Last Updated on 2025-06-15 by Jacky Zhou
As people focus more on sustainable lifestyles, more shoppers are now paying attention to eco-friendly options. Reusable produce bags are becoming popular as an alternative to plastic bags. They are known for being eco-friendly, durable, and practical. These bags help reduce plastic use, lower pollution, and work great for storing food at home or keeping things organized. They’re now seen as a key tool for promoting greener shopping habits.
What is a Reusable Produce Bag?
A reusable produce bag is an eco-friendly bag made for carrying fruits, vegetables, and other fresh food. It’s made from washable, reusable materials and is meant to replace single-use plastic bags and reduce plastic waste during grocery shopping. Common materials include cotton mesh, polyester mesh, cotton, linen, jute, and even washable kraft paper. Each material has its own features to meet different needs and shopping situations.
The History of Reusable Produce Bags
Before plastic bags became popular, people used cloth, paper, and jute bags for everyday shopping. In the 1970s, plastic bags quickly spread due to their low cost and convenience, but they also caused serious “white pollution.” In the early 2000s, regions like Europe and North America introduced plastic restrictions, encouraging people to find eco-friendly alternatives. Reusable produce bags began to rise, with cotton mesh bags leading the way. Later, materials like polyester mesh, linen, and washable kraft paper were introduced to meet different needs. Today, reusable produce bags are widely used in Western supermarkets and are becoming a key part of eco-friendly living around the world.
Advantages of Reusable Produce Bags
Eco-friendly and sustainable, supporting a greener lifestyle
Reusable produce bags are usually made from natural or recyclable materials, such as cotton, jute, or linen. Compared with single-use plastic bags, they are easier to break down or reuse, which helps reduce plastic pollution. This is an effective way to practice an eco-friendly lifestyle.
A good alternative to plastic bags, reducing plastic waste
Using reusable produce bags can greatly cut down plastic use during shopping, helping to reduce plastic waste from the source and build a cleaner living environment. In the long run, each consumer can avoid using hundreds of disposable plastic bags every year, saving resources and lowering carbon emissions. At the same time, as more retailers encourage the “bring your own bag” policy, reusable produce bags have become an important tool for low-carbon shopping.
Extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste
Thanks to open or breathable designs, reusable produce bags help keep fruits and vegetables fresh, slow down ripening, and extend shelf life. Whether it’s the ventilation of cotton mesh bags or the wide opening of washable kraft paper bags, they all help prevent food from spoiling too fast due to trapped moisture or high ethylene levels. This reduces waste and improves how food is stored at home.
Extend shelf life of dry goods, reduce spoilage
Besides fruits and vegetables, reusable produce bags are often used for storing nuts, bread, dry foods, onions, garlic, and other room-temperature items. Their breathability, moisture-absorbing materials, or open-top structure help prevent dampness, mold, or bad odors, keeping food edible for longer. In some cases, they even work better than sealed plastic bags or airtight containers by allowing better air flow and dryness, lowering the risk of food spoilage at home.
Durable, economical, and practical
Compared to plastic bags, reusable produce bags are stronger and less likely to tear or puncture. They can handle many washes and repeated use. Even though they cost more at the start, their long life lowers the cost per use, making them a more budget-friendly option, especially for people who shop for fresh produce often.
Suitable for different uses, flexible in daily life
Reusable produce bags aren’t just for shopping. They’re also great for organizing kitchens, packing for trips, or storing kids’ toys. Their flexible usage makes them a practical and helpful tool in many parts of daily life.
Easy to wash and maintain
Most reusable produce bags can be hand-washed or machine-washed. They’re easy to clean and care for. Materials like cotton and polyester can go into a laundry bag and be machine-washed, then air-dried and used again. For materials like washable kraft paper, which have some water resistance, hand washing is better. Avoid soaking them for too long or using high temperatures to scrub, to avoid damaging the paper structure. As long as you wash them properly according to the material, these bags will stay in good shape and last longer.
Great for organizing and sorting, improving storage efficiency
Reusable produce bags usually come in different sizes and designs, making it easy to sort food by type, use, or condition. For example, small drawstring bags are good for nuts or spices, medium cotton bags for fruit, and large mesh or shoulder bags for bulk veggies like potatoes or onions. Some bags even have clear windows or are made from see-through mesh so you can quickly check what’s inside. Bags made of washable kraft paper may not be transparent, but often have wide openings that make it easy to look in or grab items. These smart designs improve storage and help keep your home tidy and organized.
