The creation of the modern polyethylene shopping bag is generally credited to Sten Gustaf Thulin, a Swedish engineer. In the early 1960s, Thulin designed a simple, strong bag with a single-piece construction, intending it as a durable alternative to paper bags that often tore easily. His design featured a gusseted bottom and die-cut handles, characteristics that became standard for this type of bag. Cellophane bags, a precursor technology, had been in use since the early 20th century, but Thulins design revolutionized the concept with a more resilient and practical approach.
These readily produced bags offered a lightweight, low-cost solution for carrying groceries and other goods. Their durability contributed to their widespread adoption by retailers and consumers alike, shaping shopping habits globally. While initially perceived as an environmentally conscious choice due to the perceived renewability of forests used for paper bag production, the environmental impact of polyethylene bags later became a significant concern. This legacy has spurred innovation in biodegradable and reusable bag technologies, as well as efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. The invention significantly altered both consumer behavior and the retail landscape.
