What are Paper Bags?
Paper bag is a type of packaging that is made from recycled paper and may have handles. They are the number one alternative to plastic bags because of their eco-friendliness and versatility.
Even though they are lightweight, they are durable enough to hold food containers and various kinds of food. Paper bags are commonly brown or white but there are many colours available now to accommodate people’s gifting needs.
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
What We’re Offering
Custom Paper Bags
Thinking about getting some custom bags made for your business? Explore our options for custom packaging here!
Paper Gift Bags
Woven paper handles make these bags 100% recyclable and super comfortable to hold! Check out the collection now!
Brown Paper Bags
Explore all the different sizes of kraft bags available now! There are many to choose from so you will find the perfect fit!
Types of Paper Bags
Stand on Shelf
Also known as SOS bags, they are paper carrier bags typically used for food takeaways like pastries. SOS bags have a square bottom and can be used with non-food items like apparel.
Shopping Bags
Most shopping bags are made of thick paper so they can hold different items without breaking. Big companies invest in high-end paper bags for shopping because they represent their brand and should be able to reflect their luxuriousness and excellent quality.
Bakery
Created for the specific purpose of containing bread and similar products, they are available in many sizes to accommodate different kinds of bread. Sometimes they include some kind of flaps or seals so that the food doesn’t spill out.
Kraft
Famous for its durability, Kraft bags have a wide range of uses. They are brown because of the processes that they go through. Kraft is minimalist but leaves enough room for personalisation.
Pinch Bottom
Businesses that Usually use Paper Bags
Stationery stores
What better way to emphasise your business strategy and structure other than by using paper bags to hold cute art materials? Paper bags match a stationery’s aesthetic since many arts & crafts businesses also prioritise being environmentally-friendly.
Food Business
Sanitation and hygiene are high priorities in the food packaging industry and are very strict regarding the types of takeaway bags being used. Modern technology now allows paper bags to be produced in ways that meet high sanitation standards.
MG Kraft and brown Kraft paper are deemed safe to contain food because it is made from natural wooden pulp.
Wine
Paper bags for wine are made sturdy and presentable. There is a huge emphasis on making them durable because one slip-up can be a costly mistake. There are single, double, and strapped wine bags to give companies many options on how they want present their liquor.
Furthermore, wine paper bags undergo testing to ensure that they can withstand the weight while being carried around.
Coffee
Similar to food, paper bags for coffee have a specific requirement. These bags are usually made of three to four layers. They should also be moisture-resistant, waterproof, anti-UV, and aroma-preserving.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic bags blend functionality and aesthetics by using bags that look elegant but offer ample protection to products that are in various forms - cream, powder, and liquid.
Shop nowWhy are Paper Bags Popular in Australia?
Australia’s ban on single-use plastic bags started in 2019 and since then many businesses shifted to using paper bags for their operations.
In an interview back in 2018, Woolworths stated that they were giving out 3.2 billion plastic bags annually. And, with this kind of statistic, it’s no wonder we are having a hard time dealing with pollution whether on land, sea or air.
Furthermore, the Australian government released their 2025 National Packaging Targets that aim to:
- 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.
- 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted.
- 50% of average recycled content included in packaging (revised from 30% in 2020).
- The phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics packaging.
These targets aim to create a sustainable system for the way that packaging is made, used and sold in Australia.
Shop nowImpact of Paper Bags on the Environment
Maximises eco-friendly sources
Back then, paper bags gained a notorious reputation as the number one cause of deforestation. But, with the growing technology to harness the pulps and fibres from many natural resources, paper bags can be made without cutting down any trees.
Some natural sources of fibre and pulp are sugarcane waste (bagasse), straw, jute twine, and coconut husks.
Biodegradable
Paper bags do not stay long on the earth’s surface. They take less than 6 months to decompose and turn into fertile waste for plants.
Recyclable
Paer does not emit toxic and hazardous gases like plastic. Therefore, recycling them causes no hazards.
Energy Saver
The recycling process does not consume too much energy, light, and water because it uses locally-made reusable materials and therefore does not need complex processes to break them down.
