Paper Carrier Bags – Sustainable Carrier Bags Made of Sturdy Kraft Paper

Paper carrier bags are the sustainable alternative to plastic carrier bags. They consist of sturdy kraft paper (or natron kraft for premium applications) with twisted-in or sewn-in handles. Since the ban on conventional plastic carrier bags in the EU, they have been the standard for bricks-and-mortar retail – fashion boutiques, organic shops, pharmacies, booksellers. But they are also the right choice for direct sales and gift packaging.

The paper bag has a few technical properties that determine the material choice: kraft paper is sturdier than standard paper, can be printed, is recyclable in the waste paper stream and biodegradable. For moist or greasy contents (fresh baked goods, meat in plastic pre-packaging), PE-coated inner sides are available. For premium brands we recommend natron kraft with a finer fibre, which prints better and looks more refined.

Our range of paper carrier bags covers all the important standard sizes: small (180×80×220 mm) for jewellery and books, medium (240×100×320 mm) for a standard fashion purchase, large (320×150×420 mm) for multiple-item orders, extra-large (450×170×500 mm) for premium fashion. Handle variants: flat handle (classic, cost-efficient), twisted paper handle (premium, refined), cord handle (luxury, with a fabric loop). Natural brown or bleached white, printable with brand logos.

• Fashion boutiques: end-customer packaging at the sales counter
• Organic & natural food shops: packaging with a sustainable brand signal
• Pharmacies & drugstores: standard carrier bag in retail
• Booksellers: classic book-sale packaging
• Gift producers: refined gift packaging with a handle
• Direct marketing: farm shops with a premium feel

• Small (180×80×220 mm): jewellery, books, small fashion accessories
• Medium (240×100×320 mm): standard fashion carrier bag, medium book quantities
• Large (320×150×420 mm): multiple-item orders, family purchases
• Extra-large (450×170×500 mm): premium fashion, large-volume orders
• Flat handle: classic, cost-efficient, ergonomic
• Twisted paper handle: premium look, very sturdy
• Cord handle: luxury feel with a fabric component
• Natural brown: organic look, traditional, cost-efficient
• Bleached white: premium look, prints better

Paper carrier bags are made of kraft paper — depending on the look either unbleached brown or bleached white. Grip comfort, load capacity and appearance are determined above all by grammage (gsm), paper type and handle type. Here you get the overview so you can choose the right bag for your range.

Kraft paper: brown or white

Both versions are made of the same recyclable kraft paper — the difference is the look. Unbleached brown appears natural, eco-friendly and artisanal and suits farm shops, organic markets and bakeries. Bleached white offers a clean, premium surface on which coloured and dark logo prints stand out — ideal for boutiques, fashion and gift packaging.

Grammage: 70 to 120 gsm

The grammage determines stability and load capacity. 70–80 gsm is the standard for light to medium take-away quantities at the counter. 90–120 gsm is the stronger choice for heavier purchases and a more premium grip. As a rule: a larger format and higher grammage mean more load capacity.

Handle type: flat handle or twisted cord

The glued-in flat handle lies flat, stacks in a space-saving way and is comfortable to grip — standard on our paper carrier bags. The twisted paper cord handle is the classic retail version and, at higher grammages, also carries heavier loads.

Food contact and sustainability

The kraft paper is food-safe and certified for direct food contact in accordance with EC 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011 — suitable for bread, pastries and dry goods; the declaration of conformity (PIM) is available on request. As pure paper, the bag is recyclable via the waste paper bin and, on request, FSC-certified.

Paper carrier bags compared

* Guide values depending on format; we will tell you the specific load values per size on request.

Shipping from our German warehouse. Paper bag standard sizes are generally in stock; custom printing is scheduled individually within the delivery time frame. No minimum order value. All customers – B2B and B2C alike – receive graduated prices. Free samples via our enquiry form.