The Advantages of Embracing Reusable Bag Alternatives

The State of Plastics

Plastic has become a significant concern in 2023, with a staggering annual production of over 300 million tons of plastic waste. To combat this environmental issue, some states in the United States have taken the initiative to ban single-use plastic bags. These progressive states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. However, despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to address the plastic waste problem comprehensively.

In cases where statewide bans have not been implemented, certain cities have taken matters into their own hands. For example, Framingham, Massachusetts, situated near Inkcups’ headquarters in Danvers, has successfully enforced a city-wide ban on single-use plastic bags for retail and grocery establishments.

On a global scale, some entire countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, New Zealand, and China, have enacted nationwide bans on plastic bags. Overall, 94 countries have introduced single-use plastic bans, but the measures vary significantly, with 32 of those countries opting for a tax on plastic bags.

In response to these changes and the growing emphasis on sustainability, the use of reusable bags has surged in both retail and grocery settings. These reusable bags, made from materials like organic cotton, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and hemp, offer eco-friendly and economical alternatives to single-use plastic bags, contributing to a greener planet.

With the increasing demand for reusable bags, companies have seized the opportunity to promote their brand while providing a useful product to consumers. Tote bags, in particular, have become a popular low-cost promotional giveaway. To meet the demand for high-quality graphics on bags, direct to bag printers have emerged. These digital printers, paired with flexible ink, ensure excellent print quality.

Digitally Print on Tote Bags

By utilizing digital printing technology, businesses can achieve vibrant, multi-color graphics on various bag types, such as reusable bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, coolers, and totes. Unlike other printing methods like screen printing or pad printing, digital printing offers greater flexibility and speed. Businesses can print on as few or as many bags as needed, with full-color capabilities for logos and photorealistic designs. The process is straightforward: simply load the desired bag, upload the artwork, and start printing.

Digital printing on bags, however, presents a challenge not commonly encountered in the field: porous fabric materials. While some materials like nylon and canvas are less porous and offer better adhesion for ink, others can be more problematic. The choice of ink for direct-to-bag printing is crucial and depends on the material and its flexibility. Since many totes are lightweight and need ink that can move and flex freely with the bag, specialized inks like XFlexx Series UV Ink and BB Ultra-Flexible Ink have been formulated to ensure excellent adhesion without cracking or distorting when the substrate moves.

Overall, the world is making strides in addressing the plastic waste crisis by implementing bans and promoting the use of reusable bags. As technology and ink formulations improve, the future looks promising for a more sustainable approach to packaging and reducing plastic waste.

Types of Tote Bags

When it comes to choosing the right tote bag for your brand or personal use, the options are as diverse as the efforts to combat plastic waste. Tote bags are available in a myriad of materials, each offering its own unique blend of style, durability, and eco-friendliness. Cotton tote bags, for instance, are a classic choice, known for their softness and versatility. They are an ideal canvas for vibrant, eco-conscious designs. On the other hand, canvas tote bags are a sturdy option, well-suited for heavier loads and long-lasting use. Their natural, rustic appeal has made them a favorite among eco-conscious consumers.

Meanwhile, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and hemp tote bags provide alternative materials, each with its set of advantages, ranging from water resistance to exceptional durability. With the wealth of options available, choosing the perfect tote bag to complement your sustainability efforts has never been more exciting. As you explore these choices, consider the impact each material has on our planet and how your selection can contribute to a greener future.

Inkcups’ Tote Bag Printing Machine

Introducing the XJET Switch: A game-changing UV flatbed printer that delivers swift, high-quality printing of full CMYKWW images on various bags, totes and hard goods. Ideal for decorating reusable bags of different materials and colors, it effortlessly handles challenging substrates like clear and thin bags.

The XJET Switch offers an expansive printing area measuring 13.8 inches by 25.6 inches (350 mm by 650 mm) and can accommodate parts as tall as 8 inches (203.2 mm). The ability to print taller parts allows users the flexibility to print a wide range of previously mentioned hard goods, such as coolers. In its standard setup, the XJET Switch is situated as a ‘two-up’ configuration, featuring two adjacent platens for simultaneously printing two bags. Nevertheless, customers can configure and utilize custom tooling to best fit their needs, whether that be two, three, or more platens, as long as it is within the printable area.

This industrial printer is purpose-built for 3-shift production, delivering rapid, high-quality prints. It includes automated purging, wiping, and capping stations, a white recirculating system, servo control indexer, two 16-watt adjustable UV lamps, and various other features for swift production and premium image resolution.

The XJET Switch demonstrates its versatility when paired with the highly flexible XFLEXX UV Ink Series, allowing it to decorate a wide range of reusable bags without cracking or distorting as the bag moves naturally during use. Notably, the Vivid White ink in the series stands out, providing a brighter and more opaque white, comparable to the printed white achieved using competing processes.

Enhance your eco-friendly canvas tote bags with the precision of the XJET Switch. It flawlessly prints vivid graphics on canvas and cotton, aligning with your brand’s style and sustainability. Let the XJET Switch help you make a lasting impression while being environmentally responsible.

Contact Us

To learn more about the XJET Switch, please contact us today.