A personalised Bag for Life is one of the most cost-effective ways to put your brand in customers' hands — and keep it there. This guide covers everything you need to design your own printed Bag for Life — what it's made from, your print and finish options, and real examples to inspire you. [Published 2018 | Updated Jun 2026]
Since the carrier bag charge was introduced in 2015, sales of single-use plastic bags in England have fallen by almost 98%, and shoppers now reach for their own reusable bags out of habit (Defra, 2024–25). That's a real opportunity: every personalised Bag for Life you hand out becomes a walking advert for your business.
What is a Bag for Life Made From?
Our Bags for Life are made from Laminated Woven PP — the strong, durable material you'll recognise from supermarket and High Street shopping bags. The fabric is woven for strength, then laminated to make it water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, so it stands up to heavy shopping trips again and again. The laminate layer also gives you a smooth, full-colour print surface across the whole bag.
Our Laminated Woven PP is available with up to 70% recycled content, making it a sustainable choice as well as a sturdy one. To go deeper on the fabric, read our Bag for Life material guide: Woven PP explained.
Designing Your Personalised Bag for Life
Because the laminated surface covers the whole bag, you can personalise a Bag for Life edge to edge. Your main design choices are:
- Full-colour print (100% coverage) — ideal for photographic, graphic or full-bleed artwork.
- Personalise the entire bag, front and back Logo or single-colour print — a cleaner, lower-cost look that still turns every bag into brand exposure.
- Matt or gloss laminate — choose the finish that suits your brand. Gloss makes colours pop; matt gives a premium, understated feel.
- Size and style — from compact Tesco-style shoppers to large IKEA-style bags, personalise the size that fits your customers' shop.
There's no limit to your creativity when you Bag Your Brand with Smartbags!
Watch our video for some tips on designing your own bag for life. See how full-colour artwork looks on the finished bag, and the difference between matt and gloss laminate
Personalised Bags for Life: FAQs
Get the answers to the most commonly asked questions
- What is a Bag for Life made from?
A Bag for Life is made from Laminated Woven PP - woven for strength and laminated for water resistance and a smooth, full-colour print surface. Available with up to 70% recycled content. - Can I print my design over the whole bag?
Yes. The laminated surface allows 100% full-colour print coverage, front and back, so you can personalise a Bag for Life edge to edge. - What's the difference between matt and gloss lamination?
Both protect the bag and keep it wipe-clean. Gloss gives a shiny finish that makes colours pop; matt gives a softer, premium look. - What's the minimum order for personalised Bags for Life?
Laminated Woven PP Bags for Life start at a minimum order of 1,000 units - How long does delivery take?
Bags are custom-made to order. Allow around 12 weeks for economy sea delivery, or roughly 4-5 weeks via our express option. Split delivery with 80% by sea/20% via air also available. - Are personalised Bags for Life eco-friendly?
Yes. They're designed to be reused many times in place of single-use plastic bags, are available with up to 70% recycled content - Can I order a sample first?
Yes — get in touch and we'll help you choose the right style and arrange samples.
Ready to Design Your Personalised Bag for Life?
Browse our full range of personalised Bags for Life and request a quote — we'll get back to you within one working day.
