The Complete Guide to Custom Branded Bags Made from Recycled Materials

When companies build out their branded merchandise programs, recycled bags have become one of the most requested — and most impactful — categories. They’re practical, they’re visible, and they carry your logo alongside a material story that resonates with employees, clients, and stakeholders alike.

We have curated a selection of custom branded bags made from recycled materials. Whether you’re shopping for a client gift, a conference giveaway, a team welcome kit, or an Earth Day campaign, there’s a recycled bag on this list built for the job.


What materials are these bags made from?

Not all “eco-friendly” bags are created equal. Here’s what the terms actually mean when you see them on product listings:

r-PET (Recycled Polyester) is made from reclaimed plastic bottles — typically PET bottles collected from recycling streams. It’s one of the most common and verifiable sustainable fabrics in promotional merchandise, and it’s used in everything from totes to dry bags to waist packs.

Black Repeat Recycled rPET Tote
Repeat Recycled rPET Tote
Red Ivy Recycled Cotton Tote - AWARE
Ivy Recycled Cotton Tote

Recycled cotton is produced by shredding and re-spinning post-industrial or post-consumer cotton waste. It reduces water usage compared to virgin cotton and often carries certifications like OEKO-TEX or GRS (Global Recycled Standard).

Recycled canvas refers to heavier-weight woven fabric made from reclaimed cotton or cotton-blend fibers. It’s durable, washable, and has a premium feel that clients appreciate.

Natural 14 Oz. Recycled Mono-Strap Canvas Tote Bag
14 Oz. Recycled Mono-Strap Canvas Tote Bag
Blue and white with black straps Blake Recycled PVC Unique Tote Bag
Blake Recycled PVC Unique Tote Bag

Recycled PVC is made from post-consumer or post-industrial PVC waste (e.g., construction offcuts, flooring, inflatables). It’s reprocessed into a durable, water-resistant material that cleans easily. Buyers should check supplier transparency or certifications about phthalates and heavy metals.

Recycled paper (typically kraft paper) uses post-consumer recycled content and is a popular choice for retail-style gift bags and shoppers, especially for events and seasonal gifting.

Non-woven polypropylene is a lightweight, budget-friendly fabric commonly used for grocery totes and shoppers. While it’s not always made from recycled content, it’s reusable and long-lasting — reducing reliance on single-use plastic bags.

Every style of recycled bag we offer — with your logo on it

Our 2026 recycled bags collection spans more than 20 distinct styles across every use case you can think of:

Carry & shop: Tote bags, grocery totes, foldaway shopping totes, large utility totes, and non-woven shopper bags — ideal for everyday use and high-visibility brand exposure.

Red and White Arlo Recycled rPET Tote
Arlo Recycled rPET Tote

On the go: Backpacks, crossbody bags, waist packs / belt packs, and laptop sleeves — great for employee welcome kits, tech company swag, and commuter-focused gifting.

Black Renew Recycled rPET Waist Pack
Renew Recycled rPET Waist Pack – AWARE

Work essentials: Computer bags, padded laptop sleeves, and structured totes that hold up in professional environments without sacrificing your sustainability story.

Travel & outdoors: Dry bags, duffle bags, bottle bags, and insulated totes — perfect for active-lifestyle brands, outdoor event sponsorships, and client appreciation gifts that get used on weekends.

Wellness & lifestyle: Toiletry bags, yoga carry bags, baby bottle coolers, and cinch bags round out the collection for health-focused brands, wellness programs, and family-friendly giveaways.

Arden Recycled Cotton Toiletry Bag
Arden Recycled Cotton Toiletry Bag

Gifting & retail: Paper bags and recycled cotton gift bags bring the eco-angle to your packaging, not just your products — so the unboxing experience is part of the sustainability statement.

Pet-friendly: Even dog waste bag dispensers are available in recycled materials, making this a genuinely full-spectrum collection.

Why branded recycled bags work so hard for companies

Bags have one of the highest “kept and used” rates of any promotional product category, particularly when the design is clean and the material feels premium. A recycled tote or a GRS-certified backpack doesn’t read as a freebie. It reads as a considered gift.

For companies navigating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, sustainability-focused client relationships, or Earth Day campaigns, recycled bags also give you a tangible, documentable story: specific recycled content percentages, third-party certifications, and in some cases, a scannable digital product passport that links to verifiable impact data.


Ready to find the right bag for your brand?

Browse our full 2026 Recycled Bags collection — all styles are available with custom logo decoration and minimum quantities starting as low as 12 units on select styles.

Need help narrowing it down? Our team can match you to the right bag style, material, and price point for your budget and timeline. Start a project here →