By Splash Packaging TeamPackaging Resources, Paper Bags, Retail, Sustainability in the Packaging Industry

What Exactly is a Eurotote Bag?

Eurototes, euro bags, euro shoppers; you’ve definitely seen them but maybe you don’t know exactly what they are or what’s so special about them?

Eurototes have a few key characteristics that make them different from other types of retail shopping bags and gift bags. These features result in a shopping bag that looks and feels more luxurious and high-end. These bags are ideal for retailers and businesses who want to portray a high-quality look with their packaging, or if you have heavier items and need a sturdier bag to hold them.

Construction

What makes a Eurotote unique?

• Heavyweight materials (paper or plastic)
• Cardboard reinforced turn-tops
• Inserted cardboard bottom boards
• Loop or rope handles made from various materials

Eurototes notably have a stronger construction and composition than your average paper shopping bag. Each eurotote is made with a heavier weight paper, and if the paper is laminated that can add even more strength. The top edges of the bag are folded over and reinforced with cardboard for extra durable handles. The bottom gusset of the bag is reinforced with an inserted cardboard bottom board to add strength for heavier items.

The way these bags are constructed make them much stronger than a normal paper bag. This also means they are more suitable for reusing. High end retailers and those who sell heavier items like wine, home decor, candles, etc. often choose to use eurototes as their shopping bag of choice.

Eurototes can also be made from plastic materials, with the same basic construction. Plastic eurototes are usually made with very heavyweight high-density plastic that is sturdy and almost rigid. This makes the bags look and feel more luxurious than just a standard plastic bag, and gives it strength to hold heavier items.

Plastic eurototes usually have cardboard reinforced bottoms and plastic reinforced tops with soft rope loop handles. Frosted plastic eurotote bags are a popular option for high-end retailers and spas because of their luxurious look.

Handles

One of the more noticeable features of a eurotote are the handles. Eurototes usually feature soft loop handles that are either threaded through eyelets in the bag or through the reinforced foldover tops.

Eurotote handles can be made with a variety of materials across a range of styles and trends. Most are made with cotton blend materials for a rope-like appearance that’s soft to the touch. Handles can be made with synthetic fabrics, leather, ribbon, twill, or even braided paper rope.

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Unique handles are one of the defining differences between eurototes and traditional paper shopping bags. The soft and smooth feel of a rope or ribbon handle make the bag feel more luxurious and high-end. It also provides strength for carrying heavier items in your shopping bags.

Finishes

Eurototes come in a variety of finishes ranging from matte to gloss, to textured materials. For a luxury retailer, the finish of the bag can make a big difference in how the bag fits into their brand image.

Finishes for paper eurotote bags can include matte or gloss film lamination that is made from a very thin layer of plastic that overlays the paper material. Non-laminated paper eurotote bags usually have a more natural or matte finish, but they can still have vibrant color options.

Some bags are made with textured paper that may or may not be laminated. Textured paper gives a more interesting feel to the bag. Some texture options include linen textured, embossed pebble textured, or leatherette textured.

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Plastic eurotote bags are usually made from a heavyweight high-density plastic that is either opaque or semi-transparent or ‘frosted’. This plastic has a semi-rigid feel and is extremely durable for heavy items, and nearly impossible to rip!

Recyclability

Eurototes are not as easily recyclable as many other types of paper shopping bags. This is due to the added materials and possibly laminated paper that is used in their construction. The inserted boards to reinforce the bags are generally made from 100% paper and are recyclable, but the handles and bag itself poses the bigger issues. Handles can be made with recyclable materials, or they could be removed before recycling. Bags that are laminated with plastic film cannot be recycled because the film can’t be removed from the paper.

Some paper shopping bags are manufactured with the environment in mind, and are purposely made with fully recyclable materials including 100% paper handles and non-laminated paper materials. Gaia eurotote bags are an example of a bag that is made with 100% paper materials and is fully recyclable. The bag is still made with durable materials that can be reused many times.

One of the eco-friendly features of eurotote bags is that because they are more durable and high-quality, they can be reused many times. If the end customer reuses their eurotote bag, it can help prevent packaging waste. Some cities require that shopping bags meet a certain paperweight in order to be considered reusable, and most eurototes will meet that requirement easily.

Overall, eurotote bags are a beautiful shopping bag option for many types of retailers and specialty stores. The high-end features of eurototes exude luxury in both look and feel. They are popular among salons and spas, clothing retailers, boutiques, and even dentists and doctors offices! With so many options to choose from, eurototes can fit into your branding perfectly while offering your customers a sturdy bag that can be reused many times.

Eurototes can also be custom printed with your logo or design using a popular foil-stamping method. By branding your eurotote bags, you can give customers a more personalized shopping experience and benefit from the marketing that bags provide. To order custom printed eurotote bags, contact a company like Morgan Chaney, who specializes in custom printed packaging.

Shop Eurototes at Splash Packaging