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Axel, our founder and CEO, has always been passionate about working as closely as possible with the manufacturer. He believes this approach ensures a deeper understanding of where products are made, facilitates faster communication, offers more product customization opportunities, and ensures the well-being of the workers involved in the production process.

When Axel traveled to India in search of a reliable supplier for bags, he encountered many companies with impressive certificates and claims. However, he often found discrepancies in the quality of materials, broken promises, and a lack of respect for employees. Axel wanted to do things differently. He aimed to create a factory that not only respects its workers but is also specifically designed to cater to the promotional products market. This commitment led him to establish his own factory, ensuring high standards of quality, integrity, and respect in every aspect of production.

The Cotton Bag Company offers several options for delivery times:

1. Stock in Belgium: We maintain an inventory of the most common models in Belgium, which are printed in a local custom-printing facility. Orders from this stock can be delivered within 2 weeks.
2. Production in India:
   • Standard Shipping: For the best prices, we recommend a delivery time of approximately 14 weeks.
   • Air Freight: If you need your order sooner, we offer an air transport option with a delivery time of approximately 4 to 7 weeks.

For specific delivery needs and to explore the best option for you, please contact our sales team.

For stock products:

• Standard Procedure: Normally, we do not provide pre-production samples for items from our stock in Belgium.
• On Request: If absolutely necessary, a sample can be provided at cost.

For productions in India:

• Standard Procedure: We always create a prototype, which can be sent either as a photo or via courier.
• Orders Over 5,000 Units: We automatically send a sample by courier at no additional cost.
• Orders Under 5,000 Units: We prefer to work with detailed photos sent by email.
• Complex Prints: For more complex printing jobs, we prefer to provide a physical prototype to ensure the best quality.

For further details and specific needs, please contact our sales team.

At The Cotton Bag Company, our quotes typically specify whether transport costs are included or separate:

• Standard Practice: In most quotes, transport costs are clearly stated as either included or separate.
• Small Orders: For small orders, transport costs may be calculated separately.
• International Shipping: Countries outside the EU (such as Switzerland, UK, etc.) or those far from Belgium may incur additional transport charges.
• Clarity in Quotes: We strive to provide transparent and clear information regarding transport costs in our quotes.

For specific details regarding transport costs for your order, please refer to the quote provided or contact our sales team for clarification.

The Cotton Bag Company stands out in several distinct ways compared to other suppliers in the European market:

• In-house Production in India: We are the sole company in the European Union that directly manages production in India. This allows us to ensure fair treatment of local workers, positively impact the communities we operate in, and maintain strict control over the quality of materials and stitching.
• Ethical Commitment: We prioritize ethical practices throughout our manufacturing process, ensuring transparency and fairness at every step. Unlike other providers who rely on external suppliers, we oversee every aspect of production, guaranteeing high-quality cotton and meticulous stitching.
• Competitive and Fair Pricing: Our prices are not only competitive but also reflect our commitment to ethical sourcing and manufacturing standards. We believe in offering value without compromising on quality or ethics.
• Community Impact: By manufacturing locally in India, we contribute directly to local economies and support sustainable community development initiatives. Our operations make a tangible difference beyond the products we deliver.

Many other suppliers in the market depend on external suppliers, which can lead to inconsistencies in cotton quality or substandard stitching—issues that they may not even be aware of. At The Cotton Bag Company, we take pride in our direct oversight and ethical practices, ensuring our customers receive products of the highest quality and integrity.

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At The Cotton Bag Company, we have minimum order quantities based on our different supply sources:

• From Stock: We can fulfill orders from stock starting at 100 units. However, our preferred minimum order quantity is 250 units to ensure optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• From India: For orders produced in India, the minimum quantity starts from 1,000 units. This allows us to leverage economies of scale and provide competitive pricing for larger volume orders.

For specific inquiries regarding order quantities or to discuss your particular needs, please contact our sales team. We are committed to accommodating your requirements and providing the best solutions for your promotional product needs.

