In a move set to reshape the retail packaging industry in Canada, Gather Packaging has officially launched as a new domestic manufacturer of premium, sustainable paper shopping bags.
Founded by Ben & David Hertzman, the owners of Progress Luv2Pak, which boasts over 100 years of experience in the retail packaging industry, the launch marks a return to Canadian manufacturing for the Toronto-based company.
“We started as a manufacturer,” said Ben Hertzman, President of both Progress Luv2Pak and Gather Packaging, during an in-depth interview. “Our company has been around for over a century, originally making hat and gift boxes in the 1920’s for icons in Canadian retail.”
But like many companies, Luv2Pak exited local manufacturing roughly 15 years ago in favour of international sourcing. That trend has now reversed.
“What’s old is new again,” Hertzman continued. “We truly believe the future of production is bringing supply chains closer to home.”
Made in Canada: A Strategic Business Advantage
At a time when global supply chains are riddled with unpredictability—from tariff instability to freight delays and added uncertainty—Gather Packaging offers retailers a safer, more stable solution: buying domestic.
“There are so many benefits to sourcing locally,” said Hertzman. “You reduce risk. You avoid unexpected disruptions. And you gain more control over timelines and quality.”
For Canadian retailers, this shift is not only about convenience—it’s also about branding. A “Proudly Made in Canada” paper bag is more than a vessel for purchases; it’s a walking billboard for values like sustainability, quality, and national pride.
“As patriotism grows, more retailers are telling us they want packaging that reflects their Canadian roots,” said Hertzman. “We’re here to deliver that.”
World-Class Manufacturing in Toronto
Located near York University in Toronto, Gather Packaging’s brand-new production facility is a multi-million-dollar investment in Canadian manufacturing. The plant features some of the most advanced printing and converting equipment available in the industry worldwide.
“We’re the only manufacturer in North America with the capability to produce a ‘turn top’ paper bag – the preferred style of many premium retailers,” said Hertzman. “This is in addition to the staple and most common ‘serrated top’ paper bag. We are also adding technology to add tamper-resistant adhesive tape for food or grocery delivery bags.”
Gather’s manufacturing process is highly automated, making our domestic production efficient and cost-effective. According to Hertzman, “The machinery takes care of most of the work. Our team loads giant rolls of paper at one end of the machine, and thousands of bags an hour come out the other side. Just about everything is automated, which keeps our costs competitive.”
Not Just Commodity Bags—Craftsmanship Counts
Gather Packaging isn’t aiming to compete with low-cost, low-quality imports from overseas. The goal, instead, is to elevate the standard for what a paper bag should be.
“A lot of paper bags you find are commodity-grade,” said Hertzman. “Print quality is average. Bags are rough. Handles may break or detach. That’s not what we do. Over 100 years of working with the top retailers around the world have taught us that manufacturing a superior quality product is the benchmark.”
Bags are printed with up to 8-colour, vibrant flexographic print, with options to adjust size and customize finishes. They’re rigorously tested in an on-site quality control lab outfitted with advanced testing equipment to ensure consistency, strength, and reliability.
“Our bags can hold up to 40 pounds,” Hertzman added. “No more double bagging because you’re worried the handles will break or the bottom will fall out. Just using one high-quality bag where you used to use two is a huge win.”
Targeting Retailers, Grocers, and Restaurants
While Progress Luv2Pak has long served some of the most iconic retailers across North America, Gather Packaging’s reach is intentionally broader. The new manufacturing operation is designed to serve any organization that relies on high-quality paper shopping bags, if they can meet minimum order quantities.
According to Hertzman, the company is focusing on three main customer groups. The first group is retailers, spanning categories such as apparel, gift, books, and toys. Both national and regional retail chains are ideal clients, especially those seeking to enhance their brand with durable, aesthetically pleasing packaging. “We’ve worked with a wide range of retailers over the years, many of whom are featured regularly in Retail Insider,” said Hertzman, “we know how to meet the high expectations of brands that care deeply about presentation and performance.”
The second group includes grocers—particularly those who want to integrate Canadian-made paper shopping bags into their inventory for in-store use or delivery. With more grocery retailers moving away from plastic and seeking sustainable, high-performing alternatives, Gather’s offerings are well-suited to meet that demand.
The third target group is the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector. Many QSR brands already rely on paper bags with twisted handles for takeout and delivery. Gather Packaging’s production includes options like tamper-evident adhesive strips, which are increasingly required for food safety and quality assurance. “These twisted-handle paper bags are a staple across retail, grocery, and foodservice,” said Hertzman. “Our versions are stronger, more attractive, and more customizable than most of what’s currently available.”
Gather Packaging’s machinery is best suited to chains and multi-location operators, rather than small independents. “Our factory is built for scale – the equipment we have invested in is geared for longer-run production. Specialization is key in manufacturing – we are tooled to run truckload quantities of paper shopping bags” added Hertzman. “If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted, Canadian-made product that represents your brand and performs reliably, then we’d love to talk.”
Reducing Tariff Risk and Freight Costs
With volatile global trade policies and increasing scrutiny of environmental impact, sourcing locally is becoming not just desirable—but necessary.
“If there’s one certainty right now, it’s uncertainty,” said Hertzman. “Tariffs could change tomorrow. Freight rates can spike overnight. Buying from a Canadian factory means you’ve got one less thing to worry about.”
“Not only that – we source as many of our raw materials from Canada as we possibly can. From Canadian paper to inks, glues, corrugated boxes – the more we can keep our supply chain at home, the more resilient and self-sufficient we can be.”
Environmentally Friendly and Fully Recyclable
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought at Gather—it’s foundational. Every bag is 100% curbside recyclable, and the company uses FSC®-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
“With nimble material sourcing, we offer high percentage of post-consumer recycled content options to meet our customers’ specific needs,” noted Hertzman. “Our inks are water-based. Our glue and corrugated boxes are responsibly sourced. Sustainability is table stakes for us.”
The factory itself is designed for efficiency and minimal waste, aligning with the values of eco-conscious clients and end consumers alike.
A Factory Tour That Wows
For retailers curious to see Gather Packaging in action, the company offers both in-person and virtual tours of its Toronto facility.
“Every retailer who’s walked through has said ‘Wow,’” said Hertzman. “They see the spotless floors, the advanced machinery, and the beautiful bags coming off the line—it’s like nothing else they’ve seen in North America.”
The factory opened earlier this year, is currently in production of a large-scale order for a global apparel brand and is now accepting new clients, with production capacity expected to sell out.
A Long-Term Vision Rooted in Quality
Looking ahead, Gather Packaging plans to grow—but not at the expense of quality or service.
“We’ve built this plant to scale,” said Hertzman. “There’s room for more lines, more products. We’ll grow by listening to our clients and investing in technology that helps us meet their evolving needs.”
When asked what keeps him motivated, Hertzman points to legacy and innovation in equal parts.
“This is about doing something meaningful here at home. We even managed to bring back some of our manufacturing staff; Progress’ long-standing Plant Manager returned after 15 years to work with Gather Packaging. That’s incredibly special.”
How to Get in Touch
For retailers interested in learning more, the company encourages reaching out directly through its website at gatherpackaging.com, or contacting Ben Hertzman directly via LinkedIn or email ben@gatherpackaging.com
“We’re proud to be doing this in Canada,” said Hertzman. “We’re building something that’s not just beautiful but built to last—and built close to home.”
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