Novolex brand Hilex launches recyclable and reusable tote bags for takeaway solutions
06 Jun 2023 --- Hilex, a Novolex brand, has revealed new size options for its ProWave Tote, a recyclable, reusable tote bag. Hilex states the tote simplifies deliveries and carry-out for supermarkets, restaurants, retailers and customers.
Customers can choose a ProWave Tote with a 2.25-mil gauge film manufactured with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material or a 1.7-mil gauge film tote, providing options to meet various regulations and customer needs.
Hilex says the ProWave Tote has folded handles and a sturdy double-ply top, ensuring the bag remains open for easy loading. The flat bottom design allows for the efficient packing of larger grocery or retail products.
“Our ProWave tote has been highly sought-after by supermarkets, restaurants and other businesses, so we’re adding new options to make it even more versatile and customer-friendly,” says Frank Lawson, vice president of sales at Novolex.
Meeting “most” requirements
The bags offer a to-go solution for carry-out and delivery. They have a flat bottom for easy loading and two large carrying handles. The inner fold was explicitly engineered to bolster the bags’ strength during transport and gives customers convenient access to the contents when the products arrive. 
Hilex’s ProWave Tote is made from 40% post-consumer recycled material.
“It’s a tote crafted for e-commerce, grocery and retail sales, allowing products to be loaded and transported easily,” explains Lawson.
The ProWave can be recycled at an in-store drop-off location or by take-back programs. The bags were made with durability in mind to encourage reuse. Hilex explains the bags as “puncture resistant.”
The 2.25-mm gauge tote meets “ most legislative requirements for reusable bags” due to its recycled material. According to the company, The bag meets the EcoLogo ATP-001 standard and complies with California, US, SB 270 requirements.
The tote can be used for hot, cold or frozen foods. It is offered in recycled white, gray and kraft brown, with custom colors and prints available.
The ProWave Tote will be featured among the many other products at the Novolex booth at the International Dairy Deli Bakery show in Anaheim, US, Sunday through Tuesday this week.
Reusable bag revolution
Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy and its Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag released a Playbook to provide single-use bag reduction strategies that can be implemented by any retailer – from small local stores to large national brands.
The Playbook highlights effective solutions to reduce the number of bags retailers need and encourages the use of reusable bags customers already have at home. There are 25 strategies across four categories catering to retailers at different stages of their business.
Additionally, the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag by Closed Loop Partners launched a pilot dubbed “Bring Your Own Bag” across retail shops in Denver and Tucson, US. Over 150 stores joined the pilot to determine whether collective retailer action can advance a broader reuse culture.
Edited by Sabine Waldeck
