10 Things to Consider When Buying roll stock labeled mesh bag

When it comes to tackling single-use plastic bags, it isn’t just plastic shopping bags that we want to be replacing with better, reusable alternatives. Plastic produce bags (the extremely thin, colourless, clear bags we see in the fruit and veg aisles at supermarkets) are just as problematic – difficult to recycle, very difficult to reuse and a huge contributor to litter.

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Yet the conversation always seems to be around shopping bags, and the produce bags are left out.

Which is a tragedy! There are just as many solutions for replacing single-use produce bags with reusables as there are for shopping bags. Yet it’s something that isn’t on many people’s radar when they are starting out.

It certainly wasn’t on mine.

Fortunately, it is now. I want to share some of the alternatives to single-use plastic produce bags, the pros and cons of different options, as well as a few things you may like to consider.

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Reusable produce bags – some initial things to consider

There are plenty of options with reusable produce bags. Here’s a few things to consider:

Homemade versus purchased

Homemade is always cheaper, and there’s the option to choose the exact size that you need. If you want bags that last and don’t need to be mended continually, an overlocker generally produces better (longer-lasting) results than a regular sewing machine.

The flipside of homemade is needing access to a sewing machine, and knowing how to sew.

If you do know how to sew, produce bags make great gifts.

Second-hand fabrics

Second-hand fabric is an option for making reusable produce bags, and ready-made produce bags that used second-hand fabric are also available. Fabric includes old net curtains, tablecloths, sheets and old bedding. Choose a fabric that is machine washable and can go through a hot wash (rather than the handwash cycle).

Although mosquito netting seems ideal for produce bags, most mosquito nets are impregnated with pesticides, so not desirable for use with food.

Choosing the fabric type

Different fabrics have different properties. Mesh or net bags are lightweight and see-through, but are rarely made of natural fibres. They’re also not suitable for flour and fine powders.

Cotton cloth is natural but not see-through, and is slightly heavier. (Not all stores have the ability to take off the weight of the bag on the scales, so heavy bags will cost more.) Not being transparent will slow down the checkout operators, so be mindful of using too many of these bags on a busy day.

In practice, it can be useful to have different types for different things.

Reusable produce bags – different options

Personally, I have a combination of homemade and purchased reusable produce bags, and made of different materials.

As much as I recommend making do and using what we have where possible, I also know that sometimes we need shortcuts.

If sewing if definitely not your thing (and you don’t have a relative or friend to persuade to do it for you!) then here are some ready-made solutions.

Mesh fabric produce bags

If you haven’t heard of it or used it before, Etsy is an online marketplace where people who know how to make things sell these things to those of us who do not (or do not have the time). There are plenty of sellers on the platform who make reusable produce bags out of old curtains and tablecloths (as well as sellers who use new fabric, if that’s your preference).

If the second-hand approach appeals to you but you just don’t have the time or inclination, I’d recommend looking on Etsy for reusable produce bags made of upcycled fabric.

There’s no one Etsy seller I recommend, instead I’d suggest browsing and finding the seller that is closest to your home to minimise the packaging and transport footprint.

Recycled PET Plastic Mesh Bags

Some people don’t love the idea of going plastic-free and then buying reusables made of plastic. When I first went plastic-free back in I was the same. But then I looked into it a little more and adjusted my view.

If we stopped using plastic today, and didn’t make anything else made of plastic, there is still a huge amount of plastic already in existence. Legacy plastic, I call it. From a resource perspective, it makes sense to be using this to make resources rather than leaving it somewhere to sit for all eternity.

PET is the plastic that water bottles is made from. It’s hard wearing and durable. The PET plastic bottles can be recycled into a mesh that is used to make reusable produce bags. These bags have a much lower carbon footprint than other “new” bags because they are made from 100% recycled material.

I have a set of Onya bags that I purchased for my first Plastic Free July back in . They may not be as white as they were when I purchased them, but they function as good as new. (Which cannot be said for my biodegradable ones, which have, well, biodegraded and needed some stitching up).

