New legislation, introduced last Monday (5 October), requires retailers with more than 250 staff to charge shoppers at least 5p for each ‘single-use’ plastic carrier bag thinner than 70 microns.
But, unlike the rest of the UK, where similar charges were already in place, in England paper bags are exempt from the levy.
Arjowiggins Graphic national key account manager Julian Long said: “Enquiries for papers suitable for the production of bags have more than tripled in the last couple of months compared to a similar period earlier this year.
“The clients range across the spectrum from internationally renowned brands to much smaller organisations, but all with strong ethical credentials.”
As well as avoiding the charge, using 100%-recycled FSC-certified paper bags can enhance a business’s environmental credentials, help reach CSR objectives and showcase environmental commitments to consumers, the company said.
In response to demand the Paris, France-based company is adding a new 190gsm option for Silk Pack 100 and Silk Pack 60, to its existing recycled paper Pack range, which has been designed especially for the luxury bag market, ahead of exhibiting at LuxePack Monaco next week (21-23 October).
Long said: “Arjowiggins Graphic is now one of a very limited number of manufacturers in Europe to offer papers for the luxury bag market. The new range of bags has been designed to offer our signature environmental qualities with strength and excellent printability, which are all essential for the luxury bag market.
“The papers are suitable for very broad range of printing methods including litho, screen, rotgravaure, flexography and most digital processes.
“Apart from the move from plastic to paper, directly or subsequently to recycled products, there is also a noticeable move from lesser grades of paper, such as white or brown kraft products, to those giving a more luxurious appearance. A bag, almost regardless of the product or outlet, is an item of point-of-sale promotion just as much as, or maybe more so than, say, a poster.”
The Pack range comprises coated and uncoated recycled papers manufactured from 100% and 60% FSC-certified recycled paper at Arjowiggins Graphic's Besse-sur-Braye and Le Bourray mills.
It includes Cocoon Pack and Cyclus Pack (100% recycled high white and natural white uncoated products), Silk Pack 100 and Silk Pack 60, (100% recycled and 60% recycled, silk coated products.
Silk Pack 100 is available in 150, 190 and 200gsm; Silk Pack 60 in 170, 190 and 200gsm; Cocoon Pack in 100, 120, 140 and 200gsm and Cyclus Pack in 100, 115, 140 and 200gsm.
