More and more people care about the planet, and that’s changing the bag business. Customers want bags made from recycled stuff. If you make bags, using recycled is a good idea. It’s better for the environment and can make you money. Are you a new company that wants to be known for being eco-friendly? Or maybe you already make bags and want to be greener? Either way, it’s important to know about recycled .
This guide will tell you about the top 10 recycled that are being used to make bags. We’ll give you info on where to buy them and tips to help you choose what’s right for your business.
Why Use Recycled to Make Bags?
It’s Good for the Earth
Making bags the old way can harm the environment. It uses up resources, pollutes water, and creates waste. But if you use recycled , you can reduce your impact by up to 70%. Plus, more customers want products that are good for the environment.
Customers Want It
About 73% of people will pay more for products that are sustainable. Young people especially care about this. So, if your brand uses recycled , you’ll attract more customers and make more money in the long run.
It’s Becoming Required
Governments around the world are making stricter rules to protect the environment. So, using sustainable is not just a good idea, it’s often the law. Companies that switch to recycled now will be ready for these changes.
Top 10 Recycled for Making Bags
1. Recycled Polyester (RPET) – The Most Popular
What It Is: RPET is usually made from plastic bottles and old clothes. It’s as strong as regular polyester but better for the planet.
Good Things About It:
- Keeps plastic out of landfills and oceans
- Strong and lasts a long time
- Comes in different thicknesses and feels
- Doesn’t soak up water easily and is easy to clean
Where to Buy:
REPREVE® by Unifi
- Website: https://repreve.com/
- What they sell: Recycled fiber with certificates
- Contact: Find a dealer on their website
Yardblox Fabrics
- Website: https://www.yardblox.com/collections/recycled-polyester
- What they sell: RPET fabric in small or big amounts
- Extra stuff: Free samples and discounts for big orders
Nam Liong (Taiwan)
- Website: https://www.namliong.com.tw/en/product/recycled-pet-fabric.html
- What they sell: Recycled polyester fabric
- Focus: Good quality fabric from recycled stuff
2. Recycled Cotton – Soft and Sustainable
What It Is: Recycled cotton is made from leftover cotton from factories and old cotton clothes. It feels like regular cotton but is better for the earth.
Good Things About It:
- Soft and lets air through
- Uses less water than regular cotton
- Breaks down naturally
- Good for everyday bags
Where to Buy:
Enviro-Tote, Inc.
- Website: https://enviro-tote.com/
- Where they are: New Hampshire, USA
- What they sell: Eco-friendly cotton bags
- Contact: They make the bags themselves and can customize them
Royal Apparel
- Website: https://www.royalapparel.net/
- What they sell: Recycled cotton mixes made in the USA
- Extra stuff: They have bags ready to buy or can make custom ones
3. Hemp Fiber – An Old Solution
What It Is: Hemp is a super strong natural fiber. It doesn’t need much water or bug spray to grow, so it’s naturally sustainable.
Good Things About It:
- Very strong and lasts a long time
- Kills germs and protects from the sun
- Gets softer when you wash it
- Good for the environment
Where to Buy:
EnviroTextiles
- Website: https://www.envirotextiles.com/all-hemp-fabrics
- What they sell: Lots of different hemp fabrics
- Where they get it: From all over the world
- What they do: Make fabric, bring it in, and give advice
Hemp Fabric Lab
- Website: https://hempfabriclab.com/en-us
- What they sell: Pure hemp and hemp mixes in any amount
- Focus: Fancy sustainable fabrics
4. Bamboo Fiber – Grows Fast
What It Is: Bamboo fiber is made from bamboo. Bamboo grows super fast and doesn’t need to be replanted.
Good Things About It:
- Kills germs and doesn’t smell
- Soft like silk
- Lets air through and soaks up moisture
- Grows back quickly
Where to Buy:
Kinderel Organic Fabrics
- Website: https://www.kinderel.com/
- What they sell: Organic bamboo, hemp, and cotton fabrics
- Extra stuff: You can buy wholesale or by the yard
- Where they ship: Canada and the US
W.ELL Fabric
- Website: https://wellfabric.com/_
- What they sell: Bamboo mixes in different styles
- Types: Jersey, rib, and more
- Focus: For fashion and home decor
5. Recycled Nylon – Strong and Sustainable
What It Is: Recycled nylon is made from fishing nets, old carpets, and nylon scraps. It’s super strong.
