At Steel City, we approach shopper bags by looking at exactly what you’re going to be putting in them and how they’ll get carried. The aim is simple: we want to stop handles ripping, seams bursting, and prints looking tired halfway through the day.
- Fabric that matches the load: We offer options ranging from 80gsm GRS rPET non-woven to 5oz-12oz cotton/canvas and laminated jute/juco. We do this so you don’t end up forcing a light fabric to do a heavy job, watching the bag sag or split. If you’re handing out brochures, boxes, or welcome packs, the heavier weights and structured options take the strain instead of the stitching.
- Print that stays consistent: We start with your artwork and then choose the best method – whether that’s 1-colour spot, full-colour digital, or Pantone matching. This ensures your logo placement and colour stay consistent across the order rather than drifting between batches. If a material or base colour might shift the result, we’ll always flag it on the proof before anything goes to print.
- Lead times you can plan around: We keep short-turn options (often 5-10 working days) in the mix alongside longer runs for specialist recycled builds. We know the worst time to change spec is a week before an event. If your date is fixed, this lets us keep the bag weight sensible instead of dropping to a thinner tote just to hit a deadline.
- Gussets that stop bowing: We stick to usable formats like 420 x 380mm, often adding deeper gussets (up to 150-200mm) because flat bags can bow at the sides when loaded. That base depth holds the weight in the bottom panel, so you’re not dragging the side seams and handle joins every time you lift it.
- Handles that don’t give up: We lean toward longer carry handles and stronger fabric weights (including 10oz-12oz canvas and 600D polyester) because short handles and light cloth can rip when you’re carrying a full show bag for hours. If your team is walking a venue all day, these specs stop that “handle tear, contents on the floor” moment.
- Eco claims you can evidence: We put forward GRS-certified recycled materials, traceability options, and rPET made from recycled bottles. This gives you something real to point to when someone asks “what makes this eco?”. If your sustainability brief includes where it’s made and how it’s traced, we use those standards to avoid vague “green” labels.
- Finish that holds shape: Our range includes zips, internal pockets, wipe-clean laminated surfaces, and rope-handle carriers because thin bags crease fast and can look scruffy after the first handout. If your bag needs to look like part of a retail experience, these upgrades keep it structured in photos and presentable on the journey home.
The products shown above are our starting point benchmarks for this category. We use them as standards for capacity, print control, and lead times, and we can often source bespoke alternatives when your quantities and schedule allow.