How much does it cost to produce a plastic shopping bag?

Almost everybody has a &#;bag of many bags&#; at home, where all the plastic bags from stores and supermarkets end up. They are usually kept to be utilized again, but even though reusing is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment, it cannot decrease plastic production and use on its own. The evidence is clear &#; many streets are festered with plastic waste and landfills are getting fuller by the day. Even though if we are trying to reuse as much as possible, the bag of many bags keeps getting new members. The burning issue of plastic pollution had caused a surge of prohibitions and legislations in many world cities during the last decade (especially regarding plastic bags and straws), showing eagerness of many citizens to reduce the amount of plastic waste they generate and clean up the environment. 

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Plastic bags are cheap, convenient and easy to make, so they were commonly given for free by many retailers. However, this situation has started to change in the last couple of years. Many fashion and supermarket retailers today are expected to charge their customers for every plastic bag they hand out or provide a biodegradable alternative. This practice proved to be very effective in terms of reducing plastic consumption. California was the first American state to enact legislation that imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags at large retail stores in . One year after the implementation, the City of San Jose reported that storm drain systems were 89% cleaner, while the city streets and creeks were 60% cleaner. In England, the sales of plastic bags by the seven biggest supermarket chains have plummeted since the authorities imposed a charge on all plastic bags in . Earlier this year, the City of New York has decided to take an even more radical measure &#; all plastic carry-out bags are going to be banned from distribution starting March the 1st, . 

Depending on the city, the production of a standard plastic grocery bag costs about 1 cent. Even though it&#;s true, this fact is misleading, as it doesn&#;t include a very important expense &#; waste management. Convenience and low production costs made the use of plastic bags look like a cheap and effective solution, but it actually came at a far greater price. To find the true price of a plastic bag, we need to look into two important components of plastic production and use &#; financial and environmental perspective. 

Financial Perspective

When we think about the price of a plastic bag, we usually consider only production and distribution expenses, while we overlook the price of waste management. While the price of a plastic bag may be about 1 cent on the market, its management and disposal can be 10-20 times more expensive. Expenses for waste management include collecting and disposing of bags, removing them from the streets, processing in landfills and decontaminating recycling streams. For example, in , the City of San Francisco estimated that waste management expenses for a single plastic bag add up to 17 cents. The total cost of litter collection and disposal in the US is estimated to be at least 11.5 billion dollars annually. Businesses are covering about 80% of the cost, but the rest is paid by taxpayers&#; money. Instead of being used for building new schools, hospitals, libraries and parks, these billions of dollars are given each year for litter abatement.

All these financial efforts are still not enough to prevent considerable amounts of plastics from entering the oceans each year and to also clean up the existing pollution. 

Environmental Perspective

More than 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. Significant part of that waste includes plastic bags and single-use plastic packaging. Take a walk on any beach in the world and you will witness the effects of this pollution &#; plastic flotsam and jetsam are floating on the ocean&#;s surface and washing up on all world beaches. Besides being an ugly view, these plastic items are threatening both marine and terrestrial life.

We have seen countless pictures of birds, fish and other marine creatures with their bellies full of nurdles, turtles choking on plastic bags, storks trapped in plastic fibers. All these larger chunks of plastic are falling apart with time, becoming tiny, microscopic particles that we usually refer to as microplastics. These particles are invisible to the naked eye, just like pollution in the air we breathe. And just like we breathe polluted air, marine creatures breathe polluted water. Even the species that are not directly ingesting plastic are nevertheless plagued with it by feeding on fish and other species that ingest it regularly, and by living in waters that contain microplastics. This includes humans too. 

Considering that seafood is an important part of the diet in many world countries and that global demand for it is increasing every year, it is obvious that humanity is also increasingly ingesting microplastics. All species of life, every drop of water and every stone on this planet are connected. If we look deeply into how life works, it will become apparent that everything happens in cycles. It is not hard to see how every plastic bag, straw, fiber or any other plastic item that we have thrown into our environment is going to return back to us &#; but this time we will carry it in our bodies, not in our hands. Plastic is not only polluting our beautiful home; it is also threatening our health and food sources.

