Traderbag debunks some myths about plastic shopping bags

Every day, up to 80% of consumers forget to reuse plastic shopping bags. Many still believe they are helping the environment because of the claims surrounding plastic recycling. Whether a bag is made from a discarded PET cooldrink bottle or plastic-based fabric, the outcome is often the same. Consumers pay for the bag, while the environment bears the long term cost. Daniel and Declan Cherry, directors of Traderbag, say almost all single-use plastic bags are labelled as recycled and recyclable. “Then, in small writing, it says the conditions have to be right. No one really knows what those conditions are. We are actually printing our excuses on to our packets and stretching the truth.”

Recycling Does Not Solve the Problem

The brothers believe recycling delays the problem rather than solving it. What happens to a plastic bag after it leaves the checkout is what matters most. South African legislation on plastic bags remains uncertain. Meanwhile, many shoppers continue paying for so called recycled plastic bags. More than 100 countries, including 34 in Africa, have already banned single-use shopping bags.

Giving Shoppers a Genuine Choice

The Cherrys believe retailers do not need to wait for government action. They can start offering customers alternatives now. The price gap between paper and plastic bags is narrowing. Removing plastic bags entirely is not the answer. Neither is forcing shoppers to buy expensive plastic based fabric bags when they forget their reusable ones. A trial by Traderbag and a discount fashion retailer tested demand for paper bags. The results surprised many observers. Even lower LSM shoppers were willing to pay slightly more for a paper option. The trial bags sold out within days. The retailer has since continued supplying them.

A Business Built by Generation Z

Daniel and Declan Cherry represent a generation that places greater emphasis on sustainability. Research shows that Generation Z consumers often consider environmental issues when making purchasing decisions. Traderbag aims to make the shift from plastic to paper practical for both retailers and shoppers. The company also helps retailers strengthen their branding through customised packaging. Daniel Cherry founded Traderbag about two years ago. Before starting the company, he worked in his father’s business. The company supplies paper based swing tags to more than 85% of South Africa’s fashion retailers. That experience gave him valuable insight into the retail industry. It also helped shape Traderbag’s focus on practical alternatives to plastic shopping bags.