Latest news with #PaperBagDay
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Paper Bag Day: How beauty brands are going green and why it matters?
As the beauty and wellness industry continues to grapple with its environmental impact, Paper Bag Day, observed annually on July 12, offers a timely nudge to revisit long-term sustainability goals. While many sectors are still catching up, leading brands like The Body Shop and Esskay Beauty Resources are already walking the green talk—quite literally, from packaging shelves to salon exclusive conversations industry stalwarts opened up about their brands' ongoing efforts to move beyond performative greenwashing and into a future of tangible SUSTAINABILITY IN RETAIL BEAUTY'Paper Bag Day is a timely reminder for the beauty industry to re-evaluate the environmental footprint of every touchpoint—from shelf to shopper,' says Vishal Chaturvedi, Group Chief Revenue Officer, Quest Retail, The Body Shop. A veteran brand globally known for championing ethical beauty, The Body Shop has eliminated plastic bags entirely from its Indian retail footprint. 'At The Body Shop, we use 100% recycled paper which is reusable,' Chaturvedi initiative isn't just a seasonal campaign or a single SKU marketing strategy—it's rooted in a broader mission. The brand is actively educating consumers to reuse the paper bags and opt for refill stations for skincare and haircare products in select stores. 'As customers become more environmentally conscious, brands must demonstrate leadership through transparency, clear purpose, and decisive action,' he an industry where packaging often becomes the bulk of post-consumer waste, The Body Shop's commitment sends a strong signal: sustainability isn't a luxury or trend, it's a non-negotiable foundation.'Sustainability shouldn't be an isolated effort; it needs to be a fundamental brand commitment,' Chaturvedi concludes—urging peers to view green initiatives not as marketing optics but as moral REVOLUTION FROM THE GROUND UP At the supplier and back-end level, Esskay Beauty Resources—a major distributor to salons and spas—has been paving its own green path. 'Sustainability is the cornerstone for a responsible beauty industry,' says Ankit Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty the occasion of Paper Bag Day, Esskay is reaffirming its focus on 'low-waste and eco-friendly practices and products.' Virmani believes the revolution must begin at the roots—with brands rethinking materials, manufacturing, and distribution altogether.'We proudly uphold our commitment to the environment with sustainable packaging solutions, replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives like paper bags and recyclable materials,' he Esskay's vision extends far beyond the bag. Their product line includes vegan, cruelty-free beauty essentials made from ethically sourced ingredients—an alignment that speaks volumes in a market increasingly shaped by conscious consumers.'Our vegan products, crafted with ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients, further reflect our dedication to minimising the environmental impact,' says Virmani. 'We are committed to empowering salons to adopt greener practices, thereby ensuring beauty enhances both people and the planet.'FROM PACKAGING TO PURPOSE: WHY PAPER BAG DAY MATTERS MORE THAN EVERadvertisementWhat makes this year's Paper Bag Day particularly notable is the level of accountability brands are now assuming—not only for what goes inside the bottle, but what wraps around beauty industry has long struggled with its plastic problem, but paper bag adoption is one of the small, visible steps that's creating ripple effects. According to a 2024 report by the India Retail Forum, over 58% of urban shoppers now prefer paper or cloth bags over plastic—indicating that consumer behaviour is catching up to brand this changing landscape, brands like The Body Shop and Esskay aren't merely ticking ESG boxes—they're actively shaping the future of sustainable question now isn't whether paper bags are enough. It's whether brands are willing to integrate sustainability into every layer of their operations—with authenticity, action, and accountability.- Ends
Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Paper Bag Day: A day to rethink everyday choices
Every year on 12 July, Paper Bag Day is observed to highlight the environmental significance of using paper bags and to acknowledge the humble yet revolutionary invention that continues to make a difference in the daily lives. The day honours the innovation of Francis Wolle, an American schoolteacher who, in 1852, invented the first machine to mass-produce paper bags—an invention that would later become essential in the global movement toward sustainable packaging. Paper bags, once overshadowed by the convenience of plastic, have seen a resurgence as the world confronts the ecological damage caused by plastic waste. Lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable, paper bags present a more eco-friendly alternative for consumers and businesses alike. As plastic bans continue to be enforced across various regions in India and beyond, paper bags are once again gaining favour—not just as a practical item, but as a symbol of conscious consumption. However, Paper Bag Day is not just about switching materials; it is about rethinking therelationship with single-use items altogether. While paper bags are less harmful than plastic, their production still involves resource use, including water and trees. The true message of the day lies in responsible use, reduction, and reuse, encouraging supporting eco-conscious practices, and educating communities about waste management.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Paper Bag Day 2025: History, Wishes, Quotes And Tips To Ditch Plastic
Paper Bag Day 2025: History And Significance While there is no definitive record of who invented the paper bag, Francis Wolle is widely credited with developing the first paper bag-making machine in 1852. Contrary to common belief, the history of paper bags dates back to the 19th century—long before plastic bags became widespread. Wolle was granted a patent for his invention, which enabled the mass production of paper bags, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Together with his brother, he went on to establish the Union Bag and Paper Company. Their paper plant in Savannah, Georgia became well known and continues to operate to this day. Another key figure in the evolution of the paper bag is Margaret E. Knight, who improved Wolle's design in 1871 by creating bags with flat, box-shaped bottoms. Her innovation gave rise to the foldable paper bags commonly used today for groceries and retail. A few years later, Charles Stillwell enhanced Knight's design by adding pleated sides, making the bags easier to fold and store. In 1912, Walter Deubener further advanced the design by attaching cord handles, making paper bags more convenient to carry. The modern paper bag, as we know it today, is the result of years of ingenuity and refinement by multiple inventors—each contributing to a sustainable solution that continues to serve both consumers and the environment. Paper Bag Day 2025: Quotes 'A paper bag is a small step for you, a giant leap for Mother Earth." 'Paper bags: wrapping today for a better tomorrow." 'Choose paper, ditch plastic because the planet matters." 'Go green with paper, let your choices speak for the environment." 'Every paper bag used is a step toward a plastic-free world." 'Nature doesn't need saving; it needs fewer plastic bags." 'The earth is what we all have in common. Protect it with smarter choices." Paper Bag Day 2025: Wishes Happy Paper Bag Day! Let's replace plastic with paper and take a step toward a sustainable future. On this Paper Bag Day, let's pledge to say no to plastic and yes to eco-friendly choices. Wishing you a meaningful Paper Bag Day! May your actions today create a greener tomorrow. Celebrate Paper Bag Day by making small changes that make a big difference for the environment! Let's honour Paper Bag Day by spreading awareness and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives. Paper Bag Day 2025: How To Reduce Plastic With Simple Swaps
