On the 5th October 2015, all large retailers (with 250 or more full-time equivalent employees) will be required by law to charge a minimum of 5p per single-use carrier bag or face fines of up to £5000. Smaller businesses will not have to charge but will be encouraged to do so. Once retailers have deducted reasonable costs, it is expected that they will donate the proceeds from the charge to good causes as is already the case with similar schemes in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
So from October customers up and down the country will either need to provide their own bags or pay 5p per bag when doing their weekly/monthly shop. It would be foolish to think that most people will do the latter.
Therefore, now is the optimum time for all businesses who are looking to promote their company and brand to giveaway eco-friendly bags or at least offer them as a standalone product. Not only will this be good for the environment but more people will turn to use eco-friendly reusable bags when they do their shopping, therefore, giving the company providing them with free advertising every week.
The choice of styles and materials used for eco-friendly bags have grown enormously over the years and there is sure to be a colour, material and style that will suit any company that wants to promote their brand in this way, depending on their target market. From recycled cotton to biodegradable jute to recycled paper. The style can be a standard carrier bag, tote bag, pouch style bag, shopper or sports style. It really depends on who the company want to market and where they feel their core business would lie.
The thing to remember though is that with the new charge on carrier bags taking effect, the more useful the style, the more the bag will be used thus maximising the message the brand or design on the bag. Many people will start to take the same bag, if it has the strength of cotton or jute, with them when they do their supermarket or regular shop. So by marketing the business by giving away or selling eco-friendly bags, the company will not only be promoting their brand, but they will also be helping their target market and saving them money at the same time.
Within our range of promotional merchandise, you’ll find a range of eco-friendly bags. Simply head to the ‘eco-bags’ section of our site.