Support custom branding, boost brand value
Reusable produce bags can be printed with company logos, slogans, and more. They are both stylish and useful, and they serve as great tools for brand promotion in today’s green-minded market. Whether used as giveaways, custom packaging, or for eco-friendly campaigns, these bags can show your brand’s values and help connect with customers emotionally.
14 Best Reusable Bags for Bulk Purchase
1. Cotton Mesh Produce Shoulder Bag
Cotton Mesh Produce Shoulder Bag is made of large-hole cotton mesh fabric. It’s light and breathable, perfect for holding various fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, apples, mangoes, bananas, and oranges. The well-ventilated design helps reduce moisture buildup on the surface of produce, which slows down spoilage.
The bag offers two handle styles to meet different needs: long handles for shoulder carrying, which is easier when shopping, and short handles for hand carrying, ideal for short trips or daily grocery runs.
2. Foldable Cotton Mesh Produce Bag
Foldable Cotton Mesh Produce Bag builds on the classic cotton mesh style and adds a clever foldable feature—it comes with a small pocket inside. When in use, the pocket can hold small items like keys, coins, or receipts. When not in use, you can fold the entire bag into that pocket for compact storage. It’s small, easy to carry, and fits nicely into your backpack.
3. Cotton Splicing Produce Shoulder Bag
Cotton Splicing Produce Shoulder Bag uses a combination of small-hole cotton mesh and full cotton fabric. It balances breathability and function, making it great for fresh food like fruits and veggies. The bottom half is made of cotton fabric, giving the bag a better shape and load-bearing strength, while also adding privacy by hiding the contents inside.
Compared to full mesh bags, this design is more stable and less likely to lose shape under weight. It looks more structured and stylish, making it a great eco-friendly shopping bag for city use, market trips, or everyday errands.
The standard long handle lets you carry it on your shoulder, keeping your hands free. It’s both practical and good-looking—one of the most popular splicing styles.
4. Cotton Mesh Produce Drawstring Bag
Made with small-hole cotton mesh, this bag is soft, light, and breathable. It’s especially suitable for smaller items like red dates, nuts, cherry tomatoes, or other dried goods. It keeps contents fresh while reducing the chance of moisture buildup and spoilage.
The drawstring closure can be adjusted depending on how much you pack. It’s easy to use and secures the contents well. The simple structure and moderate capacity make it great for grocery shopping, kitchen storage, or travel packing.
5. Cotton Splicing Produce Drawstring Bag
Cotton Splicing Produce Drawstring Bag features tightly woven cotton mesh for breathability, perfect for storing fresh produce that needs to stay dry. The bottom is stitched with a layer of cotton fabric, which improves the structure and makes the bag stand better and hold more weight. It comes with a drawstring closure that’s convenient and prevents items from falling out.
6. Cotton Splicing Produce Drawstring Bag
Cotton Splicing Produce Drawstring Bag or splicing-style bag includes a woven label for branding. You can customize it with your logo, pattern, or message. The label adds personality and a sense of design, making this bag a great fit for brand promotion, store packaging, or giveaway events.
Label placement is flexible—commonly on the front or side—and doesn’t affect how the bag is used. Whether used for storing produce or everyday shopping, the label boosts brand recognition and shows your commitment to sustainability and good design.
7. Polyester Produce Drawstring Bag
This drawstring bag is made from lightweight and durable polyester mesh. It has a simple structure and is very light, making it suitable for carrying fruits, nuts, dried goods, and other food items. The mesh design allows for airflow and moisture control, which helps keep the contents dry and fresh longer.
The drawstring closure is easy to open and close, and it holds items securely. Besides storing food, this bag is also useful for organizing small items, toys, travel accessories, or even as a laundry bag. It’s a versatile tool for both home and travel use.
Colors, sizes, and logos can all be customized. This eco-friendly bag offers a great balance of practicality and affordability, making it ideal for commercial orders and daily use.
8. Polyester Splicing Produce Drawstring Bag
This drawstring bag features a 3 cm wide strip of polyester fabric stitched around the opening. This adds a layered look and also strengthens the drawstring area. The reinforced stitching helps reduce wear from frequent opening and closing and keeps the bag looking neat and well-shaped.
