Did you know that, before the UK Plastic Bag Charge (established in 2015), 7.6 billion single-use bags (amounting to 61,000 tonnes) were distributed in a single year? A decade later, and after an additional Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced in 2022, these numbers have dropped by a whopping 98%, with many consumers and retailers embracing sustainability as non-negotiable. For the food and drink industries, this has necessitated a mind shift towards reusable totes, and with it the opportunity for some standout branding.
A far cry from being unimaginative and expensive, fabric shopping bags offer a unique opportunity to advertise your business long-term and set the bar when it comes to impact, visibility and making a statement. And, with 75% of UK consumers willing to pay more for greener commodities, it’s time you joined the bandwagon.
As long-time providers of high-quality packaging, gifting and display solutions, we know the ins and outs of producing (and personalising) the right kind of fabric bag for your business. Better still, we can have it delivered within 10 working days.
Are you in? Then let’s take a look at five fabulous design concepts eco-conscious customers will love.
1. The natural, minimalist tote
Why it works
Ideal for farm shops and delis, bags made from natural fabrics like recycled cotton, canvas, jute and juco are a must-have. Aligning with both your brand and customers who value fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients, they’ll cement your identity while exuding quality and mindfulness.
Design tips
- Let the neutral tones of the fabric shine through or opt for earthy colours like olive green, beige or taupe.
- Add a clean, monochromatic logo or a subtle line drawing (or both) to give it a premium feel that’s both uncomplicated and eye-catching.
Return on investment (ROI)
Devoid of loud statements and bold imagery, this approach may increase the likelihood of regular use, encouraging shoppers to tote it around farmers’ markets, outdoor events and other outlets, thereby increasing your visibility.
2. Bold, purpose-driven messaging that makes your bags speak for your brand
Why it works
Professional marketers will tell you that the best branding evokes an emotional response, giving followers a reason to resonate. In fact, creating that psychological buy-in is far more effective than listing a bunch of USPs that most of your competitors also offer.
Design tips
- To align this strategy with a sustainable outlook, think about short, impactful messaging like “packaged with purpose” or “eat local, grow communities”. And make sure whatever you print reflects the ethos of your organisation.
- Use bold typography that stands out in a crowd.
- Collaborate with neighbourhood celebrities or local producers to create limited-edition bags with a purpose – it will expand your network and build a sense of home-grown pride.
ROI
Making sustainability rewarding or incentive-driven while defining your standards and values is a surefire way to echo the principles of your consumers. Get the message right, and they’ll not only invest in your bags but will want to flaunt them as part of their own identity.
3. A colour-forward bag design shoppers can’t ignore
Why it works
Just because you’re eco-friendly doesn’t mean your concepts have to be boring. So if your brand is loud and proud, embrace the theme. A well-considered colour palette in keeping with your logo and product range will keep you recognisable and attract plenty of attention.
Design tips
- For cafés, bakeries or fresh produce stores, play with food-inspired hues that capture the essence of your business (think beetroot red, asparagus green or lemon yellow).
- Don’t overdo it – you don’t want your design to be unreadable or confusing. It’s all about tasteful execution and pairing back when needed.
- Try colour blocking or introduce geometric patterns that instil a sense of order.
ROI
This is a great idea for trade shows and events. Why? Because, in all the hustle and bustle, they’ll definitely be seen. And in spaces where you have a ready audience (who may or may not know you yet), visibility counts!
4. A multi-functional add-on that makes your totes more useful
Why it works
Aside from being a walking billboard, your bag’s main purpose is to make your shoppers' lives easier. Make sure you do this by choosing options that fit the bill.
Design tips
- If you’re a wine merchant, invest in a bottle carrier with removable dividers or find something with a side pocket big enough to hold a good cabernet.
- Put both long and short straps on your shoppers so that they can be carried by hand or over the shoulder.
- Opt for a zip to help your consumers keep their purchases safe.
- Think about creating an internal pocket to house their car keys and phones.
ROI
Get this right, and your bag will become a daily essential, encouraging frequent use beyond the retail arena. This means that they’ll be taken to the gym, on the train and to the beach, giving you scope to be seen anywhere and everywhere.
5. Seasonal or limited-edition bag designs
Why it works
Using exclusivity as a marketing tactic helps to create a sense of urgency, driving consumers to buy. Do this at the right time of year with the right kind of messaging, and you’ll find your brand trending in no time.
Design tips
- Focus on a specific theme, like harvest season, Christmas, Earth Day, Halloween or a sustainable business milestone like “100,000 plastic bags replaced”.
- Indulge in storytelling to make sure your audience gets the full picture.
- Include a QR code that links to your sustainability journey, an event, gifting ideas or any other information that will build excitement and get an interaction.
ROI
Seasonal must-haves are usually shared on social media, garnering extra exposure and encouraging User-Generated Content (UGC). This, in turn, builds exposure and places your brand firmly on the map.
Save money by avoiding these six tote bag design don’ts
Listed below are nine common mistakes that are made when designing and personalising a fabric bag collection – all of which could create a failed campaign:
1. Choosing the wrong material
Low-quality fabrics will tear easily, look cheap and don’t retain ink well. Instead, find something strong, sustainable and long-lasting.
2. Disregarding shape and size
Any old thing won’t do, so make sure you pick out one that accommodates your product range. For example, large market bags for farm shops and fairs, stylish shoppers for retail outlets, bottle carriers for wine merchants and totes for event goodie bags.
3. Overthinking your design
Yes, your fabric bag is a walking billboard, but adding on too many creative elements will make it illegible and confusing for your target audience. We suggest you keep things clear and simple for the best results.
4. Bad colour choices
Clashing hues, colours that don’t match your brand and a lack of contrast are no-nos, shutting down your opportunity to strengthen your brand identity – so pick carefully and get it right the first time.
5. Not checking print compatibility
Not every material can take every printing technique. It’s therefore important to avoid expensive mistakes and check with your supplier before committing to a specific method.
6. Forgetting to future-proof
Remember that your totes are built to last, meaning that your design must be relevant for years to come. Either make a standout seasonal edition that people want to reuse year after year or ensure that your messaging will still resonate well into the future.
Partner with us for the best totes in town
With over three decades of experience in this field, we’ll help you create personalised (or bespoke) fabric bags that are environmentally friendly, serve multiple purposes, foster visibility and inspire pride of ownership. Consult with us and you’ll get:
- A dedicated account manager who will get to know your business inside out.
- Free access to our creative team.
- The best choice of eco-friendly materials and trending designs.
- Printing and delivery within ten working days.
- A bespoke service for those who want something 100% unique.
Call us today and let’s start getting your branding in the bag.
