05 — Paper bags
Paper bags that survive the walk home.
Kraft and art-paper carriers for retail, events and press kits — specified by load, not by looks alone. Handle type and top reinforcement are chosen so the bag does not fail in the street.
A 150 gsm kraft bag with a twisted handle carries about 4 kg comfortably; a laminated art-paper bag with a reinforced card top carries more and holds a print register that survives folding. We quote both so the trade-off is your decision.
Styles
Four handle options, three paper routes.
Twisted paper handle
The retail default. Comfortable, recyclable with the bag, available in matching or contrast colour.
Flat paper handle
Wider contact area for heavier loads; sits flatter when stacked.
Die-cut handle
No added component. Best for light loads, event giveaways and low unit cost.
Cotton or PP rope
Premium hand feel for boutiques and gifting; PP rope for wet or outdoor use.
Kraft, uncoated
Natural fibre look, single-material, easiest to recycle. Print sits slightly into the sheet.
Art paper, laminated
Sharper graphics and richer colour; matte lamination gives a soft, premium surface.
Specifications
Paper weight follows the load.
| Paper | 100–210 gsm kraft, art paper, black card or textured stock |
|---|---|
| Handles | Twisted paper, flat paper, die-cut, cotton or PP rope |
| Offset up to 6 colours; flexo for high-volume single-colour | |
| Finishing | Hot foil, spot UV, matte/gloss lamination, embossing, reinforced top card |
| Load guide | 3–4 kg at 150 gsm twisted; 6–8 kg with reinforced card top |
| Starting MOQ | 1,000 pieces |
| Lead time | 12–18 working days after sample approval |
Details
What stops a bag from failing.
- 01
Reinforced top card
A turned card insert spreads the handle load across the bag mouth.
- 02
Handle anchor
Glued and stitched into the turn-over, not just punched through the paper.
- 03
Square base board
A rigid base insert keeps the bag standing on a counter and stops corner sag.
- 04
Print registration
Printed before bag making, so fold lines do not cut through type.
Questions
Paper bag FAQ.
What paper weight do I need?
For apparel and cosmetics up to 3 kg, 150 gsm kraft with a twisted handle is enough. For bottles or boxed sets up to 8 kg, go to 210 gsm with a reinforced card top and flat or rope handles. Send the contents and we will specify with margin.
Can the bag be both laminated and recyclable?
Lamination improves print and water resistance but complicates recycling in most municipal streams. If recyclability is a stated brand commitment, we recommend uncoated kraft with water-based ink and a paper handle — and we will say so even though the laminated bag has a higher margin for us.
Do you print inside the bag as well?
Yes, a one-colour interior print is common for boutiques. It is printed on the same sheet before bag making, so there is no separate pass.
Paper bags
Send the load weight. We will send the specification.
Size, paper, handle and print — four decisions. We quote two options so you can see what the upgrade actually costs.