Summer Cotton Bags – Beach Bags – Promotional Bags – Retail Bags
Cotton tote bags have become a symbol of sustainable consumption in recent years—partly driven by stricter European regulations that gradually restrict single-use packaging and ban certain plastic products by 2030 (europarl.europa.eu, environment.ec.europa.eu). Beyond the environmental benefits, they offer excellent customization possibilities with various printing techniques—DTG (Direct-to-Garment), DTF (Direct-to-Film) and screen printing—and can even be finished with embroidery.
1. Sustainability Benefits of Cotton
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Reusable by design: The life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a cotton tote far exceeds that of a single-use plastic bag.
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Extended durability: A heavier canvas (≥ 220 g/m²) comfortably carries up to 8 kg and withstands years of regular use.
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Supports EU waste-reduction goals: The new Packaging Regulation sets targets for reuse and recycling, incentivizing a shift from plastic carrier bags to longer-lasting materials.
2. How to Choose the Right Cotton Bag
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GSM & Weave
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140 g/m²: Ideal for cost-effective giveaways and short-run promotions
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≥ 280 g/m²: Premium canvas for retail sale or corporate gifts
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Certifications
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GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX: Guarantees chlorine-free bleaching and absence of harmful chemicals
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Handles
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Long (≈ 65 cm): Comfortable over-the-shoulder carry
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Short: Suited for hand-held use, event giveaways
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Fabric Color
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Natural unbleached canvas: Conveys a raw, “eco” aesthetic
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Dyed (PMS-matched): Bold branding in corporate colors
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3. Printing & Personalization
| Technique | Advantages | Recommended for… |
|---|---|---|
| DTG & DTF printing | Vivid, photographic-quality colors; no limit on number of shades; fast turnaround for small or large runs | Multi-design collections, personalized gifts, test series, branded retail bags |
| Screen printing | Low cost on runs of 100+ pieces; extremely durable inks | Single- or two-color designs in high volumes (e.g., festivals) |
| Embroidery | Premium, three-dimensional look; adds fabric thickness | Corporate gifts, small logos |
4. Common Applications
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Retail alternative to plastic bags in health-food stores
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Conference bags with event logo and QR code linking to a mobile app
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Merchandise for music, sports or cultural events; turnkey e-commerce sales
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DIY designer collections—limited edition prints sold as unique pieces
5. Care & Lifespan Extension
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Avoid machine washing: Natural fibers tend to shrink and wrinkle.
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If washing is unavoidable: Air-dry flat, refrain from high-heat tumble drying.
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Ironing: On reverse (non-printed) side at medium temperature.
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Stain removal on natural canvas: Use mild, natural cleaners such as baking soda.
Featured Products
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Westford Mill W695 EarthAware® Organic Canvas Shopping Bag
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Link: https://gajcom.si/…/westford-mill-w695-earthaware-nakupovalna-torba-iz-organskega-bombaznega-platna
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Material: 100 % certified organic cotton twill, 230 g/m²
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Size & Volume: 44 × 37 × 16 cm (~ 23 L); long handles (63 cm) for shoulder carry
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Colors: Natural, apple green, cornflower blue, orange, raspberry, sunflower yellow, violet…
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Ideal for: Larger healthy-food store purchases or as a premium fair giveaway highlighting GOTS certification
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Westford Mill W255 Striped Organic Cotton Bag
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Link: https://gajcom.si/…/50-0255-westford-mill-w255-nakupovalna-torba-iz-ekoloskega-bombaza-sc-rtami
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Material: 100 % organic cotton, 200 g/m²; yarn-dyed stripes for lasting pattern
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Size & Volume: 45 × 37 × 14 cm (~ 21 L); handles 69 cm for shoulder carry
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Colors: Red, grey or blue stripes on natural background; nautical “marine” vibe
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Ideal for: Lifestyle brands seeking a trendy maritime pattern with sustainable credentials
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Stanley/Stella STAU762 Shopping Bag – Large Recycled Tote
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Link: https://gajcom.si/…/stanleystella-stau762-shopping-bag-velika-bombazna-vrecka
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Material: 80 % recycled cotton, 20 % recycled polyester, heavy-duty canvas 300 g/m²
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Size: 49 × 37 × 14 cm; extended side-gusset for extra volume; strap length ~ 70 cm
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Colors: Midnight Blue plus seasonal Stanley/Stella palette
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Ideal for: Brands embracing circular economy and premium feel—perfect for high-impact DTF prints
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Quick Comparison of Key Specs
| Criterion | W695 EarthAware | W255 Striped Organic | STAU762 Stanley/Stella |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSM & Material | 230 g/m², 100 % organic cotton | 200 g/m², 100 % organic cotton | 300 g/m², 80 % recycled cotton / 20 % recycled polyester |
| Dimensions (cm) | 44 × 37 × 16 | 45 × 37 × 14 | 49 × 37 × 14 |
| Volume | ~ 23 L | ~ 21 L | ~ 25 L (wider gusset) |
| Color Options | 7+ solid shades | 2–3 striped variants | Multiple seasonal colors |
| Price Range* | From € 4 | From € 6 | From € 4.75 |
*Prices are approximate for “blank” (unprinted) bags and may vary based on quantity, decoration technique (DTF, screen print, embroidery) and current commercial terms at Gajcom.
Which Bag to Choose?
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Budget-conscious promotional giveaways: W695 EarthAware covers a broad color range while emphasizing eco credentials.
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Boutique or online brand with bold visuals: W255 Striped Organic’s built-in pattern reduces printing needs and stands out as a fresh model.
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Premium e-commerce or eco-focused merch: STAU762’s heavy-weight, recycled canvas and minimalist design form an ideal base for high-quality prints or detailed embroidery.