CCG BLOG

Help Your Employees Get Ahead of NJ’s Plastic & Paper Bag Ban

Apr 8, 2022 | Services & Solutions





Following many states’ green initiatives, New Jersey will ban plastic and paper bags starting on May 4, 2022, leaving customers to bring their own bags into stores. Over the last 5 years, there has been a great increase in reusable bags usage as governments, environmentalists, and businesses have pushed for more sustainable consumption. Since even before then, however, the promotional products industry used these types of bags for trade shows, conferences, company picnics, employee onboarding, and much more.

In response to the latest ban taking into effect in CCGPromo’s home state, their experts have put together a presentation with a variety of reusable bags that are perfect for shopping, while also allowing employees and your customers to proudly represent the company they are a part of. Rob Kraditor, VP, notes, “We are thrilled to collaborate with any companies looking to use this as an opportunity to support their employees, build their brand awareness, and have a positive impact on the environment.”

Adding a Personal Touch

CCGPromo can do more than source and brand reusable bags. The promotions agency has many comprehensive capabilities, allowing projects to be as turnkey or detailed as needed. Their individualized fulfillment process can include printing custom cards and/or collateral with branded messaging to go into the bags, and then be delivered in bulk or directly to each employees’ home. Adding a card highlighting the benefits of green initiatives would be a great value-add to the recipient!

Environmental Impact

For years we’ve heard about the impact single-use plastic has on the environment, but now there’s even more data showing just how destructive it is to humans, animals, and ecosystems across the globe. Plastic bags never fully degrade, and their lifecycle is a mere 12 minutes. As if that’s not enough, it takes as much energy to drive a car half a mile as producing 9 plastic bags. While it may take a couple of weeks, or even months, to get used to bringing your own bags to the grocery store, understanding the impact being made makes it all worth it!

For more information about purchasing reusable bags and branded merchandise, please contact Rob Kraditor at rkraditor@corpcomm.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Plastic Bag Ban and Reusable Bags

What is New Jersey’s plastic bag ban?

New Jersey’s plastic and paper bag ban — which took effect on May 4, 2022 — prohibits most retail stores, grocery stores, and food service businesses from providing single-use plastic or paper bags to customers at checkout. New Jersey’s ban is one of the most comprehensive in the United States, covering both plastic and paper single-use bags.

What bags are allowed under New Jersey’s bag ban?

Under New Jersey’s bag ban, stores may not provide single-use plastic or paper bags. Customers must bring their own reusable bags. Retailers may sell reusable bags in-store. Some exemptions apply for certain food items (like loose produce) and small businesses meeting specific criteria.

How can businesses prepare employees for the NJ bag ban?

Businesses can prepare employees by distributing branded reusable bags as part of employee kits or onboarding packages, communicating the policy change through internal channels, and providing education on what the ban covers. Branded reusable bags also function as promotional merchandise — giving employees a useful item while reinforcing brand identity.

What are promotional reusable bags?

Promotional reusable bags are custom-branded tote bags, shopping bags, or carry bags produced with a company’s logo and design for distribution at trade shows, employee events, customer appreciation programs, and corporate gifting. They are among the most widely used promotional products because they are practical, highly visible, and eco-friendly.

How has the push for sustainability affected the promotional products industry?

Sustainability has driven significant growth in eco-friendly promotional products — including reusable bags, recycled material merchandise, and items made from sustainable substrates. Brands increasingly choose promotional products that align with their corporate sustainability commitments, making reusable and recycled-content items among the fastest-growing categories in the promotional products industry.

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