The body of the bag is still made of breathable polyester mesh, perfect for storing everyday fruits, dried goods, or miscellaneous items. It’s a simple, good-looking bag that offers both function and structure.
9. Polyester Produce Garlic & Onion Bag
This produce bag is designed for kitchen storage and made from strong polyester mesh with good breathability. It’s great for keeping onions, garlic, ginger, and other seasoning ingredients. The bag includes a small wooden strip and hanging rope at the top, making it easy to hang on the wall, cabinet, or any well-ventilated corner. This saves counter space and helps keep the bag dry and clean.
The open mesh structure reduces moisture buildup that can cause mold or spoilage. Lightweight and easy to clean, this bag is both useful and nice-looking—a perfect little helper for your kitchen.
10. Muslin Cotton Bread Bag
Muslin Cotton Bread Bag is made from natural muslin cotton. It feels soft and delicate, while still being breathable and able to block light. It’s ideal for storing bread, dry goods, nuts, and other moisture-sensitive foods. Compared to mesh bags, this one offers better protection from dust and sunlight, helping bread stay dry and tasty longer.
The structure is simple, with a drawstring closure for easy sealing and hanging. Its natural and clean appearance supports printed logos or designs, making it a great eco-friendly packaging choice for bakeries, farmers’ markets, or as a gift bag or dry goods storage for home use.
11. Cotton Drawstring Bag with Transparent Window
Cotton Drawstring Bag with Transparent Window is made from cotton and features a clear TPU window on the front. It keeps the soft feel and dust-blocking benefits of cotton but adds a see-through section so users can view the contents without opening the bag. This greatly improves storage and organization.
The TPU material is flexible, clear, and holds its shape well. It blends in with the overall look of the bag and is both useful and stylish. This design is especially handy when you need to quickly identify what’s inside.
GET FREE MOCK-UP12. Cotton-Linen Produce Drawstring Bag
Cotton-Linen Produce Drawstring Bag is made from a cotton-linen blended fabric. It combines the softness of cotton with the natural texture and structure of linen. The fabric has a clear, natural weave and feels light but sturdy. It is breathable, which helps keep food dry. This makes it suitable for short-term storage of dry produce like apples, onions, or garlic. It’s also great for everyday shopping or kitchen organization.
The overall look of the bag is simple and natural, giving off a calm, rustic vibe. It’s a reusable storage bag that balances both function and aesthetics.
13. Round Bottom Storage Bag
This storage bag is made from natural cotton fabric. It’s soft to the touch and very breathable, perfect for everyday use. The bottom of the bag is round and structured, giving it more space and carrying capacity than flat bags. Once filled, the round base allows the bag to stand upright naturally and hold its shape well.
The round bottom design makes it great for organized storage and helps everything look neat and tidy when placed on a surface.
14. Washable Kraft Paper Produce Bag
Washable Kraft Paper Produce Bag is made from washable kraft paper. It has a wide open-top tube design that stands up on its own without needing a lid or support. It holds its shape and makes it easy to access or put things away quickly. The bag is light but has enough stiffness to stay upright and resist bending. It’s perfect for temporarily holding potatoes, onions, garlic, and other produce. It also works well for organizing items on kitchen counters, shelves, or in the fridge.
The kraft paper material is both eco-friendly and biodegradable. It’s specially treated to be washable, making it both sustainable and practical. The surface has a natural paper texture with a stylish look. It’s a great upright storage bag that reflects both eco values and everyday beauty.
How to Choose the Right Reusable Produce Bag?
1. Choosing the right material: affects breathability, cleaning method, and usage scenario
Material is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a reusable produce bag. It directly affects how much the bag can carry, how it should be cleaned, and whether it’s suitable for different kinds of food and usage situations. Below are the main materials on the market, their features, and usage tips:
Cotton Mesh
Made with pure cotton yarn woven into a mesh structure, it’s lightweight and breathable. It’s one of the most common materials for produce bags. Usually available in large or small mesh. Large mesh is good for shoulder bags, while small mesh suits spliced or drawstring bags.
Note: Mesh bags are not suitable for tiny items like soybeans or mung beans, and they don’t block light or dust.