Conclusion

Looking the problem from all sides and taking all this information into account, it becomes clear that a plastic bag costs far more than a penny or twenty cents. While the cost of production and management is easy to calculate, it is quite impossible to estimate the total cost. Can we put a price tag on an entire ecosystem? Or on our health? Can we put a price tag on the future of our children? The answer to all these questions is quite obviously &#; no.

Are you willing to use reusable bags for personal use? Or are you looking for the price of reusable bags for your grocery store or supermarket? In the following article, let&#;s take a look at the cost of reusable bags and the factors that influence their price.

Factors Impacts to Cost of Reusable Bags

A wide range of factors can influence the cost of reusable bags. Here are some important factors:

Material and Manufacturing

Material

• Natural materials: Organic cotton, jute, or hemp tend to be more expensive than synthetics like polyester or nylon. However, natural materials may be more durable and sustainable in the long run.
• Recycled materials: Using recycled materials can lower the cost and environmental impact, but processing and quality control can vary.
• Durability: Thicker, sturdier materials will last longer but cost more.

Manufacturing

• Complexity: Bags with intricate designs, multiple compartments, or special features like zippers or insulation will be more expensive.
• Production location: Bags made in countries with lower labor costs may be cheaper, but ethical sourcing and environmental regulations should be considered.

Design and Branding

• Size and capacity: Larger bags with more carrying capacity will naturally cost more.
• Printing and branding: Custom logos, designs, or slogans add to the cost, though they can also increase perceived value.

Distribution and Retail

• Bulk discounts: Buying in bulk from manufacturers can reduce costs, but may not be feasible for individual consumers.
• Retail markup: The retailer's profit margin can significantly impact the final price.

Because of these factors, the price of a reusable bag can differ according on where and how many you purchase.

How much does a reusable bag cost?

In the following parts, we will reveal the average cost to produce and price of reusable bags in Canada.

How much does it cost to produce reusable bags?

The production cost of reusable bags can vary greatly depending on several factors:

Material

• Non-woven polypropylene: The most common material, with production costs typically between $0.10 and $0.25 per bag.
• Organic cotton: More expensive at $0.50 to $1.50 per bag, but offers sustainability and durability.
• Jute or hemp: Similar price range to organic cotton, with added eco-friendliness.
• Recycled materials: Can be cheaper than virgin materials, but cost varies depending on the type and processing.

Manufacturing

• Complexity: Simple bags with minimal stitching and printing are cheaper, while bags with complex designs, compartments, or features like zippers or insulation will cost more.
• Quantity: Ordering in bulk typically leads to lower per-unit costs.
• Production location: Countries with lower labor costs can produce bags cheaper, but ethical sourcing and environmental regulations should be considered.

Overall, expect the production cost of a basic reusable bag to be between $0.25 and $3.00, with more complex or eco-friendly materials pushing the price higher.

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Average cost of reusable bags in Canada

The kind of material and type of retailer can have an impact on the retail price of reusable bags. Let's examine each group.

Material

• Basic non-woven polypropylene: $2 - $4
• Cotton: $5 - $10 (varies based on organic or conventional)
• Jute or hemp: $6 - $12
• Recycled materials: Comparable to cotton ($5 - $10)
• Premium materials (organic cotton canvas, etc.): $10 - $20+

Retail Outlets

• Grocery stores: $2 - $8 (basic polypropylene to basic cotton)
• Discount stores: $1 - $5 (limited variety, often non-woven polypropylene)
• Specialty eco-conscious stores: $5 - $15+ (wider range, higher quality materials)
• Online retailers: Prices vary depending on the platform and seller, but often competitive with brick-and-mortar stores.

Are Reusable Bags Worth the Price?

The durability and application of reusable bags are two important considerations when determining whether or not they are cost-effective.  Reusable bags have benefits that go beyond personal use and are advantageous to both customers and businesses in different ways.

For customer, using reusable bags can help

• Reduce plastic pollution & save the planet.
• Save money in the long run & enjoy convenience.
• Feel good about making a sustainable choice.

For business, choosing reusable bags over plastic can bring benefits, including

• Businesses save on plastic bags, gain eco-friendly image, and use bags as long-lasting ads.
• Operational Efficiency: Faster checkout, fewer bag-related issues, and potentially higher sales.
• Reusable bags are cost-effective in the long run and offer convenience and durability.

