BAGS OF ALTERNATIVES

Whilst the ubiquitous plastic carrier bag has been the most written about type of bag in the national and promotional press recently, let's not lose sight of the fact that it's just one of the many bag options on offer for promotional purposes. In this feature we also look at shopping bags, computer bags and travel bags. All of these have a longer life, and therefore a longer branding opportunity, than the plastic carrier bag, which has been so lambasted in the press of late.

However, there's no getting away from it, carrier bags are with us to stay, even though, quite rightly, we are being urged to use environmentally-friendly versions. So let's start with a look at the dilemma's facing those sourcing alternative carrier bags.

GETTING CARRIED AWAY WITH CARRIER BAGS
As plastic carrier bags become somewhat of a taboo subject, promoters are turning to cotton and jute bags, which have a longer life. David Cowell, Director of London-based Promo2u, a company specialising in sourcing and supplying promotional gifts, advises caution when sourcing bags to meet a brief for an eco and or environmentally-friendly carrier bag. He says, "In line with current trends, many of our customers are looking for eco-friendly promotional bags. The bags mainly supplied in this area are made from cotton or jute and are imported from India and China. However, there are very few importers/manufacturers who are able to provide us with documented evidence that their environmental and ethical policies are enforced and in some extreme cases they cannot show that they have them at all." So, lesson one is: thoroughly check your supply chain. It could be more than just red faces if your customer is found to be using products that do not conform to their eco, environmental or ethical code, as many major brand names have found out, the latest in the spotlight being Primark.

However, it is possible to trace the source and this bag, from Promo2u, is made from eco-friendly cotton, dyed by hand, printed by hand and the only part of the manufacturing process which is done by machinery is the sewing of the bag (after printing). David says he is happy to open up his company's supply chain to customers so that they can audit the company's main production facility in India, to satisfy themselves that it is run on an ethical and moral basis where the workers are paid a salary, work a maximum 48 hour week and there are medical and education funds in place to take care of the physical and mental welfare of both the workers and their families.

David also tells us that he is looking to source a recycled shopper manufactured in Europe (preferably the UK). If you can help, get in touch via www.promo2u.com

Jason Fisher of Eco-Carrier bags provides this month's Top 10 Tips on sourcing carrier bags, so don't forget to click this link and derive the benefits of his wisdom.

Don't let the current debate put you off using promotional bags. As Jeremy Goldsmith of Event Merchandising says, "The key for promo bags is the fact that they are reusable. There are those man-made bags that are oil based such as non-woven polypropylene and polyethylene non-woven, which give a great gloss digital image, these bags are reusable but take a while to decompose. Then there are the cotton bags and a popular choice is this category is organic cotton, however demand is so high for certified organic that we are now looking at transitional cotton, which is where the factories are complying to all organic/fair trade farming methods, but have not yet got the certification. Cotton is biodegradable. Another big seller is jute. Jute is fast growing and biodegradable, however very often jute bags are lined with a plastic coating, which takes it longer to degrade. We are currently developing a new lining that will biodegrade with the jute fabric."

Jeremy also points out that where the market has changed is the view on plastic bags – many factories are now introducing a biodegradable element into the material. He tells us, "Event Merchandising produces bags that have a reusable appeal and we consider carefully the practicality of the bag along with the design element – looking at colour trims and lengths of handles. We have produced bags for many different clients ranging from corporate companies to massive global event's such as Live Earth." www.themerchandisingshop.co.uk

Steve Anderson, Commercial Director, confirms that Keepme Bags has had remarkable success with the company's eco-friendly non-woven polypropylene bags, producing them for clients such as Krispy Kreme and T-mobile. He says, "The bags are proving very popular mainly due to their eco-credentials. These include being 100% recyclable, robust, 100% reusable, biodegradable and non-toxic to name but a few. They are even printed with water-based inks. The bags are also a designer's dream in that they are totally bespoke and can be produced in any size, colour, design and can be totally overprinted." www.keepmepromotions.com

Bags are often used alongside other promotional merchandise, especially for events,

and Co-Prom Sourcing Solutions says that this summer's sporting accessory successes include pedometers supplied to The Daily Telegraph along with binoculars, disposable cameras, mini footballs, radios, etc. whilst The Evening Standard chose mini tennis ball key-rings to hand out at Wimbledon. www.coprom.co.uk

PRETTY IN PINK
Whilst promoters recognise that not all promotional bags need to be carrier bags, I'm also glad bag manufacturers are recognising the fact that not all business travellers are male.

Solo offer this Brescia soft leather briefcase/ laptop bag in a range of chic colours including powder pink and baby blue, providing a refreshing change from the traditional black so often seen in the corporate sector.

When used alongside this Gianna leather overnight bag (also pictured here in pink) it makes an elegant overnight luggage collection for the fairer sex. Solo also offers a Palermo leather flight bag, designed to meet new hand luggage rules making it ideal for the frequent business traveller, this practical leather bag will hold a standard laptop. It also features external front and side pockets, inside pockets, key clip, insulated bottle holder, adjustable shoulder strap and detachable backpack straps that can be stored away when not in use. Plus Solo's Benito black leather satchel is perfect for those who want a more sombre look. www.sololtd.co.uk

PARTICULARLY PRACTICAL
As a fairly frequent traveller I have to concede that practicality often scores above a colour co-ordinated look, so whilst my heart might vote for the pink Solo ensemble if I'm travelling by car, my head tells me this very popular Samsonite 55cm trolley case is extremely practical for lugging around an airport and is of the size that can be taken onto a plane as cabin luggage.

There's a whole range of robust Samsonite luggage available from Procurement International Ltd and this particular model (Samsonite Cordoba 55cm upright D21.255-Cabin baggage) features a combination lock, interior pocket, an outside pocket and comes with a 10-year global warranty. Cost £46.12ex vat RRP £75.00. www.procurement.ltd.uk

… AND FINALLY

One category we haven't mentioned is handbags. As an avid collector of these, I am hoping that the promotional market will follow the retail sector, as it so often does, and adopt the VIP Handbag Liner from Quirkybags or a promotional equivalent. It's such a simple idea and for a handbag-aholic like me, makes changing handbags so simple. The VIP liner allows you to change bags simply by taking the liner from one bag and placing it in another.

Available in four styles including the VIP Classic (pictured here) with room for everything needed for daytime and evening use, the VIP Business liner which is larger to allow for use at work and the Sun liner which includes a matching purse and is ideal for larger handbags and beach bags. There is also a liner designed for men.

Each model in the range features a selection of zipped and mesh pockets offering space for all of those necessary items. The liners are made from nylon satin and are washable at 30 degrees. www.quirkybags.co.uk

So, now you have bags of inspiration on promotional bags, let's turn our attention to next month's feature, which focuses on electronic goods.

I'm often asked why some companies are included in our features and not others. The answer is simple … some companies send me information and pics … and others don't. So if you want your electronic products to be featured in our next issue, or you have a comment or other news item … in the immortal words of Delia Smith … 'let's be 'aving you!' Although, in this case the response is to e-mail me and not to roar a football chant!

Carole Bull
Editor

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