Cotton
Compared to mesh, full cotton fabric provides better protection from light and dust. It’s good for bread, dry goods, tea, nuts, and other non-perishable foods. The fabric feels soft and breathable. It’s often used for produce bags, storage bags, or gift bags.
Cotton-Linen Blend
This material combines the softness of cotton with the stiffness of linen. It has a natural look, is breathable, and feels more structured than pure cotton. It’s ideal for onions, garlic, dried fruits, and other foods that don’t spoil quickly.
Polyester Mesh
Polyester mesh is light, strong, wear-resistant, and dries fast. It has a smooth surface that resists dirt, so it’s easy to wash and dries quickly—great for users who wash their bags often. Most polyester bags are made in drawstring styles with simple structures that close quickly. They’re good for carrying fruits, nuts, and veggies right after shopping. They’re also handy as travel organizers, laundry bags, or for storing dried goods. Very versatile and easy to carry.
Washable Kraft Paper
Although it looks and feels like paper, this material is specially treated to be flexible and somewhat water-resistant. It’s washable by hand. Most of these bags are open-top cylinders or boxes and are made to stand upright. Perfect for organizing potatoes, onions, and garlic in the kitchen or fridge for short-term storage. These bags are also often used for visual display or home decor. Avoid machine washing or heavy scrubbing.
2. Choosing the right style: depends on how you plan to use it
The style of a reusable produce bag has a big impact on how easy and enjoyable it is to use. Here are some common types and when they’re most useful:
Shoulder Bag:
These bags have longer handles so you can carry them over your shoulder, freeing up your hands. They’re great for everyday shopping or going to the farmer’s market.
Drawstring Bag:
Lightweight and easy to store, this type is perfect for small produce like tomatoes, lemons, red dates, or nuts. Also great for sorting items in the kitchen or carrying things on the go.
Splicing Bag:
The lower part of the bag is stitched with cotton fabric, which improves strength and shape. It looks more structured and is better for heavier or irregular-shaped produce.
Transparent Window Bag (TPU Panel):
These bags have a clear window on the front so you can quickly see what’s inside. Ideal for kitchen storage, organizing in cabinets, or for retail packaging.
Round Bottom Bag:
The round base gives the bag a solid, upright shape, perfect for vertical storage in kitchen corners or on shelves.
Open-Top Cylinder Bag (like Kraft Paper Bags):
These bags have a wide, lid-free opening and are easy to use. They’re ideal for holding produce temporarily, organizing items in the fridge, or as general home storage containers.
Each style is closely related to how you plan to use it. So we recommend picking a shape that matches your habits and needs.
3. Choosing the right size: match it with what you carry and how you use it
The size of a produce bag affects how well it holds your items and how easy it is to organize them. Most bag styles support custom sizing, but whether it’s a shoulder bag or a drawstring bag, there are a few classic sizes that are commonly used. If you’re not sure what size you need, you can ask suppliers about their best-selling options.
Small (S):
Perfect for small, round items like nuts, cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, red dates, or raisins. This size is great for sorting and separating items. It can also be used as a small kitchen storage bag or a travel pouch.
Medium (M):
This is the most popular all-purpose size. Ideal for fruits like apples, lemons, oranges, or pears. It has a moderate capacity, easy to carry by hand or place in a shopping basket. A great option for both household shopping and retail sales.
Large (L):
Best for larger or heavier produce like onions, potatoes, taro, or cabbage.
In commercial use, especially for e-commerce or branded packaging, it’s common to bundle S / M / L sizes into a “3-piece set”. This makes it easy for consumers to organize different types of produce and also adds value to the product. It’s a great option for online sales or promotional gifting.
