A Detailed Guide To Paper Bags: What You Need to Know
What happens when you have a list of things to buy but have no idea how would you carry them? Of course, you need something that can take all your goods together and make it convenient to carry them comfortably. What springs to your mind? Fret not. Paper bags are your companion in carrying all your stuff and taking this worry away.
Paper bags are versatile and durable containers designed to carry items. These bags come in different sizes and styles. In shopping, packaging, and storage, their uses are quite often.
An alternative to plastic bags, these paper bags made from biodegradable materials are recyclable which makes them an eco-friendly choice and an apple of eco-conscious eyes.
Whether you are at a store or in the market and looking to buy products or items of different types. At a time, your hands can be comfortable handling a few items but can't hold and carry several items.
To carry your things, you need a paper bag that is strong enough to withstand their weight and does not bother your hands.
Stand around. This guide will teach you about the functions of paper bags you need to know. You will learn their history, manufacturing process, and types with uses and benefits. Let’s get started.
Where Do Paper Bags Come From - A Brief History
Do you know when were paper bags invented? Let’s overview who invented bags or paper bags.
When Were Bags Invented
Looking into the history of paper bags takes us back to 1852 when an American inventor Francis Wolle patented the first machine to mass-produce paper bags. This was the time when was paper first made.
This invention improved the practicality and durability of paper bags. Before this invention, paper bags were made by hand using simple fold and glue techniques.
Wolle’s automated machine made things simpler to make paper bags. It earned popularity over time and began to be used widely in shopping and packaging. In 1857, Margaret Knight developed a machine to produce flat-bottom paper bags which still exist and we use.
In 1912, Hans Schwan patented the square-bottom paper bag to enhance its functionality. This innovation was the beginning of paper bags as a more eco-friendly substitute for plastic bags. Over time, paper bags evolved in different designs and styles catering to various needs.
What Are Paper Bags Made Of
Usually paper bags are made out of sustainable material. The more eco-friendly material you choose decides how you contribute to saving the earth.
Paper Bag Material
The most common material used to manufacture paper bags is Kraft made from wood chips which break down into pulp when exposed to extreme heat. The wood pulp is washed and bleached which produces the final form of Kraft.
The Production and Manufacturing Process
The production process of paper bags begins with wood pulp derived from trees. Primarily it is a softwood species such as pine or spruce. The trees are debarked and cut into small chunks.
Then they are boiled in a blend of chemical solutions which transform them into pulpy substances. This pulp undergoes a bleaching process, is drained, and then pressed into thin sheets. These sheets are cut, printed, and folded into the diverse range of paper bags we use.
What Determines The Load A Paper Bag Can Easily Handle
Other than the material, there are several things including thickness, density, and weight in the properties of a paper are involved to help you determine what type of paper bag you should go with. Especially, when you have bulky or heavier items, you must consider a paper bag that can have enough strength to carry the load.
Paper Basis Weight
It refers to the weight of the paper used to manufacture paper bags which defines how much strength and density in pounds a paper contains. Usually, it is 25 x 38 inches indicating the thickness and durability of the paper. The higher the paper basis weight the stronger the paper.
Gusset
It is a strengthened area where the material is added to accommodate heavy-duty items which is less likely to tear or break.
Twist
Kraft paper bags made with twisting handles into the cords. The cords are glued inside to paper bags. It enhances the power of handling the weight of the bag which results in comfortable handling and carrying of the bag.
Square-Bottom
To accommodate and carry your larger or heavier items, this Knight’s square bottom paper bag style is the best fit.
Envelop Style
This Wolle’s style serving many businesses is also being used in our postal system to accommodate larger items.
Ecological Impact of Using Paper Bags
Paper bags made from biodegradable materials are environmentally friendly. It makes them a more eco-friendly option rather than plastic bags. These reusable paper bags made from wood fiber can be recycled. This is why, they are less harmful to the environment and reduce land waste.
However, paper bags made with a blend of chemical substances are not eco-friendly.
Eco-friendly or non-eco-friendly? Choose wisely. Pick a biodegradable and sustainable material for your paper bags. Instead of bleached, pick unbleached material. It will reduce landfills and help you contribute to saving the planet.
Different Types Of Paper Bags With Uses: Which One Suits Your Needs
Paper bags come in various types. Each type of paper bag is designed to serve the specific needs of consumers. The brown paper bag made from Kraft is very common. It is a popular choice due to its strength and durability and is used to carry fruits and vegetables.
Other types of colored paper bags are used in retail, food, and beverages. They are here as:
Mailing Paper Bags
Available in various sizes with sealing strips for effortless closure, these lightweight and durable mailing bags are perfect. They are used to send items through mail and protect your items during transit.
Pinch Bottom Bags
These uniquely designed bags are a flexible packaging option with a flat bottom that is pinched and allows the bag to stand upright. You can store grains, powder, and loose products in it.
Party Bags
These party paper bags also known as decorative bags come in various sizes featuring handles and are used to pack party favors. For special events, these types of paper bags are ideal for carrying gifts and presenting them to your guests.
Shopping Paper Bags With Handles
Shopping paper bags featured with handles are designed to carry and handle purchases. The handles on the top of the bag ensure comfortable handling and carrying which makes them ideal for retail use.
Flat Bags
These flat paper bags are simple and one-layered flat bags with a flat, non-gusseted bottom. They are formed in a rectangular shape to store flat documents and can be easily folded and stored when not in use.
Paper Bags With Plastic Windows
Featuring clear plastic panel on one side, these paper bags allow the content to be easily visible to customers without opening the bag. For baked goods and retail products, these bags are an excellent choice.
D-cut Paper Bags
D-cut paper bags are bags with handles cut into a D shape on the top for comfortable carrying. Showing simplicity and following an eco-friendly nature, these bags are often used for shopping and promotional purposes.
From packing your food or bakery items to mailing and shopping bags with handle, you can look at each bag type one by one and choose what suits you most. They will help you enhance your portability experience.
Each paper bag type mentioned above serves an exceptional purpose offering versatility and durability. You can consider any type by clarifying its benefits and determining your needs.
Perks Of Using Paper Bags
Apart from environmental benefits, paper bags also offer practical benefits that you can’t imagine.
From The Customer’s Point Of View
They are robust and reliable packaging solutions to carry various items. Not only this. They are tear-resistant and have the potential to bear the pressure of weight compared to plastic bags. Their flat base stands upright which is good for storing and transporting items.
From The Retailers’ Perspective
These paper bags are a powerful marketing tool to advertise the brand printed on the bag. You can customize these paper bags with logos following the best possible customization options and branding elements to enhance your brand identity. It can help to build a strong relationship of a brand with its customers.
Paper Bags: A Cost-Efficient Choice
Paper bags are an economical packaging option because there is no perplexity involved. Further, they are sustainable and easy to recycle.
Plastic bags have complex production processes involving raw materials which raises the cost and makes it an expensive packaging option.
Therefore, many businesses are switching over to paper bags to cut down their packaging costs and enhance customer experience.
Final Thoughts
Paper bags are benefiting consumers and brands in many ways. They not only allow you to carry your items but also bring convenience in handling resulting in ultimate satisfaction and peace of mind that all your products are together in a durable bag.
Due to durability, these cost-efficient shopping paper bags have built a strong relationship with consumers and brands. Their sustainability leaves less environmental impact which has made them more popular than plastic bags.
If you need custom paper bags made from the highest-quality materials in your desired size and style, you will find no better manufacturer than Custom Product Packaging. Our customer support is available 24/7 to assist you in every aspect including personalization, custom printing, and many other things. Email us at order@customproductpackaging.com to share your requirements and start your journey with us.
