Handle-forming machine for shaping and attaching strap handles (M') to bags or carrier bags, and/or to continuous rolls of paper (N) to make bags or carrier bags, said strap handles (M') being formed by folding substantially into a U shape at least one strip or strap (M). The handle-forming machine comprises at least one carousel (G) rotating around a main shaft (Gx), said carousel (G) in turn comprising one or more cradles (C) for gripping and folding the straps (M). Advantageously each cradle (C) rotates around a main shaft (Gx) at least from a feed station (1) of said strap/s (M), to a folding station (4) into a U shape of each strap (M) and to a loading station (6) of the folded strap (M'), for attachment to the bag or to the continuous roll of paper (N) which the bag will be made from. Moreover the cradle also rotates around its own axis (Cx) radial to the main shaft (Gx), to rotate the position of the relative strap (M) between the folding (4) and loading (6) feed stations (1).

Reinforced ecological strip of the type formed from at least one substantially elongate paper sheet, characterized in that said strip comprises a planar tubular element, with exterior finishing, formed by a paper sheet, with the longitudinal edges thereof folded inwards, superposed and fastened together by means of an adhesive or a conventional joining means, the interior of said tubular element containing two or more paper cords or strings lying parallel in the longitudinal direction and joined to the tubular element by an adhesive band, the strip, when used, being suitable for withstanding longitudinal tensile stresses without the flexibility of the strip being adversely affected and also suitable for forming bag handles, strapping, and clothing accessories, inter alia.

The present invention relates to a reinforced flexible band in which the reinforcement consists of a strip (2) of fabric or cloth, said band being made with biodegradable material.

The flexible band in accordance with the present invention can be employed in the field of packaging and in particular for the manufacture of handles for envelopes and containers in general, particularly boxes.

In the construction of a collapsible receptacle there is provided a length of fabric material preferably formed from woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene. A plurality of lift loops preferably formed from webbing are positioned along the length of fabric material. The lift loops may be secured to the material either by means of stitching, or the lift loops may be adhesively secured to the material. After the lift loops are secured to the material, the material is adhesively secured around the upper end of a collapsible receptacle body panel with the lift loops projecting above the upper edge of the panel. A line of stitching may be used along the length of material adjacent its lower edge to further secure the material to the body panel.