At Steel City, we know that when you put your logo on a product, you want it to be perceived as really good quality. We approach eco shopping bags by looking at what makes them last: avoiding straps that stretch, fabric that twists, or printing that shifts.
Whether you’re stocking a shop, preparing for an exhibition, or building welcome packs, the bag has to carry weight and keep its shape. It’s really important that your branding looks consistent without you having to worry about the details. We want these items to be useful for the recipient in their day-to-day, so they get used time and time again.
- Spec-first shortlists: We know how overwhelming the industry can be with the amount of choice available. That’s why we keep a tight selection of 5oz-12oz cotton/recycled cotton, gusseted shoppers, and UK-made paper carriers. We’ve done the work to narrow it down, so you don’t have to spend all day comparing specs. If your lead time or budget is fixed, this helps us get you to a decision quickly with a bag that fits the job.
- Repeatable print areas: We want your brand to land well. We start with bags that have defined print panels (up to 320 × 280mm on shoppers) because vague print zones can lead to off-centre artwork. If you reorder later or need to scale up, those set branding areas ensure consistency and stop the risk of things looking different between batches.
- Paperwork-backed materials: Sustainability is a real buzzword, but we are careful not to greenwash. Our team includes AWARE™ options with a digital product passport, GRS certified lines, and products that state 100% recycled plastic bottle content (rPET). If your stakeholders need to tick those boxes, we can give you the full traceability you need rather than just a claim.
- Stable gusset carry: We prioritise full or bottom gussets (like 420 × 380 × 100mm) and heavier builds like 10oz canvas. This stops the bag folding in on itself when it’s loaded. If you’re carrying groceries or a stack of brochures, that wider base helps it stand up and avoids that limp “giveaway” look. It’s about providing a product that feels substantial.
- Shoulder-friendly handles: If a bag isn’t comfortable, it won’t get used. We steer clients towards long-handle totes and stronger fabrics that hold their shape. If you’re walking between the train and the office, that handle choice stops the straps from stretching and digging in, which makes it a much better experience for the user.
- High-volume tote costs: We know budgets are important, especially for events. We keep lighter 5oz options in the mix, but only in sizes that still give you a proper tote face (around 420 × 380mm) with sensible print areas. It keeps the unit cost right for high-volume exhibitions without handing out bags that look scruffy by the end of the day.
- Lead-time options: Lead time is always a popular question. We have options with a 5-7 day turnaround for when deadlines are tight, alongside longer lead-time options for specialist builds. We’ll always have that conversation with you to see how best we can achieve what you need on time.