An imminent ban on plastic bags in America’s tmost densely populated state is creating opportunities for promotional products companies.

On May 4, New Jersey will begin enforcing a law that prohibits the provision or sale of single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food-service products in all stores and food-service businesses statewide. The law also prohibits the provision or sale of single-use paper carryout bags by grocery stores that occupy 2,500 square feet or more.

State officials and environmental advocates have been encouraging residents and businesses to use reusable bags, like totes, as an alternative to the disposables.

“The law banning plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food container products will impact many businesses across the state,” said Melanie Willoughby, executive director of the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC). “We urge businesses to prepare for the plastic carryout bag ban by learning about the requirements and finding vendors that offer reusable alternatives.”

To that end, NJBAC has launched a vendor clearinghouse to help Garden State business owners find reliable wholesalers and manufacturers from which they can purchase reusable and paper carryout bags that meet the requirements of the new regulations.

Vendors from any geographic region – including promo products companies that sell reusable bags – that are registered to do business in New Jersey and sell products that meet the requirements of the new law may sign up for the vendor list.

With the ban’s effective date fewer than three months away, its reality is setting in for businesses – and many New Jersey media outlets, including New Jersey Business Magazine and the Press of Atlantic City have been stepping up coverage of the need to incorporate reusable bags into shopping.

This environment means businesses of all varieties could now be in the market for branded reusable bags, potentially making it a good time for promo firms to market such solutions in New Jersey.

To be considered a “reusable carryout bag” under the law, the product must be made of polypropylene fabric, PET nonwoven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp or other washable fabric; have stitched handles; and be designed and manufactured for at least 125 reuses.

The impetus behind plastic bag bans is environmental. Ban proponents say the bags become sources of litter and pollution, spoiling natural habitats and posing a danger to wildlife, which can choke on or become caught in the disposables.

“Plastic bags are one of the most problematic forms of garbage, leading to millions of discarded bags that stream annually into our landfills, rivers and oceans,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has said. “We are addressing the problem of plastic pollution head-on with solutions that will help mitigate climate change and strengthen our environment for future generations.”