Price Guide
All quotes include pricing for one color imprint and one location.
Plastic bag bans and fees are now in effect in dozens of states, counties, and cities across the U.S. If you operate a grocery store, convenience store, or food retailer in an affected area, you’re required to either charge for bags or provide reusable alternatives. This guide covers what the bans require, which reusable grocery bags meet the standards, and how to turn compliance into a branding opportunity instead of just a cost.
What Most Plastic Bag Bans Require
Bag ban legislation varies by jurisdiction, but most laws share common elements.
Single-use plastic bags are banned at checkout. Thin-film polyethylene bags (the standard grocery store plastic bag) cannot be distributed to customers.
Reusable bags must meet durability standards. Most laws define a reusable bag as one that is designed for at least 125 uses, has stitched handles, and can carry 22 pounds. Our non-woven bags at 80-100+ GSM and all cotton and laminated bags exceed these thresholds.
Paper bags may require a fee. Many jurisdictions allow paper bags but require stores to charge $0.05-$0.10 per bag. This creates a financial incentive for customers to bring reusable bags instead.
Stores may sell reusable bags. Most laws allow you to sell reusable bags to customers at the register. This is where custom branded bags become both a compliance tool and a revenue stream.
Where Bans Are in Effect
As of 2025, statewide single-use plastic bag bans are in effect in California, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Colorado, and several other states. Hundreds of additional cities and counties have their own ordinances. If you’re unsure about your jurisdiction, check your state’s environmental agency website or contact your local government.
The trend is clear: more bans are coming, not fewer. Investing in reusable bags now means you’re ahead of the curve rather than scrambling when your area passes new legislation.
Which Bags Meet Ban Requirements
All of our reusable grocery bags meet or exceed the durability requirements in every current U.S. bag ban law. Here’s how each material stacks up.
Non-woven polypropylene: 80-100+ GSM fabric, stitched handles, rated for 300+ uses. The Metro Reusable Grocery Bag and Original Standard Grocery are the most popular choices for ban compliance. Starting at $0.59-$3.00 per bag with a 200-unit minimum.
Cotton and canvas: Stitched construction, reinforced handles, rated for years of use. Exceeds every durability standard. The Cotton Canvas Reusable Grocery is the top cotton option. Starting at 100 units.
Laminated: Rigid construction, 500+ use lifespan, far exceeds any durability requirement. The Laminated Grocery, Retail, Trade bag. Starting at 2,500 units.
Insulated: Thermal-lined bags also qualify as reusable bags under all current ban legislation. Useful for stores that want to offer a temperature-controlled option alongside standard bags.
Turning Compliance Into Branding
Most stores treat bag bans as a hassle. Smart stores treat them as an opportunity. When customers can no longer get free plastic bags, they need an alternative — and your branded reusable bag is the alternative they see every day.
Sell at checkout: Price your branded bags at $1-3 at the register. Customers pay for the bag but you cover your costs (or profit) while distributing branded marketing material. Some stores break even on bag costs within the first quarter.
Give away with purchase threshold: “Spend $50, get a free reusable bag.” This drives basket size and puts your branded bag in the customer’s hands. The bag cost is absorbed into the promotional budget.
Loyalty program reward: Include a branded reusable bag in your loyalty welcome kit or as a reward at a point threshold. The bag becomes a perk, not an obligation.
Grand opening or rebranding: Distribute bags during a store opening, remodel, or rebrand event. Customers associate the bag with the new experience.
The Economics
Cost of non-woven bags: $0.59-$3.00 per bag at 200+ units.
Retail price at checkout: $1.00-$3.00 per bag.
Result: At volume, you can sell branded bags at or above cost. You’re getting paid to distribute marketing material.
Compare that to paper bags at $0.05-$0.10 per bag where you collect a mandated fee but provide zero brand value. The reusable bag costs more upfront but generates revenue and thousands of brand impressions per bag.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Determine your local bag ban requirements. Check minimum durability, weight, and handle specifications.
Step 2: Estimate your quantity based on weekly transaction volume. Start with a 3-6 month supply.
Step 3: Choose a material. Non-woven for volume and speed. Cotton for premium positioning. Laminated for full-color branding.
Step 4: Request a free quote on any product in our reusable grocery bags category, or call 877-334-5323 to discuss your compliance needs. We’ll help you find the right bag at the right price.