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What are paper bags and what are they used for?

Paper bags — also known as paper carrier bags or paper shopping bags — are a versatile and sustainable way to provide products, gifts, and groceries. They are used in almost every industry: from retail and fashion to hospitality, cosmetics, and events. Because paper is recyclable and a plastic-free alternative, more and more entrepreneurs are consciously choosing a paper carrier bag instead of plastic. In this buying guide, we explain which types are available, how to choose the right size and grammage, which colors are available, and what to look for in terms of sustainability — so you can find exactly the paper bag that fits your application. View the complete range on the paper bags collection.

Types and designs: kraft vs white, handles, luxury vs budget

Paper bags primarily differ in paper type, handle type, and finish level. Roughly, we distinguish:

• Kraft vs regular paper — Kraft (brown) paper is naturally sturdy and has a natural, artisanal look. Regular (white) paper looks sleeker and more luxurious and is well-suited for a neutral, neat appearance.
• Handle type — There are bags with a twisted paper handle (comfortable and sturdy), with a flat handle (often budget-friendly), and luxury versions with, for example, a sturdier cord. The type of handle also determines the appearance and carrying comfort.
• Luxury, budget, and take-away — For a premium shopping experience, choose a luxury version; for high volume and low costs, a budget bag; for hospitality and food, you often choose a take-away bag suitable for takeout orders.

Choosing sizes: width, height, and gusset

The correct size depends on what you want to put in the bag. A paper carrier bag has three relevant dimensions: the width, the height, and the gusset (the depth). A wider gusset provides more volume for thicker products. As a rule of thumb: measure your largest or best-selling product and choose a bag with some margin in all directions, so the contents fit easily and the bag remains upright. For small items like cosmetics or jewelry, a compact size suffices; for clothing, books, or groceries, choose a larger size. If you're torn between two sizes, the larger one is usually the safest choice for a neat result.

Load capacity and grammage (70-100 g/m²)

The sturdiness of a paper bag is largely determined by the grammage: the weight of the paper per square meter, expressed in g/m². Paper bags are typically in the order of 70 to 100 g/m². The higher the grammage, the sturdier the paper and the more weight the bag can carry. For light gifts and small products, a lighter grammage is fine; if the bag needs to carry heavier or multiple products (books, multiple items, food), choose a higher grammage in combination with a sturdy handle. Always match the grammage to the expected weight of the contents — this way, you prevent the bag from tearing or sagging.

Colors: brown/kraft, white, black, and colors

Paper bags are available in various colors, allowing you to match the look to your brand or occasion:

• Brown/kraft — natural, sustainable-looking, and timeless.
• White — sleek, neutral, and luxurious; a good base for a neat appearance.
• Black — chic and striking, popular in fashion and luxury retail.
• Colors — for a cheerful or seasonal look, for example at events and for gifts.

Choose a color that matches your brand identity and the experience you want to give your customer.

Sustainability: recyclable, plastic-free, and SUP legislation

Sustainability is a decisive reason for many entrepreneurs to choose paper bags. Paper is recyclable and forms a plastic-free alternative to plastic bags — relevant in light of the SUP (Single-Use Plastics) legislation that aims to reduce the use of disposable plastic. By consciously choosing recyclable paper carrier bags, you show your customers that your brand takes sustainability seriously.

Applications per industry

Paper carrier bags are used in various sectors, each with its own emphasis:

• Retail — a neat bag enhances the shopping experience and your brand's image.
• Hospitality and food/take-away — sturdy bags suitable for takeout and delivery orders.
• Fashion — often luxury or black versions that fit a premium experience.
• Cosmetics — compact, neat bags for smaller products.
• Gift — a festive bag completes any gift.
• Events — useful for handing out materials, goodies, or purchases.

Order paper bags cheaply in bulk

Do you regularly need carrier bags or in large quantities? Then you can order paper bags cheaply in bulk through our wholesaler. By ordering larger quantities, you get a better price per unit, which is ideal for shops, hospitality, and events with a continuous need for paper bags. This way, you combine a sustainable, neat appearance with a competitive price per bag.

How to choose the right bag? (step-by-step plan)

In short, you choose the right paper carrier bag in four steps:

1. Size — determine what needs to go in it and choose width, height, and gusset with some margin.
2. Design — choose kraft or white, the type of handle, and the level (budget, luxury, or take-away).
3. Color — align with your brand identity and the desired experience.
4. Grammage — choose the sturdiness (g/m²) based on the weight the bag needs to carry.

Do you know what you need? Then view the complete range and order directly on the paper bags collection.