23 Sustainable Branded Tote Bags for Your Brand

February 1, 2023
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Looking for merch to show off your company’s branding? Here are 23 sustainable custom tote bags to help you get inspired!

As the world continues to move away from single-use plastic products, businesses are learning that sustainability is not only good for the planet but also beneficial for their brands. Investing in sustainable products like branded tote bags is an important way to show your customers and prospects that you care about the environment and want to do your part in helping it. 

Sustainability has become a major focus for businesses in recent years as the world moves away from one-and-done products. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their buying decisions and are looking for companies that share their values. By investing in sustainable products like branded totes, you can show your customers that you care about the environment and are willing to make changes accordingly.

Using Eco-Friendly Tote Bags To Market Your Brand

An eco-friendly tote bag is a great way to get your message out there without spending a lot of money on advertising. By investing in quality totes with your logo on them, you can get your brand in front of potential customers. 

Sustainable tote bags are also great conversation starters; when someone sees someone else carrying a bag with your logo on it, they're more likely to ask questions about the brand and how they can get one too. Plus, the fact that they're made for being reused, and many consist of recycled materials, they become even more appealing!

23 Sustainable Totes to Show Off Your Brand in 2023

Investing in sustainable products like branded totes is a simple, cost-effective way to demonstrate your commitment to the environment and market your brand. There are plenty of options out there to choose from, so take some time to explore what’s available and find something that fits your brand’s aesthetic. With sustainable branded totes, as well as sustainable swag boxes, you can show your customers that you care about the planet and provide them with useful items they can use time and time again. 

Eco-Friendly Canvas Tote Bags

Need ideas for sustainable branded tote bags? These popular styles prove that when it comes to showing off your logo you have options! 

1. Embroidered Canvas Tote 

Looking for more ways to customize your tote? Why not follow Only NY’s lead with an embroidered logo? Not just for personalizing apparel, embroidery is a popular option for bags too.  

Features: 

  • Heavyweight 15oz Cotton Canvas
  • Embroidered graphic

Photo courtesy of Only NY. Shown: Only NY Custom Yo! Coffee Tote Bag

2. Custom Oversized Carryall Tote

For the perfect carry-all, make sure you choose a style that’s roomy enough to go from the market to weekend getaways with ease! 

Notable Features: 

  • Oversized cotton canvas tote
  • Long handles

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Shown: OBEY Canvas Tote Bag

3. Logo Print Canvas Tote

For a fun take on customization, mix things up with your logo, as A24 Films did! Talk to your Gemnote rep for more sustainable tote bags custom style options. 

Features: 

  • Screen-printed tonal logo 
  • Interior pocket

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Logo Scramble Tote 

Sustainable Tote Bags For Work

Heavy-duty construction, pockets, straps, convertible styling…When it comes to the best tote features, your Gemnote rep can help you customize your ultimate bag!

4. Custom Utility Tote

When it comes to workwear, Carhartt is known for its apparel ad outerwear. However, the brand that’s been around since 1889 also offers durable backpacks and totes. 

Best features: 

  • Rain Defender® durable water repellent (DWR)
  • 11 exterior pockets, 6 interior pockets, and 7 interior loops

Shown: Carhartt® Utility Tote

5. Custom Tech Tote

For a tote with plenty of bells and whistles look for features similar to the InCase Tech Tote below. With recycled, durable polyester that resists wear and moisture, it's the sustainable option your employees will appreciate! 

  • Padded, faux-fur-lined laptop pocket
  • RFID-blocking tech compartment prevents digital info theft


Shown: InCase A.R.C. Tech Tote

6. Convertible Tote Backpack

A backpack? A tote? With a convertible style, like this one from Timbuk2, you won’t have to choose! For a minimalistic approach to customization, talk to your Gemnote rep for design options, like branded tags and labels. 