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The price-quality ratio at The Cotton Bag Company is exceptionally strong due to several key factors:

• Vertical Integration: We manage every aspect of production, from sewing to printing, without relying on intermediaries. This vertical integration allows us to maintain strict quality control and ensures that our products meet high standards from start to finish.
• Elimination of Middlemen: By cutting out middlemen and working directly with our production facilities in India, we reduce costs and streamline processes. This efficiency translates directly into more competitive pricing for our customers.
• Container Grouping: We optimize shipping costs by consolidating multiple orders into containers destined for Belgium. This approach minimizes transportation expenses and further enhances cost-effectiveness.
• Commitment to Quality: Despite our competitive pricing, we never compromise on the quality of materials or craftsmanship. Our dedication to delivering durable, well-crafted cotton bags remains unwavering.

At The Cotton Bag Company, our strong price-quality ratio is a result of our integrated approach, direct oversight of production, and commitment to providing exceptional value without sacrificing quality.

At The Cotton Bag Company, our business model is built on a strong partnership with distributors. Approximately 95% of our business is conducted through distributors, and we have no intention of bypassing them to sell directly to end customers.

In Belgium, where there may be some distrust due to Axel’s previous involvement in the promotional sector, we do engage directly with customers. However, we prioritize and respect requests that come through our reseller network. Over 80% of our sales in Belgium are made through these resellers.

Our commitment is to support our distributors by providing them with quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent service. If you have any concerns or specific questions about our distribution policies, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value our partnerships and strive to maintain transparency and trust with all our distributors.

Axel joined the family business in February 2000 at the age of 23, initially involved in manufacturing wall clocks. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly led him to explore opportunities in Asia, particularly China, where he began collaborating with various manufacturers. Axel emphasized the importance of working with reliable suppliers and building personal connections with the people involved in production.

Many suppliers appreciated Axel’s honesty and transparency, often remarking on how rare it was to work with someone as energetic and straightforward as him. Axel has a deep respect for Asian cultures and values, always striving to integrate the best of both worlds—the organizational structure of Europe combined with the knowledge, work ethic, and rich cultural heritage of Asia.

In his leisure time, Axel enjoys skiing, playing padel, hiking, and cherishes his role as a father to a daughter. He values respect and friendship as core principles in both his personal and professional life.

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The journey of establishing production in India hasn’t been without challenges for Axel. When he started production in 2018, it was a path fraught with difficulties. Axel placed a significant amount of trust in local individuals, namely Vinish and Danesh, who unfortunately betrayed that trust and defrauded him of €500,000. Despite this setback, Axel was motivated to continue primarily for the sake of the local seamstresses whose livelihoods depended on the work provided by the factory.

During this period, there were instances of subpar productions that led to losing some customers. However, Axel remained steadfast in his commitment to honesty and transparency with his clients. Those who remained loyal through these trials have been rewarded with the positive outcomes of Axel’s perseverance.

Today, production is fully under control with a highly reliable team in place. Axel has overcome the challenges through resilience and dedication, ensuring that the operations in India now run smoothly and efficiently.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we prioritize conducting business with integrity. One of the reasons we require a deposit is to uphold this commitment to fairness and transparency in our operations. Here’s why:

• Immediate Material Purchases: We believe in paying suppliers promptly for materials upon purchase. This not only allows us to secure better prices but also fosters stronger relationships with our manufacturing partners.
• Managing Lead Times: Production lead times can be lengthy, and by financing all costs upfront (materials, packaging, personnel), we ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of orders.
• Supporting Competitive Pricing: Requiring a deposit, typically 40%, enables us to offer competitive pricing. Our profit margins are narrow, and this upfront commitment helps us maintain these competitive prices in a competitive market.

By requesting a deposit, we ensure that our business operates efficiently and fairly, benefiting both our customers and our manufacturing partners.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we place significant emphasis on certifications as part of our commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. While we are currently working diligently to achieve BSCI and Fairtrade certifications by January 2025, our journey has faced delays due to the unfortunate actions of our former directors, Vinish and Danesh, which impacted our move to a new facility.

Despite these challenges, we are proud to hold current certifications including GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Oeko-Tex, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). These certifications demonstrate our dedication to sustainable and responsibly sourced materials.

