The Ultimate Paper Bag Guide: Materials, Sizes, Styles, & More!

Hey there! Ever wondered what goes into making the perfect paper bag? Whether you’re a business owner looking to up your packaging game or just someone who loves the craft of it all, this guide is for you. We’re diving deep into every detail of paper bag production—from the materials that make them tough or luxurious, to the sizes that fit everything from tiny trinkets to heavy grocery hauls.

You’ll learn about the cool techniques that make bags stand out (think foil stamping, embossing, and more!), the different types of bags for every occasion (shopping, gifts, luxury brands—we’ve got it), and even the nitty-gritty on handles (satin ribbons vs. sturdy ropes—what’s best for your brand?).

By the end, you’ll not only understand how paper bags are made but also how to choose the right one for your needs—whether you’re customizing for your business or just satisfying your curiosity. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s unpack everything there is to know about paper bags. Trust me, you’ll never look at a shopping bag the same way again! 😉

How to make paper bags ?

Let’s start with pulping

This is where it all starts. We take wood, bamboo, or recycled waste paper, and break them down into a fiber-rich pulp. This pulp goes through a tough process: high-heat cooking to break down the fibers, bleaching to get that clean white color, and purification to remove any grit or impurities. By the end, we’ve got the raw material ready for making paper. 

Next, paper forming.

In the paper forming stage, the pulp is dewatered, pressed, and dried on high-speed paper machines to create continuous paper webs. These webs are wound into giant paper rolls through a precise tension control system.

Then comes cutting and printing.

Special machines cut those big paper rolls into smaller, specific sizes we need for the bags. At the same time, we print designs on the paper—like logos, patterns, or text. Usually, the outer surface of paper bags is printed with CMYK colors or Pantone spot colors, while the inner surface is generally unprinted or only has one Pantone spot color printed.

After printing, we do post-printing treatment.

This is where we make the bags look nicer and stronger.

Sometimes we add a matte or glossy film on top for a smooth feel(then the paper bag is waterproof), or use hot stamping to add shiny details, or even press patterns into the paper (like embossing, debossing and textured), or apply spot UV coating to create raised, glossy highlights on specific patterns or logos, adding dimensional contrast to the design.

Now, die-cutting.

We use die cutting machine with a custom die mold to cut out the exact shape of the bag—like the body and the folding lines. It’s super precise, so every bag shape comes out exactly the same.

Next step: Folding and gluing.

Machines fold the cut paper along those pre-made lines to shape the bag, then use hot-melt glue to seal the bottom and sides. This ensures the bags are sturdy and maintain their structure. Of course, both steps can also be done by hand, and manual work can ensure the folds are precise as well.

Next step: Top and bottom reinforcements.

To add bottom and top cardboard to paper bags for enhanced load-bearing capacity, the thickness is recommended to be above 250-400g/m². We generally use the following two materials:

• 250gsm/300gsm/350gsm CCNB (Clay Coated News Back).
• 250gsm/300gsm/350gsm C1S art paper (Coated One Side art paper).

For handle making.

We choose materials based on what the bag needs—like paper cords, cotton rope, or plastic (PP). These handles get attached to the bag using glue or strong rivets, Or directly thread through the rope holes pre-reserved at the top of the bag, pass them through the bag, and then tie knots.

Final Inspection

Each bag undergoes a meticulous quality check to ensure its high quality. This includes verifying whether the logo is aligned, ensuring the seams are secure, checking for any scratches or stains, confirming that the load-bearing test is passed, and ensuring proper packaging.

What paper is used for paper bags ?

Earlier, we introduced how to make paper bags and discussed the printing and post-printing treatment involved. Now, we need to return to the raw materials of paper bags to explain what paper is used for paper bags and what is paper bag GSM. Even though they’re all made from wood pulp, they’re processed differently, so their compositions end up unique. The way they’re processed really shapes how strong, durable, functional, and visually appealing they are. I would like to note that our main focus here is on luxury paper bags, which are made from the following five types of paper:

C1S art paper: The common paper weight is 190gsm or 210gsm.

C1S art paper—you know, the stuff with the smooth coating on one side—really shines when making paper bags. That single-sided coating is a game-changer! It lets you print super sharp, vibrant colors and intricate designs, like those cool gradient patterns or shiny metallic hot-stamping details. Seriously, the prints come out so crisp, they practically jump off the paper. And the glossy finish on that smooth side? Total luxury vibes. It instantly makes the bag look high-end, which is why it’s a go-to for fancy products, premium gift bags, or any brand that wants to make a statement. Perfect for when you want the outside of the bag to steal the show!

C2S Art paper: The common paper weight is 157gsm or 200gsm.