Notable features: 

  • Inside laptop sleeve 
  • Dual side pockets

Shown: Timbbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote Backpack 

7. Easy Custom Carry All

Let your brand take center stage with a carry-all that allows for ultimate customization space. We like this one from STIO thanks to its front pocket and top cinch straps for carrying additional items. 

Notable features: 

  • Inside and out pockets
  • External daisy chain for attaching accessories

Shown: STIO Basin XT 35L CarryAl

Tote Bag Recycled Materials

Take sustainability to the next level by choosing reusable bags that are made with recycled materials.

8. Rolltop Tote 

For tote bag eco-friendly options that are sized perfectly for running errands as well as commutes to the office, choose a sturdy tote bag like this one from Got Bag that teamed up with SEASPIRACY for stylish products with a big impact. 


Tote Bag Eco-Friendly Features: 

  • Made of Ocean Impact Plastic
  • DWR coating (durable water repellency) face side 
  • PFC- & PVC-free coating

Shown: Got Bag NO!ROLLTOP 

9. Minimalistic Recycled Tote 

Reusable tote bags: eco-friendly can be found by many top brands such as Native Union. While the brand is known and loved for its tech collection, adding a sustainable bag to the lineup made a great addition! We love the attention-grabbing color palette and minimalist silhouette. 

Recycled Tote Bag Features: 

  • 100% recycled polyester made from plastic bottles
  • 75% recycled bonded leather accent for casual on-the-go style


Shown: Native Union Recycled Tote 

10. The New Yorker Recycled Tote 

Recycled tote bags are a great way to market your brand and enforce your company’s stance toward reducing waste. 

Sustainable Tote Features: 

  • Organic cotton
  • recycled plastic bottles

Photo courtesy of The New Yorker; Shown: The Seeing-Red New Yorker Tote


Top Brands Tote Bags

Baggu has been among the sustainable bag companies since it was founded in 2007. By focusing on minimal waste, using fewer materials, and designing products that can stand the test of time, Baggu continues to be a popular pick for companies looking to brand an environment friendly-bag. 

11. Puffy Tote Bag 

There’s something to be said that a tote that provides fluffy comfort and no-fuss practicality. For the best of both worlds, talk to your Gemnote rep about customizing a puffy tote like this one from Baggu.  

Sustainable Tote Bag Materials: 

  • 100% recycled ripstop nylon
  • 100% recycled PET polyfill

Shown: Baggu Puffy Mini Tote Bag 

12. Baggu Duck Bag 

This environment friendly-bag features an interior zip pocket and durable taped seams for a long-wearing style in your choice of colors and patterns. 


Tote Bags Recycled Materials: 

  • 16 oz recycled cotton canvas
  • Machine washable

Shown: Baggu Duck Bag 

13. Bon Appetit The Baggu Trio

Need proof that you don’t have to spend a lot on a fashionable and sustainable tote bag? We love the bright colors and creative take on the “thank you” Bon Appetit branded Baggu Trio. 

Tote Bags Recycled Materials: 

  • 100% ripstop nylon

Image courtesy of Bon Appétit; Shown: Bon Appetit The Baggu Trio

Sustainable Cotton Tote Bags

Want to give your bag an upgrade from nylon? You can't go wrong with the sustainable cotton tote bags.

14. AS Colour Denim Carry Tote

Fashion-forward denim and quality construction come together for sustainable tote bags your recipients will want to use on repeat. 

Features: 

  • Available in 2 denim shades
  • Folded bottom

Shown: AS Colour Denim Carry Tote

15. AS Colour Parcel Tote

For everyday sustainable canvas tote bags with a minimalist style that’s just right for customizing, look no further than the parcel tote to flex your branding muscles. 

Features: 

  • Midweight cotton 
  • Available in 4 colors 


Shown: AS Colour Parcel Tote

16. AS Colour Shoulder Tote

Looking for an easy way to update sustainable plain tote bags? Just add your company logo and branding! Turn every day, eco-friendly tote bags custom and you’ll not only have an essential addition to your company’s swag store, but you can use them to hold attendee giveaways at your next event. 

