Reusable & Eco-Friendly Custom Bags
Last Updated: 15 October 2026
Key Points:
- Australian states and territories have used reusable options following the ban of lightweight plastic shopping bags.
- Choose reusable bags, such as calico, jute and non-woven bags, that suit your budget, audience and purpose.
- Order durable, practical bags with clear branding to encourage repeated use and ongoing business exposure.
Lightweight plastic shopping bags are now banned in every Australian state and territory. This change started with South Australia in 2009, and the rest of the country followed, with NSW joining in mid-2022. Now, there’s a real and lasting need for bags at checkouts and event entries, and a good reusable bag is the natural solution.
How Australia Got Here
The phase-out of plastic bags did not happen all at once across Australia. Instead, each state made its own decision over more than ten years.
- South Australia introduced the first ban in 2009, well ahead of the rest of the country.
- Other states and territories followed at different points through the 2010s
- NSW was the last state to ban lightweight plastic bags in mid-2022. Now, every part of Australia restricts bags under 35 microns.
- Several states have since gone further, adding restrictions on other single-use plastic items like straws, cutlery, and produce bags.
- Some states, including Western Australia and South Australia, have extended bans further to cover certain heavyweight plastic bags as well.
Because the bans happened at different times, reusable bags became common gradually instead of all at once. This slow change helped make reusable bags a regular part of shopping, not just a short-term fix.
Why This Still Matters, Even Years After the Ban
Although the ban happened a while ago, plastic bags are still a problem. In the 2024 financial year, Clean Up Australia volunteers found that plastic bags were the third most common litter item, making up nearly 7% of all rubbish collected. This shows that reusable bags only help if people actually use them, so it’s important to choose bags people want to keep using, not just store away.
Here are a few reasons why this is still important for organisations:
- Reusable bags help the environment only if people use them many times, not just once instead of a plastic bag.
- Litter data shows that all types of plastic bags are still being thrown away, even though lightweight ones are banned.
- People now expect more from sustainable packaging than they did when the bans first started. A simple compliant bag does not stand out like it used to.
- Organisations that make reusable bags part of their ongoing brand story, instead of just a one-time purchase, usually get better results.
Choosing the Right Reusable Bag Material
Different materials work for different budgets, uses, and sustainability messages. No material is perfect, and all have some environmental cost to make. That’s why it’s important to reuse bags as much as possible.
Here are a few extra points about the trade-offs to consider:
- Cotton calico tote bags need to be used many times to make up for the water and processing needed to grow the cotton. So, using the bag often is more important than just the material choice.
- Non-woven bags are the cheapest choice for large giveaways, but they are still made from plastic. It’s important to be honest about this if your campaign focuses on sustainability.
- Recycled PP bags allow organisations to support a circular economy, since they are made from existing plastic waste instead of new plastic.
- Jute and hessian bags break down naturally when they are no longer used, but they are not as strong as woven synthetic bags when carrying heavy items.
Getting the Branding Right
- Use simple and bold designs, because screen printing on textured materials like calico, jute, or non-woven fabric does not show fine details as well as paper or plastic.
- Full-colour printing looks better on smooth materials like kraft paper. Natural fibre bags work best with one or two colours.
- If people might carry the bag in either direction, print on both sides to make your branding more visible.
- Add a care or reuse message next to your logo. A small reminder to bring the bag back next time helps support your sustainability message.
Where Organisations Are Putting These to Use
- Retailers replacing checkout giveaways with a reusable bag customers are happy to bring back.
- Conferences and trade shows using branded totes as a practical, keep-worthy alternative to a plastic show bag
- Corporate gifting, pairing a bag with other items for a welcome pack or client gift
- Supermarkets and grocery retailers stocking branded reusable options at the checkout as a paid or bundled add-on
- Farmers markets and community events, where jute or calico bags suit the setting and audience
- Schools and universities, handing out sturdy totes as part of orientation or enrolment packs
What We’ve Seen from Clients Switching
Katherine Durham, one of our account managers, has seen that organisations get the most value from reusable bags when they use them as a long-term branding tool, not just a one-time purchase. She recommends ordering enough stock to keep restocking over several months, instead of just buying a small batch. More clients are also asking for recycled or natural fibre bags to support their sustainability message, making the bag part of their overall brand story.
A few other patterns worth knowing about
- Retail clients tend to order non-woven or recycled PP bags in bulk for everyday checkout use, prioritising cost per unit.
- Corporate and client-gifting orders lean toward calico or jute for a more considered, premium feel.
- Event and conference clients often want a mix, a cost-effective option for general attendees and a slightly higher-quality bag for VIPs or speakers.
Getting the Most Out of a Bulk Bag Order
Before you place your order, we’d suggest checking a few things:
- Choose the right material. Go for calico or jute if you’re after a premium, boutique look. Non-woven bags are worth considering for large-scale giveaways.
- Add other reusable products. You could pair your bags with drink bottles or reusable cutlery if you want to encourage customers to cut back on single-use items.
- Order enough stock. Make sure you have enough bags for everyone at your event or point of sale. You don’t want to run out halfway through.
- Keep your branding simple. Stick to clear, easy-to-read artwork. Fine details don’t always print well on calico or non-woven fabric.
- Check the rules in each state. If you operate across Australia, make sure you understand the local restrictions on plastic bags, including heavier varieties.
- Allow enough production time. Natural-fibre bags can sometimes take longer to produce than synthetic options, so give yourself a bit of extra time before your event.
Not Just a Compliance Box to Tick
The plastic bag ban means people need a new way to carry things home. A well-made reusable bag is a simple way to make sure your brand is what they use. Get in touch with our team to talk about material and design options for your next bulk order.
