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Custom Paper Bag Buying Guide
A step-by-step guide to choosing paper type, GSM, bag size, handle type, printing and finishing for a custom bulk order.
Choosing the right custom paper bag involves six variables: paper type, GSM, bag dimensions, handle type, printing, and finishing. This guide walks through each decision in order so you can describe your requirements clearly before placing a bulk order with Kyara Packaging.
What You Need to Specify
Custom paper bag orders are built around six variables. You do not need to know every value from the start — share what you know, and the specification is confirmed before production begins.
- •Paper type — brown kraft, white kraft, art paper, food-grade kraft
- •GSM — the weight of the paper (heavier = denser)
- •Dimensions — length × width × height (gusset)
- •Handle type — twisted, flat, rope, die-cut, none
- •Printing — plain, single-colour or multi-colour offset
- •Finishing — lamination, foil stamping, embossing, spot UV (optional)
Step 1 — Choose Your Paper Type
Paper type determines the colour, texture and base performance of the bag. The main options are:
- •Brown kraft — natural earthy brown, unbleached. Recyclable and biodegradable when unlaminated. Wide application: grocery, restaurant, bakery, general retail.
- •White kraft — bleached bright white. Higher colour contrast for printing. Common in retail, jewellery, fashion and pharmacy bags.
- •Art paper / SBS — smooth, bright surface for premium printing and finishing. Used in jewellery, luxury gifting, and high-end retail bags.
- •Food-grade kraft — suitable for direct contact with dry food items. Appropriate for bakery, snack and restaurant packaging.
See also: Paper Types guide and Kraft vs White Paper comparison.
Step 2 — Determine the Right GSM
GSM (grams per square metre) indicates the weight of the paper. Kyara Packaging works across a 60–300 GSM range depending on bag type. Indicative ranges by application:
| GSM range | Typical applications |
|---|---|
| 60–80 GSM | Pharmacy bags, lightweight grocery and utility bags |
| 80–120 GSM | Restaurant and bakery bags, everyday retail carry bags |
| 120–170 GSM | Garment, fashion and general shopping bags |
| 170–250 GSM | Jewellery bags, premium retail, laminated bags |
| 250–300 GSM | Luxury gift bags, heavily finished premium bags |
See also: GSM Guide.
Step 3 — Choose the Right Bag Size
Paper bag dimensions are stated as Width × Height × Gusset (or Length × Width × Height depending on the format). The gusset is the side panel depth — it determines how much the bag can hold when open.
To measure for a custom size, measure the product at its widest, tallest and deepest points and add clearance (typically 1–2 cm on each side). Allow additional height above the product for bags with twisted or rope handles. Share the product dimensions and Kyara will recommend or confirm a suitable size.
See also: Paper Bag Sizes guide.
Step 4 — Pick the Right Handle Type
Handle type affects how the bag is carried, the look it presents, and the load it can carry safely.
- •Twisted paper handle — the most common and cost-effective option. Suitable for most retail, food and general-use bags.
- •Flat paper / ribbon handle — a smooth, wider handle. Common in fashion and retail bags with a cleaner aesthetic.
- •Rope / cotton cord handle — a premium-feel handle suited to heavier items and luxury packaging.
- •Die-cut / D-cut handle — integrated cutout in the bag panel; no separate handle piece. Clean and minimal; suited to smaller items with lower load.
- •No handle (open top) — for food bags, pharmacy bags and items that sit in a bag without needing to be carried.
See also: Handle Types guide.
Step 5 — Decide on Printing
Kyara Packaging uses multi-colour offset printing for custom branding. Options:
- •Plain / unprinted — no branding, natural paper only. Lowest cost.
- •Single-colour print — one colour (typically the brand colour or black). Logo and text.
- •Multi-colour offset — multiple colours, photographic or illustrative artwork, complex brand designs. Requires vector artwork files.
For printed bags, provide artwork in vector format (AI, EPS or PDF). Print colours are confirmed during the design approval process before production.
See also: Printing Options guide.
Step 6 — Add Finishing (Optional)
Finishing is optional and applied after printing. It changes the surface feel, visual impact, and — in the case of lamination — the bag's durability and recyclability.
- •Matte lamination — non-reflective, premium feel. Popular for luxury and fashion bags.
- •Gloss lamination — shiny, vibrant colours. Adds surface durability.
- •Soft-touch lamination — velvety, rubberised feel. Premium tactile experience.
- •Foil stamping — metallic foil applied to logos or text. Gold, silver or custom foil.
- •Embossing — raises the brand logo into the bag surface. Tactile brand mark.
- •Spot UV — selective gloss coating over a matte surface. Creates contrast and highlights specific elements.
Note on recyclability: Unlaminated paper bags (including those with foil stamping, embossing or spot UV) remain recyclable and biodegradable. Laminated bags (gloss, matte, soft-touch) contain a plastic film and should not be described as universally biodegradable. Confirm at the order stage if recyclability is important to your brand.
See also: Finishing Options guide.
Quick Reference: Bag Type by Industry
Indicative specifications — actual requirements are confirmed at the order stage.
| Industry | Paper type | GSM | Handle | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant & Bakery | Brown kraft / food-grade kraft | 80–120 | Twisted or flat / none for open-top | Plain or single-colour print |
| Retail & Shopping | White kraft or art paper | 120–170 | Twisted or ribbon | Multi-colour print, matte or gloss lamination |
| Jewellery | Art paper / SBS | 170–250 | Ribbon, cotton dori or rope | Foil stamping, embossing, soft-touch lamination |
| Garment & Fashion | White kraft or art paper | 120–200 | Rope or ribbon | Matte lamination, embossing |
| Gifting & Events | Art paper / SBS | 200–300 | Rope or ribbon | Foil stamping, spot UV, soft-touch lamination |
| Grocery & Pharmacy | Kraft (brown or white) | 60–100 | None / twisted / die-cut | Plain or single-colour print |
Paper Bag Buying Guide: FAQs
Minimum order quantity is product-specific, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 pieces across the current range. The exact MOQ for your required bag type is confirmed at the specification stage.
Lead time is typically 3–7 working days after design and specification approval. Contact us to confirm for your specific order.
Contact us to discuss sample availability for your specific bag type and specification. Sample requirements vary by product.
Yes — for printed bags, you provide the artwork file (vector format preferred). The design is reviewed and confirmed before production begins.
Yes. Kyara Packaging manufactures to custom specifications. Share your required dimensions at enquiry stage and we will confirm feasibility.
Food-grade kraft paper is appropriate for direct-contact use with bakery items, snacks and dry foods. Confirm food-grade specification requirements at the order stage.
More questions? Contact us →
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More Guides
Paper Types
Brown kraft, white kraft, art paper/SBS and food-grade kraft — the main paper options for custom bags.
Kraft vs White Paper
Compare natural brown kraft and white paper bags to choose the right option for your products.
GSM Guide
What GSM means for paper bags, how GSM ranges are used, and how to approach GSM selection.
Ready to place a custom paper bag order?
Share your product type, dimensions, quantity and branding requirements — our team will confirm the specification and send a quote within one business day.
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