Brown paper bags are a packaging essential but how are they made in 2022 and are they really eco-friendly?
Paper bags have been a shopping staple for centuries. Brown paper bags, white paper bags, paper bags with handles or without, there are multiple different types of paper bags that have become part of our daily lives without us even realising.
Have you ever thought about how a paper bag is made though? Or when they first came into use? We’ve put together this guide on how paper bags are made in 2022 to answer exactly that.
Paper bags have become everyday packaging staples but you might be surprised to learn just how long they have been around. The first paper bag was invented back in the 1800’s in the United States. While the very first brown paper bag appeared in the 1870’s, it was actually in the 1850’s that a US school teacher, Francis Wolle, invented the first machine to create paper bags.
Following his invention Wolle and his brother went on to found Union Paper Bag Machine Company alongside a paper packaging plant in 1869 that was capable of producing 1000 feet of paper in one minute. That very paper packaging plant is still in operation today! Whilst it was Wolle who invented the machine to actually make a paper bag, the iconic square-bottomed paper bag design that we’ve become accustomed to was the work of Luther Childs Crowell in the 1870’s.
Who would have thought that the humble brown paper bag would still be such an essential over 150 years later?!
Whilst the process of making paper bags today has advanced from Wolle’s original designs, the principle remains largely the same. Paper bags are made on large machines and for every 1 paper bag produced, 1 gallon of water is required. The process of manufacturing a paper bag starts with paper pulp, which is essentially thin shavings of wood from trees.
The paper pulp comes from trees that have been dried for at least three years. The dried tree bark is stripped, cut into 1-inch strips and then cooked into pulp using intense pressure and heat.
The paper pulp is then pressed into flat sheets or rolls of paper. These sheets and rolls will be cut to size (usually twice the required height of the finished paper bag) and then folded over. The two parallel open sides will be glued together either by pressing the glued sides together or via heating and pressing. Once complete you’ll have a simple flat paper bag (like the kind you might get from a sweet shop). If you want to make a more complex design, such as a flat-bottomed bag, you follow the same process but simply include more complex folds along the bottom of the bag in order for the finished paper bag to stand up. Paper bag handles are made separately and affixed with glue.
You might think you already know the answer to this question, paper bags are made of paper, right?
Well, technically yes but depending on the style, design and use of the bag, there are various different types of paper that can be used. Standard brown paper bags are made using kraft paper which can come in any colour (creating coloured paper bags). You can also create paper bags using laminated kraft paper. This creates bags that have a plastic coating on the inside to prevent moisture from soaking through the paper, a particularly good idea for food packaging.
Paper bags made using kraft paper can be any colour, not just brown, and any weight. Typically brown paper bags will be made using 60gsm paper and can come in a wide variety of sizes. As we become more eco-conscious, paper bags can also be made using recycled kraft paper, usually using strong 110gsm kraft paper, for an environmentally-friendly packaging solution. Nowadays paper bags tend to be created using a combination of raw and recycled paper.
The great thing about paper bags is that disposing of them is quick, easy and most-importantly, environmentally friendly.
There are three key ways to dispose of paper bags:
As they are made of paper, paper bags can be recycled so that the paper can be used again, usually in the form of another paper bag.
In order to recycle a standard paper bag, the paper will be shredded, boiled and turned back into paper pulp. This will then be rolled out into new sheets of paper and the manufacturing process begins again. If you want to dispose of your paper bags yourself then one of the main ways you can do so is via composting. Once you’ve set up your compost bin with garden waste and compostable waste (e.g. kitchen scraps) you can begin adding materials such as paper. And of course, you don’t always have to dispose of paper bags right away. Providing they haven’t ripped or been damaged, you can reuse paper bags multiple times before recycling or composting them.
If you opt to reuse your paper bags then you don’t just have to reuse them in their original form. Whilst you can continue to use them as a packaging source until they are no longer usable, you can also use the paper for protecting delicate packages and lining household items such as pet trays.
Generally speaking, paper bags are biodegradable, hence why they’re a great choice for composting as mentioned above.
Thanks to how the paper pulp used to create paper bags is made, from wood chips, the final kraft paper is just cellulose fibres that can be easily decomposed through bacteria when added to compost bins.
In order for a paper bag to be fully biodegradable it needs to be free from ink, plastic coatings and other toxins and contaminators.
Paper bags have long been heralded as the eco-friendly packaging option and for good reason.
The fact that paper bags themselves can be recycled is a big tick for the environment. Whilst the production of paper bags does require trees to be cut down, nowadays most paper bags are manufactured using a mix of recycled and raw materials, resulting in much less impact to our forests. The use of recycled paper in the creation of paper bags also requires less energy, helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases the manufacturing plants are emitting.
Paper bags can also be reused multiple times before being recycled, helping to further boost their eco credentials. Of course nothing is ever perfect and there are certain parts of the paper bag manufacturing process that are harmful to the environment. Using a paper bag however is much more environmentally friendly than a plastic alternative…
Paper bags can be used for many different purposes including carrying groceries or items you’ve bought when shopping, carrying your packed lunch or even for giving gifts. Not only do they have many uses but in recent years many people have actively decided to use paper bags over plastic alternatives.
We know that paper bags are considerably more environmentally friendly than plastic ones, but exactly why should you use paper bags over plastic?
After hearing how paper bags are made and how good they are for the environment, we wouldn’t be surprised if you want to buy some of your own.
As we all look to take steps to becoming more sustainable and eco-conscious, it's no surprise that more and more people are looking for paper bags. Well luckily for you, paper bags are readily available for purchase, including right here from Bestpac. At Bestpac we produce the highest-quality paper bags and sleeves for bakery and patisserie use.
