Plastic Die Cut Bags Are Having Their Day in the Sun -- Here's What to Look For
If your company is facing a city- or state-mandated plastic bag ban, and you need to get reusable plastic bags, the ones with die cut handles are likely to be the most convenient. Handles that are attached to the top of the bag can rip off easily, but custom-made die cut bags are sturdier and easy to hang onto. As more bag bans are put into place, the need for these reusable plastic bags will only grow. Take a look at the characteristics that make a reusable die cut bag better.
Reinforced Handles
Die cut handles should be reinforced, either with an extra layer of plastic stuck to one side of the handle, or by manufacturing the bag so that the plastic around the cut-out handle is very thick. The reinforcement helps keep the bag in one piece and prevents the handle from stretching or breaking if a customer carries something heavy in it. You could get bags with un-reinforced die cut handles, but those would be good only for carrying light items. If what you're selling has any heft to it, your customers will appreciate having the reinforced handles.
Expanding Base
Some bags are designed so that both sides of the bag meet at one seam on the bottom, and that limits what can be put in the bag even if the sides are designed to expand. Look for bags that allow the bottom to expand as well. That will make it easier for customers to pack the bags efficiently. It will also be easier for the bag to stand upright when people set it down. Expanding bags also let people place more items in one bag, thus reducing the number of bags they need to carry around.
Ease of Storage
The newer, thicker, reusable die cut bags are usually easier to store. They fold neatly and stay folded. However, try to get your hands on a sample of the type of bag you're thinking of ordering, and actually fold it yourself. It's a small issue by itself, but as people start using more and more of the reusable plastic bags, they'll want more convenience and won't be willing to put up with bags that fight back.
Die cutting companies can provide bags on fairly short notice, and if you need them customized for your company, there are design services that will take the blank die cut bags and add your logo.