The following advice is intended for both consumers and businesses to optimize the use of reusable bags:

For Customers

• Choose bags that fit different needs &#; groceries, picnics, travel, gym.
• Highlight non-grocery uses, like carrying books, laundry, or beach gear.
• Get creative: Decorate your bags, personalize them, or use them for DIY projects.

For Businesses:

• Make them accessible: Place bags near entrances, checkouts, and high-traffic areas.
• Offer storage solutions: Hooks, shelves, or designated areas for customers to park their bags.
• Educate staff: Empower employees to promote reusables and answer customer questions.
• Negotiate bulk deals: Secure good prices on bags and explore eco-friendly options.
• Get marketing savvy: Use social media, website banners, and in-store signage to promote reusables.

Kimecopak&#;s Reusable Shopping Bags Price

Kimecopak is a North American wholesale supplier of eco-friendly packaging. In addition to takeout food packaging such as paper boxes, wooden utensils, and paper coffee cups, we also provide an inexpensive selection of reusable bags, which are detailed below:

• Non-woven bags

  (small, medium, and large sizes): 89CAD to 109CAD/case of 400
• 500 cases of black non-woven bags cost 129 CAD.
• Paper Take Out Bags without Handles (available in 20- and 50-pound capacities) from 99 CAD to 119 CAD for cases of 500
• The pricing of custom paper bags and non-woven bags is determined by the amount ordered. Order processing time is between 6 and 8 weeks.

See the detailed information about dimensions, capacity, colors and other detailed informations at Reusable Bag

Where to buy Reusable Bags?

Whether you are business or a customer, you can easily get reusable bags at physical stores and online stores.

Physical Stores:

• Grocery Stores: Most major grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Save-On-Foods carry basic reusable bags in various materials and prices.
• Discount Stores: Dollar stores like Dollarama and Walmart offer affordable, often non-woven polypropylene bags.
• Department Stores: Look for dedicated sections or brands focused on sustainability and eco-friendly products, like Chapters/Indigo or Hudson's Bay.
• Specialty Eco-conscious Stores: Cities often have independent stores dedicated to eco-friendly products, offering a wider variety of reusable bags with ethical sourcing and sustainable materials.
• Craft Stores: Michael's and other craft stores might have reusable bags and materials for DIY projects.

Online Retailers:

• Canadian Retailers: Shop online with Canadian brands like TwoBirds Design, Ecocollective, or MEC for ethically sourced and sustainable bags.
• Major Marketplaces: Amazon.ca and Etsy offer a vast selection of reusable bags from various brands and sellers, but be mindful of shipping costs and potential environmental impact.
• Bulk Suppliers: If you need a large quantity, consider contacting manufacturers or wholesalers like Kimecopak directly, but this might require minimum order requirements.

Kimecopak is a reputable wholesaler of eco-friendly packaging, including reusable bags, for the North American market. We use eco-friendly materials to make our reusable bags, such as paper and non-woven bags. We offer bulk at a fair price. Furthermore, we provide customization services to make your brand stand out from the competition.

For futher information, please contact us at or Kimecopak Facebook Fanpage

Tips for Saving Money on Reusable Bags for Customers and Business

Reusable bags can be expensive initially, but over time they can provide both financial and environmental advantages. Here are some suggestions for cutting costs while switching to reusables

For customers

• Shop around: Compare prices and look for sales, clearance, or bulk deals.
• Think beyond stores: Check thrift stores or DIY your own bags.
• Care for them: Wash and repair to extend their life.

Businesses:

• Negotiate bulk discounts: Buy lots for better prices.
• Offer multi-packs: Sell them as a bundle for a discount.
• Get creative: Offer loyalty programs or repair services for reusables.
• Reduce packaging: Less packaging means less need for bags.

In conclusion, a reusable bag's price varies depending on a number of factors. Stores and online shops provide a wide selection of bags, perfect for customers looking for an eco-friendly solution or businesses trying to showcase their brand. Kimecopak is an excellent option for any business or customer that cares about the environment because of its affordable costs, ability to create custom designs, and dedication to sustainability.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of plastic bag making machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.