However, beyond certifications, we prioritize our “Bags with a Story” initiative. This is where we truly make a difference, emphasizing the human element and positive impact in our production processes. Our commitment to ethical production goes hand in hand with our dedication to providing products that not only meet high standards but also contribute positively to society and the environment.

We thank our customers for their understanding and support as we continue to strive towards achieving additional certifications and maintaining our commitment to ethical business practices.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we prioritize accuracy in our deliveries while also striving to minimize waste and uphold stringent quality control standards. Here’s how we manage our delivery accuracy:

• Preferred Tolerance: We typically aim to deliver within 5% over or under the ordered quantity. This approach helps us minimize waste in our production processes.
• Quality Control Measures: Our rigorous quality control procedures may result in rejecting a small percentage of units that do not meet our standards. This ensures that only the highest quality products reach our customers.
• Exact Quantity Option: If you require an exact quantity with no tolerance, we can accommodate this with a surcharge of 2%. This option allows us to dedicate additional resources to meet your precise needs.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we are committed to providing reliable and high-quality products while offering flexibility to meet our customers’ specific requirements.

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At The Cotton Bag Company, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the local community surrounding our factory. Here are some of the initiatives we have undertaken:

• Employment Opportunities: Out of the 150 people employed by us, a significant majority did not have jobs before joining our company. We provide on-the-job training and secure employment, offering stable income and career opportunities.
• Support During COVID-19: During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite mandatory closures, we continued to pay our employees. Additionally, we organized and financed vaccination programs for the village where our factory is located.
• Education Support: Currently, we sponsor the education of the children of our employees, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we believe in fostering a sustainable and inclusive environment where our business growth goes hand in hand with community development. We are committed to continuing our efforts to positively impact the lives of our employees and their families.

The competitive pricing of printing services in Belgium compared to Eastern and Southern Europe can be attributed to our transparent and collaborative approach with a Belgian custom printing company. Here’s how we maintain competitive pricing:

• Partnership with Belgian Expertise: We collaborate closely with a Belgian custom printing company whose dedication and craftsmanship ensure high-quality results. Their commitment adds value to our products despite slightly higher costs compared to Eastern European competitors.
• Self-Manufactured Bags: By producing our own bags, we streamline costs and maintain control over quality and customization. This integrated approach often results in a total cost that remains competitive in the market.

At The Cotton Bag Company, our commitment to transparency, quality, and local collaboration enables us to offer printing services that meet and exceed expectations, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising on standards.

At The Cotton Bag Company, we utilize several printing techniques to cater to different needs:

• Screen Printing: This is the primary method used for the majority of our bags. Screen printing is known for its durability and is ideal for large production runs.
• Heat Transfer: Increasingly, we employ heat transfer for its ability to reproduce detailed designs and high-resolution images on our bags.
• Rotary Printing and Digital Printing: For specific projects, we sometimes utilize rotary or digital printing techniques. These methods are executed by specialized subcontractors to ensure the highest quality and precision.

Each printing technique offers unique advantages, and we work closely with our partners to ensure that we meet our customers’ specific requirements with high-quality prints on our cotton bags.

Do you offer Made in EU bags?

Yes, at The Cotton Bag Company, we collaborate with a sewing workshop in Belgium, which operates as a custom manufacturing facility. This partnership allows us to create custom bags tailored to specific requirements. While the cotton itself is sourced from India, our assembly and manufacturing processes in Belgium ensure that we can provide bags that are crafted and finished within the European Union. This combination allows us to offer products that meet both high-quality standards and customer expectations for locally produced goods.

Why are lead times for Made in EU / Belgium bags relatively longer compared to Made in India?

The lead times for Made in EU / Belgium bags are typically longer, ranging between 8 to 16 weeks, for several reasons:

• Production Capacity: Our production capacity in India is larger and more established compared to our facility in Belgium. This allows us to fulfill orders more efficiently and with quicker turnaround times from India.
• Sourcing of Cotton: The cotton used for manufacturing our bags originates from India. While assembly and customization take place in Belgium, the initial raw material sourcing from India adds to the overall lead time.

