Bagfactory produces eco-friendly, reusable, machine-made, non-woven (PP) and non-woven R-PET shopping bags.
Non-woven (PP) shopping bags are made by using innovative sewing technology. This technology enables them to produce the finest finishing. The conventional needle-and-thread sewing method is being replaced with the new technology which can achieve economy of scale and provide a more competitive price to customers.
The company uses non-woven spunbond material to produce their environmentally friendly bags. Spunbond non-woven material is a recyclable plastic, it is breathable, reusable, washable, recyclable, strong, extremely lightweight, comfortable and soft. From the year 2020, recyclable non-woven spunbond materials are available for bag production.
Non-woven R-PET shopping bags are made by using ultrasonic technologies for thermal edge joining. This worldwide innovation was made by Bagfactory. It allows to produce the non-woven R-PET material bags by the machine, in a fully automatic way. Bagfactory produces the R-PET non-woven bags from 100% recycled PET consumer waste. Due to the thermodynamic qualities of PET, the recycled PET material can be heated up, melted and transformed into a new material, over and over again. Bagfactory produces the R-PET bags from a monolayer material, as this helps to make the product 100% recyclable.
To complete their range of eco-friendly carrier bags, Bagfactory has invested into automatic paper carrier bag manufacturing lines. They are able to offer various size Kraft white or brown paper bags with twisted or flat handles in various thicknesses with prints.
Bagfactory not only manufactures the bags, but also designs and builds the machinery to automate the production process to enable the scale and efficiency needed to compete with less sustainable market alternatives.
The company has customers in 23 countries throughout the world, including well-known international brands and the largest retail chains in Europe.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Bagfactory: Bagfactory offers a variety of custom-made high quality reusable or paper bags for various industries:
- Bags for supermarkets & department stores
- Bags for retail, clothing & footwear
- Bags for restaurants & takeaways
- Bags for consumer electronics
- · Bags for the promotional industry
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Bagfactory: There are 3 news
Bagfactory has developed a unique non-woven, bag ECO-CENT that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, has ecological advantages and can replace single-used plastic and paper bags. The eco-friendly bag is made from 50-70% recycled materials. It is 100% recyclable and reusable. ECO-CENT bag is machine washable at low temperatures. The bag can hold from 15kg to 40kg.
With the participation of researchers from the KTU Ultrasound institute, Bagfactory launched worldwide innovation with new ultrasonic material thermal bonding technology for automatic production of non-woven R-PET material bags. For the first time 100% R-PET non-woven bags can be made in fully automatic way. Before, standard R-PET non-woven bags were made by needle and thread method in Asia.
The company launched thin reusable non-woven bags with a cut-out handle in June this year. Bagfactory’s bags allow shoppers to put fruit and vegetables from the supermarket and store items from home, shoes, etc. The bags can be washed at low temperatures, recycled, and suitable for food contact.
Bagfactory will launch its updated thin, non-woven, reusable bags at the end of the summer. Instead of a cut-out handle, there will be a drawstring. This is a patented technology that allows the bags to be produced in a fully automated way, not only quickly in large quantities but also at low cost. The drawstring bags will ensure a tight seal and will be used by the food industry and the fashion industry, such as shoe and jewelry manufacturers. The bags are made of a soft non-woven material that prevents scratching of items or loss of product parts.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Bagfactory: Bagfaction produces eco-friendly non-woven and paper bags.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Bagfactory: The demand for eco-friendly non-woven and paper bags is growing. One of the reasons is that more than 1 million plastic bags end up in the trash every minute. A concerning estimation suggests that the Atlantic Ocean alone receives approximately 300 million plastic bags annually. As a result, countries are increasingly choosing eco-friendly non-woven or paper bags.
In 2019, the European Union approved new legislation concerning the use of single-use plastic that came into effect on 3 July 2021. It was adopted to address the unsustainable consumption and use of lightweight plastic carrier bags, which are among the top ten items of litter throughout Europe. Lightweight plastic carrier bags are often used only once, but they take centuries to fully degrade in the natural environment. While this is happening, they are often ingested by terrestrial or marine animals, or break up into microplastics. Either way, they end up in the human and animal food chain.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Bagfactory: In recent years, the global marketplace has witnessed a significant shift in consumer behavior towards sustainability. Online searches for sustainable goods have skyrocketed by an impressive 71%, as revealed by The Economist Intelligence Unit. This surge indicates a clear trend where people are actively seeking products and services that align with their environmental values and concerns.
A survey conducted by McKinsey & Co. further emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the consumer decision-making process. A substantial portion of respondents, 66% overall and a significant 75% among millennials, now consider sustainability factors when making purchasing choices. This highlights the increasing awareness and demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible products and brands.
Adding to the mounting evidence, an independent study commissioned by SmartestEnergy reaffirms consumers’ growing inclination towards environmentally conscious businesses. Brands that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability are gaining favor among discerning consumers.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
Bagfactory: The upcoming years will result in significant growth for Bagfactory. Special attention will be given to closed loop circular processes including the collection, recycling, and manufacturing of materials and final products. The company also will consider the acquisition of other manufacturing and sales companies in the European Union and the United States, and opening of new sales offices abroad.