T-shirt bags—those lightweight, handled plastic carriers—are everywhere. Every minute, the world consumes 1 million plastic shopping bags, many of them the ubiquitous T-shirt bag. From grocery stores to takeout counters, they’re a staple of modern retail. But their convenience comes at a steep environmental cost. Used once, they linger for centuries, breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems and food chains. It’s time to rethink how we use them and how we can make them better.
The T-shirt bag, named for its handle design resembling a sleeveless shirt, is the most widely used plastic shopping bag in the world. In the U.S. alone, over 380 billion plastic bags are consumed annually, with T-shirt bags accounting for the largest share. Globally, the plastic bags and sacks market is projected to grow from $23.54 billion in 2023 to $34.21 billion by 2030, driven by affordability, convenience, and branding potential.
Made from materials like HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE, these bags are cheap to produce and easy to customize, making them a go-to for retailers. Their lightweight design and sturdy handles make them ideal for carrying heavy or bulky items. But their environmental footprint is massive. Produced at a rate of up to one trillion bags per year, they’ve been found from the ocean floor to the polar ice caps.
Countries like Bangladesh have banned thin plastic bags due to flooding risks, and North American brands are pivoting toward sustainable alternatives. That’s where Made From StoneTM T-shirt bags come in.
By replacing virgin plastic with calcium carbonate, Made From Stone bags retain the durability and brandability retailers need—while significantly reducing plastic content and carbon footprint. They’re compatible with existing manufacturing systems and designed for real-world performance. Even better, we can tailor them to be recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, or made from recycled content—all Made From Stone, all produced locally.
As e-commerce, food delivery, and agriculture continue to drive demand, we offer a smarter solution: one that meets business needs and aligns with consumer values. Plastic T-shirt bags may be a necessity—but they don’t have to be unsustainable.
Make Better T-Shirt Bags Today!