4. Printing & Customization Methods by Material
| Material | Printing Method | Details & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Mesh Bags | Woven Label (sewn on) | Not suitable for direct printing. Labels are usually sewn on the side, inside edge, or bottom corner. For spliced styles, print on the cotton fabric area. |
| Polyester Mesh Bags | Woven Label (sewn on) | Similar to cotton mesh—direct printing not recommended. Labels are sewn on the side or inner part of the bag. |
| Cotton / Cotton-Linen | Screen Printing, Heat Transfer, Embroidery, UV & digital Printing | Flat, ink-absorbing surface. Great for direct printing of logos, patterns, and text. |
| Washable Kraft Paper Bags | Silk Screen Printing, UV Printing, Embossed Patch with Logo | Unique texture. Logos can be printed directly or embossed onto faux leather patches and sewn on. Great for brands with a natural, eco-friendly image. |
5. Printing & Customization Methods by Material
| Material | Washing Method | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton / Cotton-Linen | Hand wash or machine wash in laundry bag | Use cold or warm water; avoid high heat; don’t scrub printed logos; air dry naturally. |
| Cotton Mesh | Preferably hand wash; machine wash in laundry bag | Use a soft brush for mesh holes; avoid tangling drawstrings; don’t scrub labels; air dry after washing. |
| Polyester Mesh | Rinse or machine wash in laundry bag | Easy to clean; remove debris with soft brush; avoid brushing over labels; air dries quickly and holds shape well. |
| Washable Kraft Paper | Hand wash gently or wipe with damp cloth | Do not soak; no machine wash or wringing; air dry in a ventilated place; clean only when visibly dirty. |
Conclusion
Reusable produce bags are not just an eco-friendly alternative—they are a practical, stylish, and brand-friendly solution for modern living. Whether for grocery shopping, kitchen storage, or as part of a company’s branding strategy, these bags offer strong functionality and support sustainable values. Choosing the right materials and styles not only improves daily use but also reflects consumers’ growing commitment to a greener lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to customize cotton mesh produce bags, linen drawstring bags, or need branded eco-friendly packaging solutions, Yanxin Bag is here to help. As a custom produce bag manufacturer with rich experience in design and production, we offer flexible options for size, structure, and printing to meet your needs—from everyday sales to branded packaging.
Contact Yanxin Bag today and let’s create custom produce bag solutions that truly reflect your brand!
Additional Resources
Learn about the sustainability and environmental benefits of cotton mesh bags on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website.
Discover the benefits of switching to cotton mesh bags for grocery shopping and reducing waste on the Ocean Conservancy website.
Explore sustainable textile practices, including mesh bags made from cotton, on the EcoTextile News website.
Find information about the history and evolution of mesh bags on the Wikipedia page for Mesh Bag.
FAQs
Q1: What materials are commonly used to make a reusable produce bag?
Answer: A reusable produce bag is often made from eco-friendly materials like cotton mesh, linen, cotton, polyester mesh, or washable kraft paper. These materials provide breathability and durability, making them ideal for replacing plastic bags in grocery shopping.
Q2: How does a mesh produce bag help extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables?
Answer: A mesh produce bag allows better airflow around fruits and vegetables, reducing moisture buildup and slowing down the ripening process. Cotton mesh produce bags are especially great for storing apples, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
Q3: Are washable produce bags easy to clean and reuse?
Answer: Yes, most washable produce bags made from cotton or polyester mesh are machine-washable or can be hand-washed with mild soap. Regular cleaning keeps your reusable produce bag hygienic and long-lasting.
Q4: What is the difference between a cotton mesh produce bag and a polyester mesh bag?
Answer: A cotton mesh produce bag is made from natural fibers, offering a soft feel and biodegradability, while a polyester mesh bag is synthetic, dries faster, and is more durable after frequent washing. Both are popular options for reusable produce bags.
Q5: Can a reusable produce bag be used for more than just fruits and vegetables?
Answer: Absolutely. A reusable produce bag is versatile—it can store dry foods, bread, nuts, herbs, or even be used for organizing items while traveling. Its lightweight and breathable design make it practical beyond grocery shopping.
Q6: Are cotton mesh produce bags suitable for bulk shopping?
Answer: Yes, cotton mesh produce bags come in various sizes and are strong enough for bulk fruits, onions, or potatoes. They’re lightweight and can carry more than you’d expect, making them perfect for bulk-buy shoppers.
Q7: How eco-friendly are reusable produce bags compared to plastic bags?
Answer: Reusable produce bags significantly reduce plastic waste. Using mesh or cloth produce bags helps cut down hundreds of single-use plastic bags each year, supporting a low-waste lifestyle and reducing your carbon footprint.
Q8: Can I customize my own cotton mesh produce bags with a logo?
Answer: Yes, many manufacturers offer logo printing or woven label customization on cotton mesh produce bags. This is great for eco-conscious brands looking to promote sustainable packaging.
