BagSmart™ was developed, funded, and managed by Penn Jersey Paper
Company [PJP] in conjunction with participating supermarkets, Goodwill
Industries, Trex Company, and local media. as a way to reduce Plastic Bag Usage.

Grocery shoppers use nearly 100 Billion plastic bags annually, and as a result Penn Jersey developed BagSmart™ as a way to address concerns regarding plastic bag disposal and the negative imact it is having on the environment.

BagSmart™ was designed to educing Plastic Bag Usage through its five step
approach and recycling program:

1. Fill ‘em up to reduce bag usage

PJP provides training, bag art, and marketing materials to educate both store cashiers and consumers on the environmental benefits of adding a few extra items to each and every bag. Bags that are packed right hold more and reduce the number of bags used. Properly packed bags are also more stable in the car and easier to carry.

2. BYOB… Bring Your Own Bag and encourage reuse

Grocery shoppers use nearly 100 Billion plastic bags annually. Most are only used once and then either recycled or thrown away. Although the concept of reusing bags is not new, PJP’s bag reduction and recycling program sheds new light and
enthusiasm to encourage increase bag reuse.

3. Provide a Comprehensive Recycling Program

Consumers deposit acceptable plastic materials in specially-designed BagSmart™ collection bins supplied by PJP.

• Supermarkets collect stretch / shrink wrap and store with collected bags.
• The plastic bags are combined with stretch/shrink wrap generated by the stores and stored in the loading dock area.

Recycling - Collection and Processing

• Participating business donate the plastic bags and film to Goodwill Industries.
• Goodwill Industries crews pick up material, load it onto vehicles, and deliver it to the processing facility for baling.
• Goodwill Industries crews sort the material to remove contaminants, place smaller bags into larger ones to make loading the baler easier.
• Bales get weighed and loaded onto trailer bound for Trex Company. Bales range in weight from 1000 – 1300 lbs each.

4. Offer Reusable Totes

BagSmart™ works to promote the elimination of all bags by offering BagSmart™ reusable totes to reduce paper and plastic bag usage. BagSmart™ reusable totes are:

• Lightweight and Durable. Made in USA
• Large Capacity and Easy to Carry
• Recyclable [unlike other reusable totes]
• Hypoallergenic and Non-toxic

5. Effectively market and promote BagSmart™ within the community.

PJP works with local collections sites and the community to promote and educate customers regarding the key components to a successful program.

The BagSmart™ program offer the following marketing materials:

• Bag Art Banner Ads
• Customized Recycling Bin Signs
• High Impact Window Signs
• Educational Check-Out Signs
• Check-Out Lane Dividers
• Eye-Catching Lapel Pins [for the cashiers to wear]
• Local Media Advertising