Not only the style and size, paper bags or known as paper shopping bags can be made from many different materials. Each type of material gives paper bags different characteristics and is suitable for different types of businesses. Let's find out which paper is used for paper bags and choose the right one for your business.
- Paper Shopping Bags by Material and Use: A Guide for Businesses
- 5 Reasons Why Reusable Bags Are Better Than Plastic
- Which Type of Reusable Bag without Plastic Is Better?
Benefits of Using the Right of Material for Paper Bags
For each business, paper bags are used for different purposes and different items. For example, supermarkets need to use strong paper suitable for grocery bags, food stores need paper that is safe for food to store food, etc.
Therefore, choosing the right material for paper bags brings many benefits to businesses. Below are some of the benefits of choosing the right paper bag material:
- Customer Perception and Branding: The type of paper can impact how customers perceive the brand. For example, a high-end boutique wouldn't want to use thin, flimsy paper bags, as it would detract from the luxurious image they're trying to project. Conversely, a grocery store wouldn't need expensive, glossy paper for their brown paper bags.
- Durability and Functionality: Different papers offer varying degrees of strength and functionality. Kraft paper, for instance, is great for groceries because it's affordable, sturdy, and absorbent for greasy or oily items. But it wouldn't be the best choice for a clothing store, where a more robust and stylish paper might be needed to hold heavier items.
- Cost-effectiveness: Different paper types have varying costs. Choosing the right paper balances functionality with budget. A bakery might need grease-resistant paper bags, but a bookstore could likely use a more basic paper type.
- Environmental impact: With the growing focus on sustainability, eco-conscious customers appreciate businesses that use recycled or biodegradable paper bags. This can improve brand image and attract environmentally responsible customers.
Overall, understanding which paper is used for paper bags is important for business.
6 Types of Paper Used for Paper Bags
So, what are the most popular types of paper used for paper bags on the market? Here are the commonly used types and their characteristics.
Kraft paper
Within the world of kraft paper lies a diverse selection, each offering unique advantages:
- Virgin Natural Kraft Paper: This is the classic brown paper bag material, known for its strength and affordability. It's made from wood pulp and has a natural brown color.
- Natural Recycled Kraft Paper: Eco-friendly option made from recycled paper pulp, offering similar strength to virgin kraft paper with a slightly mottled appearance.
- Black Kraft Paper: Adds a touch of sophistication with a bold black color. Great for high-end stores or when a distinct look is desired.
- Colored Kraft Paper: Comes in various colors, allowing for branding customization. It's good for adding a pop of color or matching a brand' aesthetic.
- White Bleached Kraft Paper: Provides a brighter, cleaner look than natural kraft paper. Often used for packaging that needs a more neutral or professional appearance.
Strong, durable, and budget-friendly, all kraft paper options are excellent for printing and come in a range of colors (including those made with recycled materials). But it can appear plain for some applications.
White cardboard
This option takes the crown for sturdiness. Made by gluing multiple paper layers together, white cardboard offers unmatched rigidity and support. Think takeout containers overflowing with delicious food or hefty shopping bags laden with goodies – white cardboard can handle it all!
Undoubtedly the strongest choice, it can effortlessly manage significant weight. However, compared to kraft paper, it comes at a slightly higher price point. The multi-layered construction also makes it less eco-friendly.
Coated Paper
Coated paper transcends the limitations of traditional paper bags by incorporating a specialized surface treatment. This coating offers a range of customization options, including a glossy or matte finish, and can even provide water resistance for added functionality.
The key advantage of coated paper lies in its exceptional printability. This allows for high-fidelity visuals and vibrant colors that bring your brand identity to life with exceptional clarity. For businesses seeking to create branded shopping bags that leave a lasting and premium impression, coated paper is an ideal choice.
Offset Paper
This paper offers a compelling balance between printability and functionality. Its ability to handle detailed designs and logos makes it suitable for creating visually striking bags that showcase intricate brand elements. Additionally, offset paper comes in various thicknesses, allowing for customization based on the weight requirements of the intended contents.
However, it's important to consider some trade-offs when selecting offset paper. Compared to kraft paper, it might not offer the same level of strength, particularly for heavier items. Furthermore, the sustainability of offset paper depends on the source of the pulp used in its production.
Recycled Paper of Eco-friendly Paper
For businesses committed to environmental responsibility, recycled paper offers an eco-friendly alternative. Crafted from post-consumer waste paper products, these bags promote sustainability without sacrificing functionality.
Recycled paper can come in a variety of colors or textures depending on the source materials used, allowing for a touch of customization. However, it's important to note that compared to virgin paper, recycled paper might have slightly lower strength and exhibit less consistent color or texture.
Newsprint Paper
Newsprint paper finds a limited role in the world of paper bags due to its inherent limitations in strength. While it boasts advantages like being very inexpensive and readily available, its low durability makes it unsuitable for most shopping bag applications.
Newsprint tears easily and cannot support significant weight. However, it remains a viable option for short-term, lightweight bags, such as those used for carrying newspapers or small items.
Types of Paper Bags Suitable with Your Brand
The choice of which paper is used for paper bags depends on the specific goals and products of each business. Here are our suggestions for different types of businesses:
- High-End Retailers:
- Ideal paper: Coated Paper
- Reason why: Coated paper offers high-quality printing, a luxurious feel (glossy or matte finishes), and even water resistance. This elevates your brand image and reflects the premium value of your products.
- Food Businesses:
- Ideal paper: Kraft Paper
- Reason why: Kraft paper is strong, food-safe, and allows for colorful printing. It ensures the safe transport of your food items while projecting a professional image.
- Budget-Conscious Retailers:
- Ideal paper: Offset Paper
- Reason why: Offset paper is a cost-effective option with good printability and comes in various thicknesses. It allows you to create functional bags without breaking the bank.
- Fashion Brands:
- Ideal paper: Kraft Paper
- Reason why: Kraft paper strikes a perfect balance between durability, a modern aesthetic, and eco-friendliness. It aligns with the sustainability focus many fashion brands embrace and complements various design styles.
- Eco-Friendly Businesses:
- Ideal paper: Recycled Paper
- Reason why: Recycled paper is a sustainable choice that showcases your environmental commitment. It's often available at reasonable prices.
Additional Considerations:
- Consider size, style, color, and logo placement to ensure the bag aligns perfectly with your brand identity and product needs.
- Choose a reputable supplier to guarantee high-quality paper bags that meet your specifications. Here at Kimecopak, we offer bulk kraft paper grocery bags that suit well for supermarket, daily shopping. Plus, we offer also custom service to meet your business needs and requirements. For more information, please contact us via email halo@kimecopak.ca or Kimecopak facebook fanpage.
Conclusion
Choosing which paper is used for paper bags is an important decision that can affect your brand image. Consider the above factors to make the best choice for your business.
