Why Model Chose Reusable Bags for the Future

The Problem

Retail packaging is broken. For decades, customers relied on plastic bags for their weekly shop, cheap, quick, and disposable. But with plastic bans spreading and customer expectations shifting, single-use solutions no longer make sense.

Today, shoppers want more. They expect bags that last longer, feel better, and reflect the values of the stores they choose to support.

The Grocery Retail Reality

Supermarkets move thousands of products daily. That means thousands of bags leaving stores, many of which end up in landfills after a single use. Paper bags, while recyclable, often don’t survive a second trip. Plastic bags, while strong, are now synonymous with environmental harm.

Retailers are caught in the middle: meeting compliance requirements while still needing practical, cost-effective packaging.

Who Model Is

Model is more than just a supermarket chain. What began in 1965 as a family selling vegetables from their farm has grown into one of Namibia’s most trusted retailers. Nearly 60 years later, Model remains committed to quality, consistency, and community, values that align perfectly with the shift toward sustainable packaging.

Why Model Partnered With Us

When Model approached us, they wanted to align their rich history with a modern vision. Their packaging needed to:

• Support sustainability by reducing single-use waste

• Provide durability for daily grocery shopping

• Represent their brand with pride across communities

The Solution

We worked with Model to create the SHOP39, a medium reusable non-woven shopping bag tailored for grocery retail.

Key details:

• Size & Strength: 38.5 x 13.5 x 35 cm, with an 18L capacity and a 20kg weight limit, ideal for weekly groceries.

• Durable Materials: 70GSM GRS-certified non-woven fabric with ultrasonic sealing.

• Comfort: Soft carry handles, built for heavy loads.

• Reusable: Machine-washable, long-lasting, designed for 50–150 uses.

• Custom Branding: Dark green colour reflects freshness, with screen-printed logos to strengthen visibility.

This wasn’t just a bag for groceries. It was a bag designed to connect with communities and carry Model’s story forward.

Changing Customer Behaviour

The green bags quickly became more than packaging. Shoppers reuse them for school runs, weekend markets, and family trips. Their visibility in towns and cities turned everyday errands into long-term advertising for Model.

In a country where community matters, the bags became a subtle reminder of Model’s presence in people’s daily lives.

The Outcomes

The transition from plastic to reusable bags delivered real benefits for both customers and the business.

Key results:

• Sustainability alignment: Reduced single-use plastic, supporting environmental goals.

• Brand loyalty: Bags reused in homes and communities reinforce customer trust.

• Visibility: Every trip extends the reach of the Model brand.

• Efficiency: Durable bags mean fewer reorders and lower long-term costs.

Closing Thought

Packaging is more than a container, it’s a signal of what a retailer stands for. For Model, reusable bags aren’t just a compliance move. They’re a commitment to quality, community, and a sustainable future.