Mesh bags are great for fruit and vegetables, loose salad leaves (the produce can be washed in the bag) and loose bread rolls.

Cotton Produce Bags

Cotton bags are great for all the things that mesh bags aren’t: powders and flours. I have a set made out of an old bed sheet. The advantage of these is that they can be repaired easily, and composted at the end of their life.

It’s possible to buy new cotton reusable produce bags: I’d recommend looking at your local bulk store as they will often stock them.

I’d always recommend supporting a local brick-and-mortar store where you can, but if this isn’t an option, they can easily be found online.

• Australia or New Zealand – I recommend Biome
• UK: I recommend &Keep
• USA: my first choie would be Life without plastic

If you’re further afield here’s a list of independent online plastic-free and zero waste stores.

Bulk reusable food bags

These reusable produce bags are a fairly new idea, and are designed for bulk store shopping (as opposed to fruit and veg shopping). Whilst reusable produce bags are very easy to transport, they aren’t ideal for storing food.

Onya Life launched these bulk bags in (made of recycled PET, which I talked about above) as a lightweight alternative to glass jars. They can be labelled and are suitable for food storage.

They are not something I’ve used, but I think they are a great alternative for those of us who don’t want to carry huge amounts of glass jars on our shopping trips, or have to decant everything into said glass jars when we get home.

Other options: making do

Before rushing out and buying anything new, have a think about what you might already have at home. Many bulk stores accept glass jars for refilling, so consider taking jars rather than bags, if that is practical. A pillowcase makes an excellent cotton bread bag. Laundry bags are a mesh alternative to mesh produce bags – and they are definitely machine washable.

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If you do decide to buy something, just be sure that it is something that you will use. Reusables that sit in the back of the cupboard are not a good use of resources!

The best reusables are the ones you use often.

Now I’d love to hear from you! What reusable options do you use? Do you have one preference, or do you use a combination? If you sew, do you have fabric types you recommend and any to avoid? Are there any other alternatives or DIY hacks that you can suggest? Please share you thought in the comments below!

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Discovering the correct Net Weight for your packaging can be confusing, with many potential problems arising during fulfillment.

So what net weight on packaging entails and how it needs to be presented accurately on product labels or other marketing materials is essential if you are hoping to avoid unnecessary issues and ensure that your customers receive what they have paid for. 

Let’s look at why Net Weight is important, regulations around acceptable ways of presenting it on the packaging, and some practical tips on avoiding inaccuracies during production.

What Is Net Weight On Packaging?

Net weight is an important aspect of the packaging and labeling process, as it provides customers with critical information about the actual weight of the product they purchase. The product’s weight is considered alone, without any packaging materials included. 

It means that when you purchase an item with a net weight of 500 grams, for example, you are buying 500 grams of the product itself, not 500 grams of the product, including the weight of its packaging.

Specific regulations must be followed to ensure that net weight is presented accurately on the packaging. These regulations differ depending on the location, with different countries having laws and guidelines. 

In the United States, for example, the Net Quantity of Content (NQOC) must be presented on the front of the packaging using standard units of measurement such as grams, kilograms, ounces, or pounds. It is important to ensure that these units of measurement are consistent throughout to avoid any potential confusion for customers.

What Is The Net Weight Of A Product?

Various factors must be considered when determining a product’s net weight. These include the product, the quantity of those materials, and the overall density of the product itself. To accurately measure the net weight, specialized equipment such as scales or weighing machines are often utilized. It is also important to consider any tare weight – the weight of packaging used in transporting the product – and subtract it from the gross weight to arrive at the net weight.

While it may seem like a small detail, accurately presenting the net weight on your packaging can significantly impact customer satisfaction and repeat business. 

By adhering to regulations and utilizing precision measurement methods, you can ensure that your customers receive the actual weight of the product they’ve paid for. 

Inaccuracies can lead to misunderstandings, returns, and other logistical problems, so paying close attention to these details throughout the production and sales process is essential.

What Does Net Weight Mean?

Net weight is the weight of a product without any packaging or container. It is the actual weight of the item. Understanding the net weight of your product is essential for your business, as it determines your product’s price and also helps determine the right packaging for your product.

