Handbook for Different Types of Paper Bags and Handles

Paper bags have recently gained a lot of traction in the packaging industry not just because they are an environmentally friendly option, but they also allow much more customization than a regular plastic bag. Paper bags are reusable, gives the branding more visibility, and does not end up in a landfill. The biodegradable and recyclable nature of paper bags enables brands to show they care about the planet.

Paper bags come in different shape and sizes. Each of them has their own unique use. Here are some of the common types of paper bags and their use cases.

Simple Brown Kraft Paper Bags

Kraft paper bags are one of the most common bags that are available. Most departmental stores and grocery stores use these bags. They are made from simple brown Kraft paper and often come with a bottom gusset that is reinforced with another sheet of paper. Kraft paper bags are not very durable. However, one can reuse them a couple of times before the bags wear out. Plus, Kraft paper bags can be recycled very easily.

SOS Bags

SOS bags or Stand-on-Shelf bags are quite similar to brown Kraft paper bags in terms of their design. However, these bags are a little stronger and come with a top handle. SOS bags have been widely used for carrying packed food and drinks. They are quite common amongst children and office workers for carrying lunch. SOS bags also come in a wide range of colors with added modern flair. Therefore, they also make a good paper bag packaging solution for gifting.

Pinch Bottom Bags

Pinch bottom paper bags are similar to envelopes. They have a tapered end and the other side stays open when one fills it up. These bags are commonly used in the bakery. Pinch bottom bags also have an inner grease-resistant lining, making them the ideal solution for packing dry food items.

Merchandise Bags

Merchandise bags are high quality and customizable paper bags. Retail stores both large and small use merchandise bags.  Even some online stores use merchandise bags for shipping products. These bags have a form factor similar to envelopes. Merchandise bags are available in different colors. One can also customize them further by printing them.

Euro Tote

Euro tote is a more sophisticated lunch bag. Even though the design is similar to that of S.O.S. bags, the Euro tote comes with fancy handles, customized branding and a wide variety of surface finishes. Even though the euro tote is a paper bag, recycling it can be somewhat difficult because of the use of plastic lining and metalized inks in some cases. However, these bags are quite durable and can be reused several times, making them better than single-use plastic. A lot of large brands have migrated to the Euro tote from plastic bags mostly because they allow much better brand visibility. Also, these bags are a great alternative to traditional gift packaging.

Bakery Bags

Glassine or wax-coated paper bags that come in various shapes and sizes form the family of bakery bags. They can come in the form of small L-folder that allows you to hold your pretzel or cookie, or they can be in the form of an envelope that can be used to pack cookies. The inner lining protects the freshness of the product inside.

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Party Bags

Party bags are glossy bright-color paper bags that takes after the shape of standard Kraft paper bags. You can use party bags to distribute sweets, candies, gift cards, and other mementos.

Mailing Bags

Envelope style mailing bags are quite popular in the case of e-commerce shipments. A lot of small products or products with decent retail packaging come in paper mailing bags. Some of them also have a self-adhesive strip for easy sealing and a thin inner cloth lining for tear resistance.

Recycled Bags

Recycled bags mostly use recycled paper as raw material. Manufacturers use wood pulp to make paper and that leads to deforestation. Recycled bags use pulp made from paper trash. New manufacturing techniques have allowed the recycled paper to be as good as paper made from wood pulp. Recycled bags come in various shapes and sizes and allow businesses to show that they are environmentally conscious.

Vogue Bags

These are retail shopping bags that most stores use today. They are large and spacious and one can use them multiple times. From the manufacturers' point of view, these bags are good for branding as well. Vogue paper bags are also great for giving gifts.

Types of Handles

When it comes to paper bag handles, there exists a lot of diversity. One can use a lot of different materials as handles for paper bags.

Ribbon 

Ribbons are soft, luxurious, have a glossy finish and is also quite durable. Ribbon handles come in a wide range of colors and can suit almost any style of bags. Ribbons are not very good for bags that will contain heavy goods. However, for smaller and lighter items, ribbon handles are an excellent choice, especially when the look and feel of the bag are more important.

Cotton

Cotton also provides the same upscale feel as that of ribbon handles. However, cotton ropes have far more strength than ribbons. Also, thicker cotton ropes are comfortable to hold when it comes to carrying heavier loads.

Twisted Paper

Machine made twisted paper handles are strong and rigid. They do not feel so luxurious, but they can endure a lot of strain. Also, manufacturers can make them very quickly.

Folded Paper

Folded paper is the most economical option. Constructed from a simple piece of paper, folded paper handles are great for small bags and light loads. Plus, folded paper handed makes the recycling process easier.

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To sum up, innovations in terms of durability is required to make the use of paper bags in daily life possible. nevertheless, paper bags are a great option for the gift and takeaway packaging. In fact, not just paper bags, other paper merchandise like paper boxes are a great option for gift packaging. Interested to know more about paper boxes? Here are some inspirations.

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