Despite longer lead times for Made in EU / Belgium bags, we ensure that each product maintains our high standards of quality and customization, reflecting the care and craftsmanship associated with European manufacturing processes.

Yes, at The Cotton Bag Company, we offer the option to include custom-made labels on bags manufactured in India for orders starting from 1,000 units. This service is provided free of charge as part of our commitment to meeting our customers’ branding and customization needs. Having your own label adds a personalized touch to the bags and enhances brand identity, ensuring that each product reflects your unique specifications and requirements.

While our primary focus is on manufacturing cotton tote bags in India, we also operate a sourcing department that procures a variety of other products from India. This includes items such as jute bags, aprons, and more. Our sourcing department ensures that these products meet the same high standards of quality and ethical sourcing that we adhere to with our cotton bags. Whether you’re looking for cotton tote bags or other complementary products, we strive to provide diverse options to meet your promotional or retail needs effectively.

Before establishing our own manufacturing facility, The Cotton Bag Company supplied customized promotional items to large companies such as Coca-Cola, AB InBev, and government agencies. In 2005, we also started our own sourcing company in China, which continues to operate discreetly without active advertising.

In India, we have the capability to source a variety of products beyond our own cotton tote bags. While we do not manufacture items like jute bags or aprons ourselves, we can assist you in sourcing these products. Our sourcing department ensures that all products meet our stringent standards for quality and ethical sourcing practices. For orders exceeding €5,000, customers frequently commend our exceptional service and competitive pricing. We meticulously manage each order, deploying quality control personnel to factories and closely monitoring every phase of production to ensure that the final products meet our clients’ exact specifications and expectations.

Certainly! We welcome distributors to represent The Cotton Bag Company to their end customers. We have extensive experience collaborating with distributors on large-scale projects where our bags, sourced through The Cotton Bag Company, are included as part of the overall order. Customers appreciate the story behind our products—it’s more than just a bag; it’s about ethical sourcing, quality, and making a positive impact.

Additionally, The Cotton Bag Company values partnerships with distributors to better understand and meet the specific needs of customers. We are committed to working closely with distributors to ensure that the products we provide align perfectly with the requirements and expectations of end customers.

Yes, you can definitely make a bag in a Pantone color. Please note that we typically require approximately 1000 meters of fabric, which equates to around 3000 standard tote bags. We may offer this service starting from 1000 units, and we will keep the remaining fabric in stock. However, please be aware that there may be some variation in the Pantone color as it appears on paper versus how it appears on fabric, due to the nature of the material.

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Yes and no. The issue is that we require a minimum of 1000 meters of fabric to dye. There are two options:

1. Dye all the fabric: We can dye all the fabric in the desired Pantone color. The downside is that once dyed, we cannot change the color afterwards.
2. Sample in a stock color: Alternatively, we can provide a sample printed in a color that we currently have in stock. We’ll include a lab dip (approximately a 10 cm circle) for you to evaluate the color. This allows you to assess the color before committing to dyeing the entire fabric quantity.

So, yes, you can get a sample, depending on whether you want to dye the entire fabric quantity or evaluate a sample in a stock color before production begins.

When ordering in a Pantone color, there may be a deviation of up to 5% more or less in the quantity delivered. This variance is due to factors in the production process, especially when custom coloring fabrics to match Pantone specifications. We strive to meet the requested quantity as closely as possible, but slight variations can occur. If exact quantity is critical, we recommend discussing this requirement with our team before placing your order.

This addresses the potential variation in quantity that can occur when ordering bags in a Pantone color.

No, cotton is a natural fiber and can vary in color. Various factors such as growing conditions, harvest time, and local climate conditions can influence the color of cotton fibers. Therefore, there may be variations in color between different batches of cotton.

It’s important to understand that cotton fabrics may not always have exactly the same color, even if they originate from the same source. For precise color consistency, we recommend reviewing and evaluating color samples before placing larger production orders.

For orders above 5,000 pieces, we are happy to provide a video during production upon request during the order confirmation process. Additionally, photos are typically sent as a standard practice to keep you informed of the progress of your order. This ensures transparency and allows you to track the production process closely.