• Net weight is the weight of the product alone, without any packaging.
• It is used to determine the price of the product.
• The net weight helps in determining the right packaging for the product.
• Understanding net weight is essential for businesses to avoid legal issues.

Net Weight Labeling Requirements

When it comes to labeling the net weight of your product, it is essential to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the government. The net weight should be clearly marked on the packaging, and it should be accurate. The labeling requirements for net weight vary depending on the product type and packaging.

• The net weight should be marked on the packaging.
• The label should be accurate and not misleading.
• Government regulations mandate the labeling of net weight.
• The labeling requirements vary depending on the product type and packaging, i.e., food boxes, and Cake Boxes.

What Does Net Weight Mean on Food Packaging?

Regarding food packaging, net weight plays a critical role in determining the product’s nutritional value and serving size. It is essential to accurately measure the net weight of the product to ensure that the nutrition information and serving size are accurate.

• Net weight is critical in determining the product’s nutritional value and serving size.
• Accurately measuring the net weight is essential for providing accurate nutrition information.
• Net weight on food packaging plays an important role in the health and safety of the consumer.
• Bakery boxes or custom product boxes all require accurate net weight labeling to ensure compliance with government regulations and provide accurate product information to consumers.

What Does Net Weight Mean On A Label?

To packaged goods, Net Weight is an essential term often seen on product labels. In simple terms, Net Weight refers to the weight of a product without its packaging. 

The customer will receive the actual weight of the product, and this information should be clearly displayed on the packaging or accompanying documentation.

Net Weight is an important measure for many reasons, but it primarily ensures that customers are not misled about the quantity of the product they purchase. 

By providing accurate Net Weight information on display boxes, you can ensure that buyers receive a transparent and honest representation of the product they are buying.

What Is The Difference Between Gross Weight And Net Weight?

While Net Weight is an important term, other weight measurements should also be considered. Gross Weight, for example, is the total weight of a product, including any packaging or containers.

The difference between Gross Weight and Net Weight is that Gross Weight includes the weight of the packaging, while Net Weight does not. It means that Gross Weight will always be higher than Net Weight, as it has additional materials not part of the product.

It is important to keep the difference between Gross Weight and Net Weight in mind, as they are both important measures for different reasons. 

Gross Weight is important for shipping and logistical purposes, as it helps determine transportation costs. At the same time, Net Weight is important for consumers who want to ensure they get the product they paid for.

Net Weight Vs. Gross Weight: Understanding The Differences

Before we dive into calculating and presenting net weight on the packaging, it’s important to understand the difference between net weight and gross weight. 

Net weight refers to the weight of a product or item without any packaging or additional materials. On the other hand, gross weight is the total weight of a product or item, including all packaging, wrapping, and other associated materials.

Simply, the net weight is the weight of an item alone, while gross weight includes its packaging. Net weight is an important consideration for manufacturers and consumers, as it reflects the actual amount of product contained within the packaging.

Calculating Net Weight: What You Need To Know

Calculating net weight is a fairly straightforward process, but it requires basic math. To determine the net weight of a product, simply weigh the item by itself, without any packaging. You can then subtract the weight of any additional materials or packaging to arrive at the net weight.

For example, you would weigh each bar without wrappers or boxes if packaging chocolate bars. Once you have the total weight of the bars themselves, you can then subtract the weight of any additional packaging, like boxes or plastic wrappers, to arrive at the net weight.

Writing Net Weight On Packaging: Regulations And Best Practices

Once you have calculated the net weight of your product, it’s important to present it accurately on your packaging. Some regulations often dictate how net weight must be displayed, so you must check with your local authorities to ensure you comply.

In general, net weight should be displayed prominently on product packaging, either in metric or imperial units of measurement. Consider including both metrics to cater to a wider audience.

When writing net weight on the packaging, it’s essential to be consistent and accurate. Any inaccuracies or confusion can lead to unhappy customers or legal troubles down the line. It’s also important to ensure that your product is packaged consistently and uniformly to avoid any discrepancies in weight.

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