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Are you choosing the right material for your paper bags—or just going with what everyone else is using?
Custom paper bags can be made from many materials. The best one depends on durability, printability, eco-friendliness, and how well it fits your brand’s style and product needs.
Think beyond just brown kraft. The material you choose speaks for your brand long before your product is seen. It shows how much you value presentation, sustainability, and customer experience. Keep reading—we’ll walk through 10 paper bag materials, their best uses, and why your choice matters more than you think.
Which Paper Bag Materials Offer the Most Versatility?
Are you only using kraft paper because it’s popular?
Kraft paper is strong and eco-friendly, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your needs, materials like coated paper, recycled paper, or specialty finishes can create a stronger brand message.
There are many great options, and they all offer different strengths. Some materials are better for printing, others for food packaging. Some are more sustainable, and others more stylish. Let’s break them down so you can find the best fit for your brand.
Kraft Paper (Brown)
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This is the classic paper bag material. It’s made from unbleached wood pulp and keeps its natural brown color. It’s tough, biodegradable, and widely recyclable. If your brand promotes a rustic, natural, or eco-conscious image, brown kraft is a great choice. It’s especially strong, so it’s used often in grocery bags or shopping bags that carry weight.
White Kraft Paper
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White kraft paper goes through a bleaching process. It has the same durability as brown kraft but offers a cleaner look. Brands looking to appear more polished or minimalistic often prefer white kraft. It works well for promotional events and retail packaging that needs strong branding.
Recycled Paper
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This is made from post-consumer waste, and while it’s not always as strong as virgin kraft, it supports sustainability goals. It’s great for lightweight items or gift bags. Just be sure the paper quality matches the product weight. Even better if your recycled paper comes from FSC-certified sources.
Coated Paper
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Coated paper has a smooth surface—glossy or matte—and allows for crisp, colorful printing. This material is ideal for luxury packaging or bags that showcase bold graphics and detailed branding. Coating may impact recyclability, so weigh design impact versus sustainability.
Colored Paper
This material is dyed during production. Colored paper adds style and branding power but can sometimes be less durable. It’s great for themed campaigns or seasonal packaging. It’s often based on kraft or other base papers, so be mindful of thickness and weight capacity.
Waxed Paper
Waxed paper is coated to resist moisture. It’s perfect for food service, especially for bakery or deli items. These bags won’t absorb grease or liquids, making them ideal for fresh food. However, they aren’t always recyclable due to the wax treatment.
Greaseproof Paper
This paper is specially processed to block oil and grease. It’s used for fast food, snacks, and other fatty items. The material protects the bag from staining but may not carry heavy products well. Pair it with a cardboard base if needed.
Tissue Paper
This is soft and delicate. It’s rarely used for the bag itself but is perfect as a lining. It protects fragile items and adds a sense of luxury when unboxing. Combine tissue with a sturdier outer material like kraft or cardboard.
Cardboard
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Cardboard is thick, rigid, and can hold heavy or bulky products. It’s often used for gift boxes or large shopping bags. While less flexible, it adds great protection and structure. Use it when product safety or premium presentation is essential.
Specialty Papers
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This includes materials like metallic finishes, pearlescent sheens, or textured surfaces. Specialty paper makes your packaging look high-end. Use it for limited editions, luxury goods, or special occasions. Keep in mind, these papers cost more and are usually less eco-friendly.
How Do You Choose the Right Paper Bag Material?
Are you just picking paper based on looks?
The right paper bag material depends on your product’s needs, customer experience, budget, and your brand’s environmental goals. Balance looks with functionality.
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I always start by asking: what is the bag carrying? From there, I look at how it will be used, what it needs to say visually, and how it fits the brand’s sustainability promise. Here’s a breakdown:
Product Needs
Ask yourself—does this bag need to carry something heavy or fragile? For wine bottles, you’ll need cardboard or heavy kraft. For jewelry, coated or specialty paper might work better. The product decides everything else.
Durability and Strength
Durability affects usability. A thin paper bag that tears easily does more harm than good. Pick thicker paper when in doubt. Even if you’re going with recycled paper, go for a strong blend.
Printing Requirements
Coated papers or white kraft allow high-quality prints. Brown kraft needs special inks. If printing is important to your branding, your material choice matters a lot.
Size and Style
Bigger bags usually need more strength. If you want a large format or box-style design, cardboard might be best. Colored or specialty papers work better for small, elegant gift bags.
User Experience
Is the handle strong? Is the texture nice to touch? Can it be reused? Customers care about all this. Use materials that look good and feel good. A beautiful bag that rips ruins the experience.
Packaging Budget
Kraft and recycled paper are more affordable. Coated or specialty papers will cost more. You can save by simplifying design and focusing on function first.
Environmental Impact
FSC-certified kraft or recycled paper supports green goals. Avoid lamination if possible, or use compostable coatings. Customers are watching what brands do for the planet.
What Are the Main Benefits of Picking the Right Paper?
Think choosing a better paper won’t change anything?
Using the right paper bag material improves customer experience, promotes reuse, strengthens your brand, and supports your sustainability goals.
Let’s be real: your packaging is your product’s first impression. Here’s why the paper you use matters so much:
Functionality
Right material = better performance. Your products arrive safely, and your bags don’t tear or soak through.
Customer Appeal
A bag that feels good and looks great gets reused. That means free advertising every time your customer carries it again.
Brand Representation
Your bag reflects your values. Eco-conscious? Go for kraft or recycled. Premium? Use specialty or coated paper. Match your message to your material.
Reusability
Durable and attractive bags get a second life. That’s good for the planet and builds a positive image of your brand.
Conclusion
Choosing your paper bag material is more than a design decision. It’s a branding, sustainability, and customer experience choice. Make it count.
Create the Perfect Paper Bag for Your Brand with LPack Today!
Want help making the right choice for your bags? At Packoi, we combine high-quality design with sustainable practices to create packaging that works—and wows. Contact us here, and let’s bring your custom bag ideas to life.
