It is all about plastic these days. Shall we use it? How to reduce it? What is the best alternative? Are Cotton Bags the answer? 

One is certain and let’s admit it we cannot live without plastic. Simply there are aspects of life where plastic is needed. A very simple example, I have recently visited A&E with my husband, all the instruments were wrapped in plastic. Hygiene I am thinking.

In this article. I am not going to preach about reducing plastic to zero.

What we are all observing right now,  is the excessive use of it. An unnecessary amount of plastic creating piles of rubbish.What for? Just a convenience or a habit? We live in times where we want everything right now,  in an instant. We demand we deserve, we expect, we complain. Why shall I bother to carry a tote bag in my purse, why shall I keep some bags in the car? Why shall I take a bag for shopping? I want a plastic bag, I have paid so much for my shopping so I deserve a free plastic bag.

But to be honest with you it is nothing new. Let’s’ go back to the ’80s. What were our parents using at the farm market?  Wicker baskets. I am just finishing a book ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ by René Goscinny with my LO and there are references to the Dad taking a shopping bag whereas in ‘Bolek and Lolek’ in one of the adventures written in 80’s boys when sailing find a plastic bag in the ocean.

As in fashion, in health, life is a sine wave and the older I am the more I understand it. Now we are very low at the curve; tired of and frustrated with plastic carry bags. After this plastic period we are coming to conclusion we do not need a plastic bag just so it ends up (hopefully) in the bin within 15 mins.

I truly believe Cotton Bag is more than a bag. Firstly It is used to convey a message. It is a blank canvas waiting impatiently for your quote or design. Secondly it is a piece of art presenting  colorful, vivid, edge to edge prints. It is an accessory, part of the clothing. Last not least it brings memory of the Event.

What is special about bags, they are not stocked items. Thanks to our YES attitude we create beautiful bags that our Clients are proud of and ask for more. Short runs mean every company can have a fashionable line of bags which can be resold or given for free.

As a business to business company we offer our Clients bags made from Oeko Tex certified cotton in a wide range of thickness, weave and abundance of colour to choose from. However, as we know it might not be enough, we dye the fabric in our high tech laboratory to match the specific Pantone. We also encourage our Clients to send their fabrics to our production house, for instance, recently our Client sent us a sail which we used to make the lining of the bag. Now we are also at the stage of researches into hemp and jute just to offer our Clients more…

I am saying this not only as a  Business and Founder of Cotton Barons but also as a respectful human being and an absolute fan of bags.  

I will also continue taking my bag with pride and replying like mantra at the counter ‘ I have got a bag,  I do not need one I have got my own one ‘

Aga Graupen
Director & Founder | Cotton Barons – Cotton Creations

Cotton is a natural material that is lightweight, durable, breathable and biodegradable.

Unfortunately, most cotton is grown and manufactured with chemicals and other substances that can harm the environment and human health.

Choosing products made with cotton that hasn’t been subjected to toxic substances is best. Organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified cotton are two options to consider.

What is Organic Cotton?

Certified organic cotton cloth is made from cotton plants that aren’t genetically modified. The cotton plants are grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Certified organic cotton is, therefore, less likely to pollute the environment and harm human health during production and use, compared to regular cotton. It’s also less likely to harm the environment when it biodegrades.

Organic cotton is sold at a premium price because it’s expensive to produce. Also, the organic certification process that guarantees cotton’s organic status to consumers is costly, so that must be factored into the final price. Be cautious about cotton that is marketed simply as “organic” without the certification to prove it.

Considering the environmental impact of the products that we use is wise, but not everyone can afford the expense of organic cotton.

Fortunately, there is a more affordable alternative to organic cotton: eco-friendly Oeko-Tex certified cotton.

What is Eco-Friendly Oeko-Tex Certified Cotton?

Eco-friendly Oeko-Tex Certified cotton has been tested and certified to be free from toxic levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health. In Europe, the certification to look for is the EU (European Union) Certified. It’s less expensive than organic cotton to produce, but it has many of the same benefits.

Oeko-Tex takes into account the many ways that toxic substances can harm the human body. To be Oeko-Tex certified, all components of a finished cotton product (thread, buttons, etc) must meet strict standards.

The Oeko-Tex Certification processes focus more on the end product, rather than how the cotton is grown. Organic certification, in contrast, focuses largely on how the cotton is grown, but the final product isn’t necessarily tested for toxic substances.

Cotton Barons high-quality EU certified eco-friendly Oeko-Tex cotton products are an excellent way to promote your brand or special event. Our dyed products have REACH certification. All of our products are fully customizable with colour, logos and more.

I have been impressed by constantly increasing range of products for the hospitality sector made from cotton.

Cotton products are decorative and they add character, value and elegance. They are respectful of the environment. At the same time, they are great reminders and souvenirs for guests.

Not such a long time ago the only item in the fabric bag, which could be found in the hotel room, was a hairdryer.

It has changed so much since that.

Now your car keys are securely stored in the tiny embroidered cotton valet pouch while your vehicle is valeted. A cosy and safe place for the bunch of keys. What a perfect idea and a reminder of the stay in the exclusive hotel.

The hotel breakfast is a delight, especially the one served on the tray in the room. Freshly baked bakery goods are packed in the cotton bread bag made of 100 % Oeko Tex certified cotton. What an amazing and natural pairing of cotton and bread. It could not have been thought through better.

The morning newspaper, which is such an important part of the hotel stay, hangs neatly and securely in the newspaper cotton bag. There is no worry about stepping on it or feeling uncomfortable if the title on the front page is not to other guests’ taste.

I cannot just imagine a smarter way of delivering freshly washed clothes than in the cotton laundry bag. Nicely folded and securely tied. No more swishing sound of transparent plastic wrapping.  

I am so happy that we are finally able to take the soap bar in the waterproof nylon pouch. It is such a thoughtful idea. No more waste of just unwrapped soap. Personalised with a delicate logo, it is a great reminder of the luxury stay.

What I really like at high-end accommodations are the cotton zip bags filled with all the latest sample cosmetics. Neatly presented.

Another cotton product introduced by the hotel is a slipper bag, which is a convenient way of carrying the shoes, very hygienic and at the same time elegant way of carrying the slippers to the hotel spa.

While participating in the meeting, all the folders are given in the cotton conference bag. They are cleverly made with long or short handles for men who much prefer carrying the tote in hands than over the shoulder.

What I am even more proud of is the fact that all the products are produced by us – Cotton Barons. All items made as per hotel‘s specifications, matched to hotel’s feel décor.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in any cotton product for the hospitality sector.