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US Paper Bag Shortage: Solutions for Retailers & Restaurants
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US Paper Bag Shortage: Solutions for Retailers & Restaurants

The perfect storm is hitting retail and hospitality markets this quarter. Between coronavirus fears, import tariffs on packaging, and Bag Ban legislation requiring changes from plastic to paper, companies are struggling to maintain control of inventory forecasting and supply chain management. On top of that, the nation’s largest domestic paper bag suppliers are reporting unprecedented production backlogs.

Fortunately, CRP is poised to help. In anticipation of this shortage, we have lined up viable solutions for retailers and hospitality companies in need of production alternatives for their paper bag program.

Option 1: New Domestic Paper Bag Factory

CRP represents a brand-new US paper bag manufacturer who has recently opened and has production slots available. This factory produces revolutionary retail, carry-out and home delivery bags with sustainability at the forefront.

Wahlburgers’ carry-out tote was produced by CRP at a brand new US paper bag factory.

Wahlburgers’ carry-out tote was produced by CRP at a brand new US paper bag factory.

 

Domestically manufactured in the same new factory, Ohh La La’s paper bag is a perfect example of a retail-ready shopper.

Domestically manufactured in the same new factory, Ohh La La’s paper bag is a perfect example of a retail-ready shopper.

 

  • Lead Time: starting at 8 weeks from artwork approval

  • Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 50K bags/size

  • Key Benefits:

    • Production focused on sustainability

    • Less paper usage

    • Tamper-proof/sealable options (perfect for home delivery)

    • Custom sizes & contemporary shapes

    • Bag-ban compliant

    • Tariff-free

  • Companies currently using these bags:

    • West Elm

    • Eataly

    • Wahlburgers

    • CIBO

    • Ooh La La Bakery

Contact us to learn more about this new factory and reserve your production spot today. 

Option 2: Reusable tote bags

For those considering an alternative from paper, CRP provides domestic and imported reusable totes.

Example of a domestically sourced cotton tote bag, produced by CRP for Tinys No. 5.

Example of a domestically sourced cotton tote bag, produced by CRP for Tinys No. 5.

 

Domestic: post-printed tote bags available in an array of styles, materials and colors. A great option for quick turnaround.

  • Lead Time: 4+ Weeks

  • MOQ: 3K Bags

  • Key Benefits:

    • Shorter lead times

    • Lower minimum order quantities

    • Tariff-free

This imported tote bag was structurally designed to include custom-sewn pockets and a full-panel design for Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

This imported tote bag was structurally designed to include custom-sewn pockets and a full-panel design for Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Import: preferable when more design customization is necessary or desired. Lead times and MOQs are typically longer, but the customer has ultimate control over the design process.

  • Lead Time: 12+ Weeks

  • MOQ: 10K Bags

  • Key Benefits:

    • Fully customizable

    • Access to a wider variety of materials

    • Tariff-free options available

Now is the time to start planning for 2020 and beyond. Give us a call ASAP, and a CRP representative will be happy to walk you through these options and more to plan for a seamless transition of your packaging program.

[email protected]

800.324.2247