C2S art paper—you know, the kind that’s coated on both sides—totally rocks for paper bags that need to look great inside and out. Why? ‘Cause it lets you print high-quality designs on both sides of the paper. The smooth coating on front and back makes colors pop and details super sharp, And honestly, the feel of it is a big plus too—both sides are soft and smooth, which just makes the whole experience feel more premium.

Kraft Paper(White/Brown): The common paper weight is 150gsm or 180gsm.

Let’s talk about Brown Kraft Paper.

It’s a total go-to for eco-friendly and practical packaging, all thanks to its unbleached natural wood pulp. The long fibers in this paper make it super tough—like, it can easily hold over 5kg without tearing or getting punctured. That’s why you’ll see it used a lot for takeout food bags or supermarket shopping bags that get carried around all the time. And here’s a big plus: it’s food-safe, so it can touch things like bread or coffee directly, which is perfect for the food industry’s strict hygiene standards.

Now, because it’s unbleached, the paper only comes in that natural brown color. That means when you print on it, the colors don’t pop as much, so it’s better for things like hot stamping, embossing, or really minimalist designs. The rough texture gives it that “natural” vibe, which is great for brands going for an earthy feel, but it can make small text or gradient patterns look a bit blurry. Because of that, you’ll usually see Brown Kraft Paper in eco-friendly fast-moving consumer goods packaging, durable shopping bags, or sustainable products where the raw, natural look helps show off the brand’s values. It’s all about being tough, sustainable, and getting that earthy aesthetic right!

Now, let’s chat about White Kraft Paper.

It’s like the stylish cousin of brown kraft—they bleach the pulp but keep all that tough, durable strength we love about kraft paper. The big win here? That bright, clean white base makes colors pop like crazy when you print on it. Seriously, it picks up every shade and detail, so it’s perfect for brands that need their logos or complex designs to look exactly like they should—no fading or dullness.

Compared to brown kraft, white kraft gives designers way more flexibility. You can do subtle color gradients, metallic inks, even intricate patterns—everything shows up crisp and clear. And don’t worry, they didn’t mess with the good stuff: it still has those long fibers that make it tear-resistant and strong enough to hold heavy loads (think groceries or boutique shopping bags). So it’s not just pretty—it works hard too. The matte finish adds this sleek, understated luxury vibe, which is why you’ll see it in minimalist brands or those going for a “quiet elegance” look. It’s all about balancing practicality with a polished aesthetic!

Recycled Paper: The common paper weight is 200gsm

Recycled paper is made from 100% recycled fibers, and its biggest selling point is how eco-friendly it is. By reusing waste paper, it cuts down on carbon footprints and resource use during production, which makes it a no-brainer for brands that want to be sustainable. The texture is rough, and you’ll see random fiber spots throughout—that gives the paper bags a raw, unpolished look. This natural texture isn’t just a style choice; it’s a statement about being environmentally friendly.

Fancy Paper

There are many types of fancy paper, such as Foil card paper(gold and silver), black card paper, textured paper—stuff like that—is mostly used in the jewelry packaging industry.

What size is used for paper bags ?

Okay, after all that, now you get what is paper bag material. Now let’s talk about another key detail: size. A lot of people get stuck when they’re ordering custom paper bags—they’re not sure which size to pick. Generally, the market has these standard categories: mini, small, medium, large, extra large, and jumbo paper bags.

Maybe you have this question: “How do you measure a paper bag’s size?” It’s simple: just measure its width, height, and depth (that’s the gusset). But here’s the thing: different paper bags manufacturers might define these sizes a bit differently. Beyond just the basic categories, I want to give you more specific measurements so you can easily decide which size fits your products best. Check out this size chart below—it’ll make choosing way simpler!

After looking closely at these sizes, you’ll notice something interesting: some paper bags are wider than they are tall, while others are taller than they are wide.

Wider-than-tall bags are what we call “landscape layout” bags. They’ve got more horizontal space and a wider opening, which makes them look more spread out visually. These are great for short-distance gift-giving because they feel more ceremonial or fancy. But here’s a heads-up: because they’re bigger in area, they might cost a bit more for printing—something to keep in mind if you’re on a budget.

On the flip side, taller-than-wide bags are “portrait layout” bags. They stretch upward, which matches how we naturally hold bags by hand—they feel more balanced and stable. These are perfect for carrying things over longer distances because they don’t tip over easily. Plus, they’re usually more material-efficient! Since they’re taller and narrower, factories can often make more of them from the same amount of paper, which is why they’re a go-to for bulk orders.