Biodegradable, sustainable and recyclable, you can be assured that our paper bags use only the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes. For more information on our paper bags and finding the right paper packaging solution for you, our experts are always on hand to help. You can contact them here.
Paper bags, a common household item, carry more history and impact than most people realize. Their potential extends beyond everyday uses and plays a significant role in farmers’ markets. Read on to learn everything you should know about paper bags and discover what makes these paper products so beneficial.
The invention of paper bags traces back to 1852 when a schoolteacher named Francis Wolle invented the first machine to mass-produce them. This creation revolutionized the retail industry, offering a practical, accessible means of packaging goods for customers.
As years passed, the innovations continued. Margaret E. Knight developed a machine in 1870 that produced flat-bottomed paper bags, a design still in use today. Over the years, paper bags have evolved in structure and design, as well as their purpose and significance in our society, embodying the growing consciousness toward sustainability and environmental protection.
The production of paper bags begins with harvesting trees, primarily softwood species like pine or spruce. These trees are stripped of their bark and chopped into small chips.
The chips are then boiled in a chemical solution, reducing them to a pulpy substance. This pulp is bleached, drained, and pressed into thin sheets, then cut, printed, and folded into the wide array of paper bags we use today.
Paper bags come in various types, each designed for specific uses and tailored to meet different consumer needs. The most common type is the standard brown paper bag, which is often used for groceries or general shopping. These bags are typically made from kraft paper, which is known for its strength and durability, making them ideal for carrying heavy fruits or vegetables.
There are also white or colored paper bags, popular in retail and often used for packaging clothing or wrapping gifts because they offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Glossy, laminated paper bags provide a premium feel, making it a popular choice by high-end brands. Other types of paper bags include bakery bags with windows for showcasing baked goods, wine bottle bags with handles for convenient carrying, and heavy-duty industrial bags for packaging bulk items.
Each of these types serves a unique purpose, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of paper bags. Consider these differences and the benefits of each when choosing the best option for your supply at the farmers market.
The environmental implications of paper bags are multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative impacts. On one hand, paper bags are biodegradable and typically made from a renewable resource, making them a more environmentally friendly option than plastic bags. They can be recycled multiple times before the fibers become too short for further use, reducing landfill waste.
On the other hand, manufacturing paper bags involves significant energy consumption and water use and contributes to deforestation if the materials are not responsibly sourced. This energy usage underscores the importance of responsible consumption and disposal practices and sourcing paper bags from manufacturers committed to sustainable forestry practices. Make sure you look into your paper bag supplier before buying bulk paper grocery bags for your needs.
In addition to their environmental benefits, paper bags present several practical advantages. From a consumer perspective, they offer sturdy, reliable solutions for carrying and storing a wide range of items.
They are tear-resistant and bear more weight compared to many plastic bags. Furthermore, their flat base enables them to stand upright, which is especially useful for transporting food.
From a retailer’s viewpoint, paper bags are an effective marketing tool and packaging resource. These bags are easily customized with logos and brand messages, offering a cost-effective method for businesses to increase brand recognition and customer loyalty. Their sturdiness makes them effective in holding numerous food items and, depending on the type of paper bag, keeps them safe from the elements, such as water and dirt.
Despite their many advantages, paper bags do have some drawbacks. Their physical attributes make them robust and help them carry more weight than plastic bags. However, paper bags are not resistant to moisture, which severely limits their reusability, especially in certain climates or situations.
This lack of resistance to water and humidity leads to the bag tearing and becoming unusable. Additionally, from an economic perspective, paper bags are more expensive to produce than plastic bags.
This cost is often passed on to the consumer, making paper bags a more expensive option. Though the production process has improved over time, it still requires substantial energy and resources, raising concerns about the overall sustainability of paper bags.
Production costs for paper bags are higher than those for their plastic counterparts due to the more complex manufacturing process and the higher cost of the raw materials used. This increased cost results in higher retail prices for goods, as businesses often pass on these expenses to the consumer.
On the positive side, the paper bag industry contributes to the economy by creating jobs in manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Additionally, the rise of sustainable and personalized paper bag options presents new market opportunities for businesses, including the chance for higher profit margins.
Paper bags have become an integral part of the retail sector, primarily due to their eco-friendly nature and the versatile branding opportunities they present. At farmers’ markets, they serve as a medium for carrying purchased goods and act as a canvas for businesses to showcase their brand identity.
Customizing your paper bags with your logo, brand colors, and marketing messages turns them into a mobile billboard that continues advertising your brand long after purchase. Additionally, the variety of paper bag styles helps you align your packaging with your brand’s overall aesthetic, enhancing consumer perception and experience.
Customizing paper bags to reinforce brand recognition and enhance customer experience has become a popular practice among businesses. This customization ranges from printing logos and brand messages on the bags to using distinctive colors and designs.
Creating visually appealing and unique packaging helps you stand out in a competitive market and foster a deeper connection with customers. Moreover, the customization process evolves, offering the ability to offer eco-friendly printing options that align with the sustainability values of many brands.
Consumer behavior plays a crucial role in the growing preference for paper bags. The heightened awareness of environmental issues pushes consumers to make more sustainable choices, with paper bags often viewed as a greener alternative to plastic.
Selling produce in environmentally friendly packaging ensures you’ll draw in many people. The strength and durability of the bags also incentivize people to keep them, making them an effective way to gain recognition if you put your logo on them.
While they carry certain benefits and drawbacks, paper bags have great potential to help you in your selling endeavors. You should choose the best packaging options when selling your goods at farmers’ markets. Use everything you now know about paper bags to your advantage the next time you need to improve your selling potential at a farmers’ market.