Good Things About It:
- Very strong and doesn’t wear down easily
- Light but strong
- Doesn’t soak up water
- Helps clean up the ocean
Where to Buy:
Tiong Liong Industrial Co.
- Website: https://www.tiongliong.com/en/product/recycled-pet-fabric.html
- What they sell: Recycled
- Focus: Advanced fabrics for different uses
- Certificates: Certified by the Global Recycling Standard
6. Recycled Canvas – The Classic Option
What It Is: Recycled canvas is like regular canvas but made from recycled cotton and other . It looks the same but is more sustainable.
Good Things About It:
- Looks classic
- Easy to print on
- Strong for heavy stuff
- Good for different kinds of bags
Where to Buy:
Factory Direct Promos
- Website: https://www.factorydirectpromos.com/
- What they sell: Reusable bags that you can customize
- Types: Bags for trade shows, wine bags, and more
- They’re a big bag seller
7. Cork Fabric – A Natural Choice
What It Is: Cork fabric is made from the bark of cork trees. The bark grows back, so it’s sustainable.
Good Things About It:
- Grows back completely
- Doesn’t soak up water and kills germs
- Looks unique and fancy
- Light but strong
8. Recycled Leather – Fancy and Responsible
What It Is: Recycled leather is made from leather scraps that would be thrown away. It looks and feels like real leather.
Good Things About It:
- Looks like real leather
- Reduces waste
- Lasts a long time
- Good for fancy bags
9. Recycled Denim – Cool and Useful
What It Is: Recycled denim is made from old jeans and denim scraps. It’s stylish and sustainable.
Good Things About It:
- Feels familiar and comfortable
- Everyone likes it
- Lasts a long time
- Looks unique because it’s made from different jeans
10. Bioplastic – The Future of Synthetics
What It Is: Bioplastic is made from plants or plastics that break down naturally.
Good Things About It:
- Some types break down naturally
- Works like synthetic
- Makes your brand look modern
- Uses new technology
How to Pick the Right One
Think About Who You’re Selling To
Different appeal to different people. Hemp and organic cotton are good for people who care about the environment. RPET is good for people who want bags that last.
Compare the Price and What You Get
Recycled might cost more at first, but they can be better in the long run. They last longer, make your brand look good, and keep customers coming back. Think about the total cost, not just the price of the .
Consider What the Bag Will Be Used For
Different bags need different . Waterproof bags for laptops need different than regular shopping bags.
Certificates
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Look for this certificate when buying . It means the is really recycled and the company is responsible.
OEKO-TEX Standards
This certificate means the fabric doesn’t have harmful stuff in it and is made in a responsible way.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
This certificate looks at everything: if the is healthy, uses renewable energy, saves water, is fair to workers, and can be reused.
How to Work With Suppliers
Ask for Samples First
Always get samples before ordering a lot. This lets you see if the is good and right for your bags.
Check the Certificates
Don’t just believe what suppliers say. Ask for proof and check the certificates yourself.
Build Relationships
It’s best to work with suppliers for a long time. Find partners who care about the same things you do.
Plan Ahead
Recycled can take longer to get than regular . Plan your schedule so you don’t have delays.
Why Recycled Are Good for Business
You Can Charge More
People will pay more for products made from recycled . They’re often willing to pay 15-20% more.
Your Brand Will Stand Out
If you use sustainable , your brand will be different and attract customers who care about the environment.
You’ll Be Ready for the Future
If you invest in sustainable now, your brand will be ready for new rules and customer expectations.
Employees Will Be Happier
Companies that care about sustainability have happier employees and can find talented people more easily.
How to Get Started
Start Small
Begin with one or two recycled for some of your products. See how customers react and adjust your process.
Teach Your Team
Make sure your team knows why recycled are important and how to work with them.
Tell Your Story
Tell people about your sustainable practices. Customers want to know the story behind your products.
Keep Improving
Track your environmental impact and look for ways to get better. Sustainability is a process, not a final goal.
Conclusion
Switching to recycled is more than just a trend. It’s a way to make bags responsibly that helps businesses, customers, and the earth. By choosing from these top 10 recycled and working with good suppliers, you can make bags that are good and sustainable.
The suppliers in this guide are just a starting point. Do your research, get samples, and find partners who care about the environment as much as you do. Your customers, your business, and future generations will be happy you made the choice to be sustainable.
Ready to start making sustainable bags? Contact these suppliers, ask for samples, and start creating eco-friendly products that will make your brand stand out.
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