state to state, the thickness that designates bags to be single-use is typically 2 mil or lighter.

Many states now ban businesses from distributing these bags to customers, instead requiring them to use reusable tote bags in an effort to reduce waste. This creates a lucrative sales opportunity for branded bags, as end-users now need them to run errands. Share these eye-opening statistics with your clients to educate them on why reusable bags are a worthwhile investment and beneficial for our planet, all at the same time.

Single-Use Plastic Bag Statistics

  • Americans use 100 billion plastic bags each year, per the Center for Biological Diversity.
  • It takes each plastic bag 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, per the Center for Biological Diversity.
  • 10 U.S. states currently have plastic bag bans in place (with more under consideration), per ASI research.

California | Connecticut | Delaware | Hawaii | Maine

New Jersey | New York | Oregon | Vermont | Washington

Reusable Promo Bag Statistics

  • 73% of consumers own promotional bags, per the 2020 ASI Global Ad Impressions Study.
  • The cost-per-impression of a $2 logoed bag is just 1/10 of a cent, per the 2023 ASI Global Ad Impressions Study.
  • 43% of consumers would keep a promotional bag for 2 years or more, per the 2023 ASI Global Ad Impressions Study.

How To Sell Clients on Bags That Promote Sustainability

Reusable bags have even more branding benefits beyond replacing single-use varieties. Make an effective sales pitch to your clients by explaining these sustainable selling points.

Protect the planet with promo

As your clients are buying promo products anyway, why not ask them if they want to invest in products that are also good for the planet? This allows your clients to accomplish two goals at once: spreading brand awareness for their business while also doing good for our environment.

Longer product lifetime

Unlike single-use or low-quality bags that can only be used once or twice before falling apart and being thrown away, reusable bags will be used over and over. With a longer lifetime and more opportunities to gain impressions, these bags will ultimately provide a greater return-on-investment for your clients.

Improved consumer perception

Promoting a positive brand association is paramount for successful marketing campaigns. Having your clients invest in sustainable promos is a savvy way to build those good sentiments, as end-users will know your clients are doing their part to go green and reduce their contribution to landfills.

Make progress on sustainability goals

Many clients either have green initiatives in place already or want to get started on some. Let them know that it’s as simple to do as investing in sustainable promos. This one small detail will get them on their way to reducing their business’s impact on the earth, one promo at a time.

Sustainable Bags:
Popular Products To Sell

Now that your clients are sold on sustainable and reusable bags, which products should you present? We love these popular options from American Ad Bag. Not only does this supplier carry an assortment of reusable bags in many shapes and sizes, they’re also proud to offer washable paper bags. Yup, you heard that right! Made with kraft paper but featuring a leather-like feel, these eco-friendly bags can be thrown right in the wash when it’s time for them to be cleaned.

American Ad Bag Product Recommendations

•	Tsunami Washable Kraft Paper Grocery Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB12813)Opens in a new window.

Tsunami Washable Kraft Paper Grocery Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB12813)

This washable paper bag is the perfect size for carrying everything end-users need to pick up while running errands.

•	Tidal Wave Washable Kraft Paper Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB13513)Opens in a new window.

Tidal Wave Washable Kraft Paper Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB13513)

Great for getting your client’s message out, this earth-friendly bag will hold up even after repeated use and washing.

•	Cyclone Washable Kraft Paper Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB8410)Opens in a new window.

Cyclone Washable Kraft Paper Tote Bag With Web Handle (WB8410)

Perfect for packing up smaller items, end-users will appreciate how convenient this reusable paper bag is to use.

•	Heavyweight Cotton Tote Bag With 2 Bottle Holders (CH13513)Opens in a new window.

Heavyweight Cotton Tote Bag With 2 Bottle Holders (CH13513)

With a heavyweight construction and two foldaway pockets, this cotton tote will last a long time and receive plenty of impressions.

•	Cotton Canvas Grocery Bag (CN12813)Opens in a new window.

Cotton Canvas Grocery Bag (CN12813)

Ideal for filling with groceries, you can bet end-users will turn this bag into their everyday shopping companion, meaning it will be seen often.

•	100% RPET Laminated Grocery Bag With Stock Design Gussets (ECO12813)Opens in a new window.

100% RPET Laminated Grocery Bag With Stock Design Gussets (ECO12813)

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this bag will help clients communicate that they care about reducing their carbon footprint.

Non-Woven Wine and Grocery Combo Tote Bag With Poly Board Insert Opens in a new window.

Non-Woven Wine and Grocery Combo Tote Bag With Poly Board Insert (WG131015)

Point out to clients the unique construction of this bag, including its four interior bottle holders and two interior pockets for easy organization.

Washable Paper Bags: Available Logos

Take advantage of these two available logos for use on your client’s washable paper bag order. These unique designs will clearly communicate to passersby that these paper bags are actually washable and reusable, which is guaranteed to get conversations started and create plenty of buzz about your client’s brand.

washable paper
washable paper

American Ad Bag

To learn more, visit AdBag.com or call (815) 338-0300.