Best Eco Promotional Bags 2026
A review of the best eco bags for 2026
Most popular eco friendly bags in 2026
1. Recycled cotton tote bag – 7L 140gsm – The Madras
2. Foldable recycled cotton tote – 7L 140 gsm – Foldable Madras
3. Recycled cotton and PET blend tote bag
4. Paper exhibition bag with twisted paper handles
5. Beyond tote bags - Recycled PET Expedition Pro backpack and laptop bag
We look at the most popular eco promotional bags used this year’s event season 2026.
1. Recycled Cotton Tote bag – 7L 140gsm
Our favourite for versatility and range of colours is the Madras recycled cotton tote bag which hits the mark in terms of price point. Being cotton the fabric is naturally biodegradable and is recycled cotton mad from pre and post-consumer waste fires. The recycling process does not appear to effect the strength and durability of the bag
2, Foldable recycled cotton tote – 7L 140 gsm
As well as the standard Madras there is also a foldable version which folds down into its own pouch. Still the same eco credentials.
3. Recycled cotton and PET blend
An alternative to the recycled cotton is a blend of recycled fibres using recycled PET – polyester recovered by recycling fizzy drinks bottles. PET increase the softness of the fabric produced but being a blend it is very difficult to then recycle this bag. Hence our preference for the Madras. The number of colour options is also limited.
One to avoid – there is an eco product which is a ‘none woven’ mad from either recycled polypropylene or polyester. In principle it seems a great choice but we believe the feel of the product is cheap. It is actually much cheaper than other tote bags but we have to confess we do not like it. Strongly suggest you touch and feel a sample before going for the none woven versions.
4. Paper bag with twisted paper handles
When it comes to events and exhibitions the old standard paper carrier works really well. Paper is the most recycled material with very high levels of recycling across the UK. Paper is also a terrific surface for accepting print.
We tend to recommend the twisted paper handles or flat paper handles rather than the rope, so as to keep the recycling at its maximum.
Size of bags available is large, ranging from small gift bags to the large event carriers.
5. Beyond tote bags - Recycled PET Expedition Pro
Whilst bags generally means tote bags for exhibitions – we would like to highlight one of the many back packs which we love – The Expedition Pro.
When fizzy drinks bottles are recycled and spun into a fibre they create a fabric which is soft to the touch and yet exceedingly strong and durable. So this backpack is not only made from recycled materials but a good strong carrier and we love the design. Very simple lines on the outside and loads of pockets on the inside. Eco can mean high quality
For more ideas of eco friendly bags for branded promotional merchandise see: https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/bags
AUTHOR: David Platt – BA BSC. MBA and Dip M. as well as academic qualifications David has run Pavilion, a specialist eco products provider, for over 25 years. He is aware of the issues and the greenwash circulating around this topic and is always willing to share information.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-platt-a84b12b8/
Video Can be found here
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