With single-use plastic bags banned in Queensland, shop owners and shoppers alike need a reusable alternative. We've compared the three most popular options — paper, calico and non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) — for both shop owners (bags to give customers) and customers (bags to buy and reuse). Each is rated out of 5 stars on price, sturdiness and usability.
Paper bags
Shop owners ★★★★ — Price ★★★★★ · Sturdiness ★★★★☆ · Usability ★★★☆☆
Economical, reasonably strong and easy to use even in a small shop, with a big range of sizes and colours.
Customers ★★★★ — Price ★★★★★ · Sturdiness ★★★★☆ · Usability ★★☆☆☆
Cheap to buy in bulk and easy to reuse for gifts or storage, though less convenient than totes for a big grocery shop.
Calico bags
Shop owners ★★★★★ — Price ★★★★☆ · Sturdiness ★★★★★ · Usability ★★★★★
One of the best options — a genuine eco feel, 100% cotton and hard to break. Among the most economical calico in Australia.
Customers ★★★★★ — Price ★★★★☆ · Sturdiness ★★★★★ · Usability ★★★★☆
Usability depends on style — two-handle bags are the most versatile, ahead of drawstring and shoulder-strap styles.
Non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) bags
Shop owners ★★★★ — Price ★★★☆☆ · Sturdiness ★★★★★ · Usability ★★★★★
The reusable "green bag" style — sturdy, easy to store in 50-packs, and great for printing your logo for extra brand exposure.
Customers ★★★★ — Price ★★☆☆☆ · Sturdiness ★★★★★ · Usability ★★★★★
Reliable in almost any shopping scenario and larger than calico, so you need fewer of them.
At a glance
| Customer | Paper | Calico | NWPP |
| Price | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Sturdiness | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Usability | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Total | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Shop owner | Paper | Calico | NWPP |
| Price | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Sturdiness | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Usability | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 4 | 5 | 4 |
The verdict
For shop owners and customers alike, calico bags top the table for all-round value, with paper and NWPP close behind depending on budget and use. Browse calico, paper and reusable bags at QIS Packaging, or call 1800 555 343.