So basically, landscape bags are all about the visual wow factor for gifts, while portrait bags are workhorses for practical, everyday carrying. Cool, right? Just depends on what you need them for!

What are the common types of paper bags ?

Some of the most common types of paper bags include:

A. Based on Purpose

Paper Shopping Bags

These paper shopping bags are total workhorses—they’re built for hauling groceries, running errands, or carrying everyday stuff. They’re all about function first, not flashy designs (though some actually look pretty sleek!). Most are made from thick kraft paper or recycled materials, so they can handle heavy loads like cans, books, or even a pile of clothes. The handles are tough too—usually rope, flat paper, or twisted styles that won’t break under weight. And the look? Super minimal—think solid colors, simple logos, or basic patterns, no extra frills needed.

Paper Gift Bags

These gift bags are all about making presents look gorgeous and thoughtful—they’re like the wrapping paper’s cooler cousin! Their whole vibe is to add that “wow” factor and make gift-giving feel special, almost like a little ceremony. You’ll usually spot them decked out with bright patterns, shiny finishes, ribbons, bows, or festive designs—perfect for birthdays, holidays, weddings, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care.

The handles are a big part of their charm: some have silky satin ribbons, others use sturdy rope, and the tiny ones might not have handles at all (they’re meant to sit nicely on a table or shelf). And the details! Lots of them have embossing that gives a raised texture, foil stamping that adds a metallic shine, or even glitter for that extra sparkle—total attention-grabbers. Plus, for delicate stuff like jewelry or fragile knick-knacks, many come lined with tissue paper to keep everything safe and snug. They’re basically style and substance in one little bag!

B. Based on Material

Coated Paper Bags (C1S art paper And C2S art paper )

Paper with a matte or glossy coating gives it a smooth, sealed feel—kinda like a sleek finish that looks fancy. This coating isn’t just for show; it adds major protection against water, oil, and stains, which is perfect for high-end stuff like leather goods or cosmetics. You don’t want those pricey items getting messed up, right?

The best part? Colors pop like crazy on this coated paper. Whether you’re doing metallic gold foil stamping, embossed designs that add texture, or super bold, vibrant patterns, it all comes out sharp and vivid—great for brands that need their logos or intricate details to stand out.

And the feel? It’s stiff and smooth, almost has a “cool” (literally and figuratively!) touch to it. A bit heavier than regular paper, which just screams “luxury.” You can tell it’s high-quality the second you pick it up—definitely gives off that premium vibe without being over the top.

Uncoated Paper Bags (Brown/White kraft paper, Recycled paper)

These papers use either virgin pulp or recycled fibers, with no surface coating—so they keep that natural fibrous texture. They’re breathable, which is great for letting air through, but here’s the catch: they can get damp or stained easily, so you’ll want to keep them away from liquids.

The color finish is soft and matte, perfect for minimalist designs. Instead of bright, flashy prints, they often use techniques like debossing (those subtle pressed-in designs) or white ink hot stamping to avoid ink bleeding through the porous texture.

Feeling them, they’re soft and lightweight, almost fluffy—like a warm, cozy fabric for your hands. They’re not meant for heavy loads or long trips, but for quick carries or casual use, they’re super comfy and eco-friendly. Plus, that natural texture just screams “simple and sustainable,” which is why brands going for a laid-back, earthy vibe love them.

Fancy Paper Bags

Gold foil card paper bags, Silver foil card paper bags, black card paper bags, and other textured paper bags.

C. Based on the Shape of the Bottom 

Standard Flat Bottom Paper Bags

As the name suggests, they have a rigid, flat base that allows the bag to stand upright independently, making it stable for carrying and displaying items.

V Shaped Bottom Paper Bags

Compared to regular flat bottom paper bags, the biggest thing that stands out about this type is that there are no folding lines on the bag body.

What are the common types of paper bags handles?

To be honest, I’m really impressed that you’ve read through this entire article from start to finish and stuck with it until now! To show my appreciation, I’ve decided to dive deeper into paper bag handle types, especially for luxury paper bags. Here are the main ones:

• Satin ribbon
• Grosgrain ribbon
• Cotton twill ribbon

• PP rope
• Cotton rope
• Satin twisted cords

• Paper cords
• Twisted paper handles

Now, when you’re looking to custom brand paper bags with your logo in bulk, do you know who you can trust as a luxury paper bags manufacturer? Yep, I bet you’ve already thought of us. We’re a professional paper bags supplier with 20 years of experience in China, and we can provide you with high-quality products and services at the best value.

From now on, you won’t have to spend hours searching for other paper bags vendors or wondering “where to buy paper bags” ever again. Let’s get started on creating your perfect paper bags with DIG PAPER.

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