Features: 

  • Reinforced shoulder straps
  • Midweight cotton canvas 

Shown: AS Colour Shoulder Tote

17. Out of the Ocean® Reusable Large Shopper

These eco friendly canvas tote bags remove the equivalency of 3 plastic water bottles from oceans and waterways. 

Notable features: 

  • Made from 100% Ocean Plastic®
  • Available with stunning ocean photography in 3 colors

Shown: Out of the Ocean® Reusable Large Shopper

18. Custom Packable Tote

As more stores are opting out of plastic bags, keeping a stash of reusable bags on hand for trips to the market is ever more important. Thankfully, designs like this one from Aimé Leon Dore offer a packable design. 

Features: 

  • Nylon
  • Antique brass snap for portable storage

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: Aimé Leon Dore Packable Tote 

19. Essential Pocketed Tote 

As an event giveaway, onboarding kit, or in your Swag store, a customizable canvas tote with interior pockets, like this Unisphere tote from Aimé Leon Dore, is just what you need to elevate your merch game. 

Tote Features: 

  • Six interior slip pockets 
  • Screenprint logo 

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: Aimé Leon Dore Small Unisphere Tote Bag


High-Quality Tote Bag

You don’t have to offer full-grain leather or suede to achieve a high-quality, durable tote. Talk to your Gemnote rep for choices in size, fabrication, design options, and more.  

20. Custom Faux Leather Tote

Looking for a comparable style to sustainable leather tote bags? A quality vegan leather or suede option like The Taylor Tote is an easy crowd-pleaser. In fact, it was featured in Oprah’s 2022 list of favorite things. 

Notable features: 

  • Vegan Leather & Suede options
  • Interior side pocket with snap closure
  • RFID-protected built-in card slots inside

Shown: K. Carroll Accessories The Taylor Tote 

21. Custom Tote with Top Zip

For a quality tote with all the best features, you can’t go wrong with a style like this Re:Store Tote from Solo. In addition to being composed of recycled water bottles, the company plants a tree. And, for those who take their Green Pledge, Solo will plant an additional tree in your name through the National Forrest Foundation

Sustainable Tote Bag Features:  

  • Made from 5 recycled PET bottles
  • Front zip pocket and fully padded compartment
  • Back panel slides over luggage handle

Shown: Solo Re:store Tote Bag

22. Custom Market Tote 

Another favorite among sustainable tote bag brands is InCase. The company is known for mixing business with pleasure thanks to its collection of quality convertible bags, totes, briefcases, and more. Just like their durable City Market Tote which looks just as good grabbing groceries as it does on your commute. 

Tote Features: 

  • Premium, durable 500D Cordura Nylon
  • Padded laptop compartment with closure
  • Exterior zippered pocket

Shown: InCase City Market Tote with Cordura

23. Custom Classic Tote 

With their hook and loop closure straps, these sustainable custom tote bags are easy to fold up small and stash away when they’re not needed. 

Features:

  • Machine washable
  • 21" shoulder straps

Shown: RuMe® Classic Medium Tote

Investing in sustainable products like branded totes is an important way to show your customers and prospects that you care about the environment and want to do your part in helping it. Not only will these items help reduce plastic waste but they can also be used as marketing tools--allowing you to get your message out there without spending a lot of money on advertising. 

Talk to your Gemnote rep today for more ethical and sustainable tote bags including popular brands for the following styles. 

  • sustainable fabric tote bags
  • sustainable beach bags
  • sustainable canvas tote bags


Is your company committed to going green? From recycled cotton canvas bags to faux leather lunchboxes, and just about any style in between —including sustainable apparel in recycled fabrics, Gemnote is your one-stop shop for all of your customization needs. Plus, when it comes to customizing merch from reputable brands that give back, Gemnote partners with the sought-after brands you’ll be proud to market your brand with. In addition, your Gemnote rep can offer a curated selection of merch ideas to help you achieve your marketing goals while working within your budget. 

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