How to Use Paper Bag for Gifting
There are many ways to use a paper bag for gifting that go beyond putting the gift inside and handing it over to the receiver.
Designing your paper bag with coloured tissue paper
- Open the tissue sheets individually but be careful that they don’t tear or wrinkle. By doing so, you can add more volume to the bag as you add it inside.
- Line the bottom and sides of the bag with tissue paper. Do it one layer at a time and make sure that the sheets extend on top.
- Arrange the tops so they don’t look messy.
- Carefully place the gifts in the bag to preserve their arrangement.
Storing Old Paper Bags
Hang them on your door
Clip all the bags together using a large office clip that has a punched hole that can fit through most hooks. Another option is to fold all the bags neatly and place them inside one big paper bag and hang it by the handle.
Clothing hangers
If you don’t want creases or folds on your bags, you can hang them by clipping it on the bottom and keeping them in a cabinet.
Shoebox
If you don’t have much space for hanging the paper bags, you can fold them neatly, stack them on top of each other and store them inside a sanitised shoe box.
Binder clip
Binder clips have a strong hold on most objects and they can keep your paper bags in one place. This is perfect if you have a drawer where you can store them after grouping them with a binder clip.
Tips for Reusing Paper Bags
Book cover
Cut off the paper bag’s bottom and then cut it along the folded line so that it retains its rectangular shape. Place the book in the middle and fold it around the book.
Filler material
When shipping items in large boxes or moving houses, you can individually wrap the objects with old paper bags to prevent them from bumping into each other and causing scratches or breaks.
Name tags
Having a party soon? Give your guests a chance to create their name bags by using old paper bags as the name cards. Give them colouring materials so they can design freely.
Furniture and floor protector
If you’re going to do some minor house renovations soon, cover your tables, chairs, floors, and other house fixtures with paper bags so that they don’t get stained or chipped when paint drips or debris falls.
Shop now
NEON Packaging’s Paper Bags
Here at NEON Packaging, we have Kraft paper bags and customisable premium paper bags.
Our Kraft paper bags are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable and made from 110 gsm paper. They are not only sustainable but high quality. They are easy to store and can hold various items.
The customisable premium paper bags are ideal for corporate gifting or event giveaways. There are two available colours, black and white. You can have your logo or branding printed on one or both sides. These bags are made with 250 gsm paper, have a luxe matte finish and have woven paper handles.
You’re no just giving your customers a paper bag. You’re giving them an unforgettable shopping experience.
Key Takeaway
Paper bags represent a significant shift towards sustainability in packaging, offering numerous benefits over traditional plastic bags. From their diverse types catering to different needs to their positive environmental impact, paper bags have become increasingly popular, particularly in regions like Australia, where government initiatives and corporate responsibility drive the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
Moreover, the versatility of paper bags extends beyond just packaging goods; they can be creatively repurposed for gifting, storage, and even protection during household tasks.
Brands like NEON Packaging are leading the way with innovative offerings, providing both practical and premium options that not only meet consumer needs but also contribute to a greener future. Ultimately, choosing paper bags isn't just about packaging—it's about embracing sustainability and offering customers a memorable and conscientious shopping experience.
FAQ
How paper bags are eco friendly?
Paper bags are entirely recyclable as they lack the toxic and harmful emissions produced by plastic bags during the recycling process. Their reusability further reduces their ecological impact, with bags used more than three times exhibiting significantly lower environmental effects compared to plastic bags.
Do paper bags decompose faster than plastic?
Despite its limited durability, paper can decompose more rapidly than plastic. Consequently, it is less prone to becoming litter and threatening wildlife. Additionally, paper is more extensively recyclable, whereas plastic bags may take 400 to 1,000 years to break down.
Where can you buy bulk paper bags in Ingleburn Australia?
In Ingleburn, Australia, NEON Packaging is your go-to destination for acquiring bulk paper bags. With a variety of options available, you can choose the paper bags that best suit your needs. Simply visit us and explore extensive selection and make your bulk purchase of paper bags.
