At Progress we are committed to manufacturing sustainable packaging using economically-sound methods that minimise negative environmental impact, and we are pleased to now offer a variety of paper handle alternatives that can transform the recyclability and eco credentials of your printed paper carrier bags. By ditching synthetic ribbon and rope, we can now make custom luxury paper bags and ensure that they are 100% recyclable.
There are in general, three different ways to make paper bags with paper handles:
01 — PAPER RIBBON / ROPE
We can make carrier bags 100% recyclable by switching to paper ribbon or paper rope, which is available in a variety of thicknesses and colours. These paper alternatives are made by weaving thin strands of twisted paper into a braid/ribbon format, or a rope/cord format. The technique gives the look and feel of rope or ribbon but without the negative environmental impact regarding their recyclability.
Custom carrier bags made with eco-friendly paper ribbon handles for luxury watchmaker, Bremont.
Thin strands of paper twine are weaved to create paper ribbon handles.
Luxury carrier bag with black paper ribbon handle for fine British tailors, Henry Poole & Co.
Fully recyclable custom paper carrier bags for luxury design brand, Tom Dixon.
02 — TURNOVER TOP HANDLES
Turnover top personalised carrier bags (made by punching through the paper to create a handle) is a more integrated way to naturally incorporate a carrying method into your paper carrier bag design. To add extra stability to custom paper carrier bags of this type, the handles are also internally reinforced to strengthen the surrounding paper, adding extra stability and rigidity to the structure of the bag.
03 — TWIST PAPER HANDLES
Twist handle paper bags are a great alternative for luxury gift bags. As the name suggests, this type of handle uses paper twine, which is made by winding (twisting) paper strips to form a strong cord. Twist paper handles are available in a variety of different thicknesses and colours.
Turnover top luxury carrier bag handle for Nothing created by punching through paper.
Custom carrier bag handles made in a turnover top format with punched through holes for clothing brand, Natalino.
It’s easy to assume that a paper carrier bag is made using only natural materials (paper) and the type of handle used to carry it shouldn’t make any difference to how it’s recycled after use. However, if the handle isn’t paper-based, it can’t be fully recycled unless the handle is removed and separated.
Form & Thread bespoke carrier bags incorporating twisted paper handles.
Various colours and sizes of paper ribbon and paper rope handles are available (edited selection shown).
If you’re thinking of switching to eco-friendly packaging solutions, as an FSC® certified supplier (license code: C149731) we are able to offer FSC certified materials so you can further ensure the highest eco credentials of your paper carrier bags. You also have the ability to label your packaging with an FSC logo, or alternatively you can credit your carrier bags to notify consumers that you’ve made your packaging while also considering material sustainability.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about FSC® certified materials. We can guarantee your products are certified, with their official labels audited and approved – so you have complete packaging peace of mind whilst doing your bit for the planet too.