Beginning in 2026, all plastic shopping bags will be banned in California, providing an opportunity for promotional products distributors to offer reusable alternatives.

A previous state law had already prohibited thin plastic shopping bags at supermarkets and other stores, but consumers could purchase bags made with a thicker plastic that allegedly made them reusable and recyclable, The Associated Press reported.

  • Under the new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 22, all plastic shopping bags are banned, effective January 1, 2026.
  • Stores will only be allowed to distribute recycled paper bags to customers at the point of sale.


Eleven other states currently have some form of a statewide plastic bag ban in place, according to the environmental advocacy group Environment America Research & Policy Center.

  • More than 500 cities throughout the United States have also enacted plastic bag bans.
  • As San Francisco’s mayor in 2007, Newsom signed the nation’s first plastic bag ban.


Promo Opportunities

Distributors can capitalize on plastic bag bans by selling branded, reusable tote bags as alternatives. Below are options currently offered by suppliers in the promo industry.

This Cotton Canvas Tote Bag, available in 100% cotton material, features a large imprint area of 10″x 10″ and 26″ strong handle with “X” stitching for heavy use.

ImprintID / PPAI 576424, Silver

Made of 80gsm non-woven polypropylene, this Non-woven Grocery Tote Bag has reinforced 22-inch handles, a removable bottom insert and an 8-inch gusset for increased storage capacity.

Evans Manufacturing / PPAI 110747, Platinum

The Prime Line Metro Enviro-Shopper Bag – made of 85gsm non-woven polypropylene – is designed to be used in place of disposable, single-use plastic bags.

alphabroder / PPAI 156993, Platinum

The TYPHOON bag is a washable kraft paper grocery tote bag that boasts the look and feel of leather.

American Ad Bag / PPAI 111067, Gold

The Big Thunder tote bag contains 100gsm premium non-woven material, dual-reinforced handles and a plastic bottom insert. 

BAG MAKERS / PPAI 111408, Gold