T-SHIRT BAGS

Custom T-Shirt Bags & Plastic Bag Alternatives

Stay Compliant With WA State Bag Requirements

The Washington State plastic bag ban law applies to markets, retail shops and convenience stores, as well as carryout restaurants, special events venues and other service businesses. Illegal single-use plastic bags include those provided during the checkout, point of sale and delivery processes, and PackageIt brings you peace of mind with budget-friendly bags that are green and compliant.

Image courtesy State of Washington Department of Ecology.

Eliminate bag ban penalties with state-approved reusable plastic, paper and compostable substitutes for t-shirt bags substitutes. PackageIt’s sales team helps you customize orders or purchase pre-printed paper and thick plastic bags, all with compliant labels, too.

• Paper bags: Bags of all sizes are acceptable when made from at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content, non-wood renewable fiber (wheat straw, etc.) or a combination of both. Labels must include details about the percentage of post-consumer and non-wood fiber content.
• Thick, reusable plastic bags: Compliant custom bags must be 2.25 mil or more and contain at least 20 percent recycled content. PackageIt provides plastic film bags printed with the percentage of post-consumer recycled content, the bag’s thickness and the word “reusable” as required by law.
• Compostable carryout bags: Green- or brown-tinted compostable bags are allowed but not recommended since WA composting facilities cannot accept them. If you plan to use these bags, the state recommends locating an independent composting facility, first. Compostable bags must meet Chapter 70A.455 RCW requirements for plastic degradability. Compostable film bags are also allowed for self-service packaging (produce, meat and seafood, deli, bulk food items, etc.).
• Durable, reusable carryout bags made from fabric or easily sanitized material. To be deemed “reusable,” a bag must accommodate 22+ pounds and withstand a minimum of 125 uses over 175 feet or more. Customize your plastic t-shirt bag alternatives with your logo to boost brand identity and showcase your company during use.

Some single-use bags used in retail establishments and grocery stores are exempt from the Washington Bag Ban, including those used for produce, deli items, bulk food, prescription medication, flowers, hardware, newspapers, dry cleaning and more. Ask a PackageIt representative for more information about compliant plastic bags and bag substitutes. For more ban and exemption details, visit the WA Department of Ecology.

Compliant Bag Options for Carryout & Retail

Washington launched its bag ban to reduce plastic pollution and minimize road and waterway trash, but its comprehensive requirements can burden your business. Before you get lost in the law’s technicalities or spend too much time looking for bag alternatives, ask a PackageIt sales rep about compliant, affordable recommendations. Partner with a Seattle packaging specialist for custom and stock products tailored to your budget and adherent to WA plastics laws.

Reusable Plastic Bags

When paper is not the best option, many retailers and restauranteurs exchange t-shirt plastic bags for thicker, reusable products. PackageIt carries HDPE plastic bags that meet required density guidelines (2.25 mil and greater) and contain at least 20 percent recycled content. These popular carryout bags are two to three times stronger than single-use plastics, and they are reusable for grocery and retail shopping or home applications.

PackageIt also recommends oxo-biodegradable plastics composed of additive-based materials that break down in the presence of oxygen. These eco-friendly bags combine convenience, strength and lightweight construction, along with a service life of two years or more.

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• High-density materials with high tensile strength
• Biodegradable materials that break down with oxygenation
• Custom-printed & plain design options
• Plastronic® bags available in seven distinctive colors
• Counter rack-friendly Snap-Eze™ bags
• Custom printing through the Elkay Custom Department

Large Paper Carryout Bags

Made with 40 percent recycled content or non-wood fiber, large paper bags (882 cubic inches or greater) are a sturdy, sustainable option for restaurants, retailers, grocers and food festivals. Small kraft bags are also permitted for pre- or post-checkout when they comply with these regulations.

Plastic Produce, Meat & Bulk Food Bags

Washington permits the use of self-serve LDPE or HDPE plastic bags, saddle bags and certified compostable bags for protecting and separating bakery goods, produce, meat and deli items, bulk products and more. Ask PackageIt about printed or unprinted produce bags and wet-pack bags, which are FDA- and USDA-approved for food contact and useful for moisture control.

“Bring Your Own Bag” Reusable Products

Another simple, affordable t-shirt bag alternative is a durable, reusable carryout product. Promote new and existing BYOB initiatives by partnering with PackageIt. Our sales and VMI specialists customize canvas shopping totes, non-woven reusable bags, high-density reusable t-shirt bags and other specialty products with your logo, brand or printed message. Use these BYOB products to show off your brand, advertise special events and influence potential new customers.

Compostable Carryout Bags

Green- and brown-tinted film bags must be certified compostable and approved for drop-off at a nearby facility. The state does not recommend these bags since their compost facilities will not accept them, but they are exempt from the state ban if they meet Washington’s Chapter 70A.455 RCW requirements.

Plastic T-Shirt Bags for Pacific Northwest Customers

For decades, t-shirt bags have been essential to retail and grocery businesses. Quality plain, thank-you and custom-printed bags are made from high-tensile, high-density plastic that holds both heavy loads and lightweight retail products. Available in a full range of sizes, colors and styles, these traditional carryout bags are also popular for home and office upcycling.

Though businesses in Washington State have moved away from t-shirt bags, we provide Idaho and Pacific Northwest customers with bags less than 2.25 mil when needed. Serving the region since 1974, we are a Seattle mainstay that carries t-shirt bags and other plastic products in bulk and at competitive prices. Located in Oregon? We can help meet your state’s bag ban requirements, too!

Custom Plastic Bags from the Seattle Packaging Experts

Beginning July 1, 2022, post-consumer recycled content percentages will increase from 20 to 40 percent for reusable plastic bags. In January 2026, thickness requirements will rise from 2.25 to 4 mil. PackageIt helps businesses navigate Washington’s bag requirements while planning for current and future sustainability initiatives. Ask us about stock and custom t-shirt bags or carryout products for everyday and specialty use.

From custom bags for groceries to reusable carryout totes, PackageIt is a preferred supplier and reputable, family-operated business. We provide Pacific Northwest clients with plastic t-shirt bags and Washington bag ban-compliant alternatives when you contact us at 888.743.0907 or connect online.

For a complete list of products compliant with the state bag ban, visit the Department of Ecology website.