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We’ve all heard that famous grocery store question, “Paper or plastic?” But what do you choose when it’s not your groceries, but the items in your store, that are going into a bag?

Let’s evaluate the differences between paper and plastic bags to determine which is the best option for your business.

Choosing Between Paper or Plastic Shopping Bags

Paper Custom Shopping Bags

You probably think you know all there is to know about the whole paper vs plastic issue. You may think that paper is the logical choice for your store’s custom paper shopping bags – after all, it’s better for the environment than plastic, right?

You might even know that the “recovery rate” (how much is recycled) of paper bags is just under 50%, about four times that of a plastic bag. Keep in mind, though, that the “recyclability” of a paper bag depends on the bag’s coatings (for instance, custom shopping bags with logo prints on laminated bags may alter the recyclability). Still, even if your paper bag uses a lot of ink, chances are that the bag itself will still have been made from recycled materials. Plus, that can help you to save on costs!

Outside of the environmental impact, paper bags can be used in stores where it’s likely that customers are buying multiple items at a time. Paper bags can come with handles, or can be sold without them. Of course, they’re fully customizable, and are especially popular in specialty shops, gourmet food stores, and even some technology stores – you may have heard that Apple has recently decided to switch from plastic bags to paper ones in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint. Another great thing about paper customized shopping bags? They give your customers the chance to avoid having to take the extra step of wrapping their gifts! Many stores, either year-round or just during holiday sales and seasons, decide to order some “limited edition” retail shopping bags that can be used as gift bags, with the addition of a festive bow and card. Not to mention, it also saves your employees the hassle of having to actually wrap holiday purchases!

Plastic Custom Shopping Bags

You may be surprised to find out that custom plastic shopping bags aren’t always as detrimental to the environment as you might think, especially when stores take the initiative to do what they can to reduce waste in other ways. Plus, did you know that there are actually companies that have set up plastic bag recycling initiatives? 90% of people in the United States have access to plastic bag recycling. Check out if there are any available plastic bag recycle bins in your area, and if there aren’t, why not set one up in front of your own store? Talk about great press and added foot traffic!

Plastic bags are versatile, ideal for individual, lightweight items and heavier or multiple items, and they can also of course be customized to include your store’s name, logo, phone number, and anything else you might want. Remember to think outside the flimsier, white plastic bags you may be mentally picturing now. Plastic bags have come a long way! They come in translucent options that look great when stuffed with colorful tissue paper, they have durable handles that add an extra layer of security, and they are easily reused by your customers at home.

Making Your Decision and Choosing the Right One

A lot of times, the choice of plastic or paper will ultimately come down to your budget, your brand, and what kind of “look” you want to go for. If you’re a more rustic, independent shop, then perhaps paper is a better choice for you. But if you’d like to find a way to lend your store a higher-end feel without having to completely renovate your floor plan, an elegant frosted plastic bag in the color of your choice may be a better fit. There are far more options than you’re probably expecting.

Keep in mind that, despite popular belief, it is possible to recycle both options.

So when it comes to the “paper or plastic” debate, whatever option you opt for, know that the design you want is attainable either way. Just can’t decide? Hey, there’s no law that says you can’t use both – we certainly think that sounds like a fine solution. So start sketching, start creating, then start upgrading your retail shopping bag game!