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Paper Types for Custom Paper Bags

An overview of the main paper types used for custom bag production — what they are, where they apply, and what to consider.

Brown kraft, white kraft, art paper / SBS, FBB (Folding Box Board), duplex paperboard and food-grade kraft are the main paper types used for custom paper bags. Recycled kraft is also available for applicable products. Availability depends on product type and specification.

Brown Kraft

Natural brown kraft paper is made from unbleached kraft pulp, giving it a characteristic earthy brown colour and a sturdy, textured surface. It is widely used for grocery bags, restaurant and bakery takeaway bags, retail carry bags and general-purpose paper packaging. The natural appearance suits brands that want a straightforward, practical aesthetic. Brown kraft is available across a range of GSM depending on product type.

Consider: Printing on brown kraft tends toward earthy colour palettes. Dark, saturated brand colours may not achieve the same vibrancy as on white surfaces.

White Kraft

White kraft paper is produced from bleached kraft pulp, resulting in a clean, bright white surface. The higher surface brightness provides better contrast for colour printing, making logos and brand colours more vibrant. White kraft is commonly used for retail shopping bags, fashion garment bags, jewellery bags, gift bags and any application where print quality and visual impact are priorities.

Consider: White kraft is generally slightly more expensive than brown kraft at equivalent GSM. Unlaminated white kraft bags are recyclable and biodegradable.

Art Paper / SBS

Art paper and SBS (solid bleached sulphate board) are used for premium and luxury paper bag applications. Both provide a smooth, bright white surface that accepts high-resolution printing and premium finishing options such as foil stamping, embossing and spot UV. These materials are commonly used for jewellery bags, luxury gift bags, cosmetics packaging and upscale retail bags where presentation is paramount.

Consider: Art paper and SBS are typically used with lamination or finishing treatment. Availability depends on the product type and specification.

Food-Grade Kraft

Food-grade kraft paper is specifically produced for applications where the paper may come into contact with food. It is used for restaurant takeaway bags, bakery bags, and similar food-service applications. Food-grade kraft is typically brown in colour, though food-grade white variants are also available for some applications.

Consider: Food-grade kraft is subject to specific production requirements. Not all bag types or sizes are available in food-grade material. Confirm food-contact suitability at the specification stage.

Recycled Kraft

Recycled kraft paper, made from recycled pulp, is available for applicable product types — typically grocery and medical bags where the visual appearance of the paper is secondary to function. Recycled kraft generally has a more variable surface appearance than virgin kraft.

Consider: Recycled kraft availability depends on product type and specification. Print quality may differ from virgin kraft papers. Confirm at enquiry stage.

FBB (Folding Box Board)

FBB (Folding Box Board) is a premium, multi-layer paperboard known for its smooth white surface, good stiffness and excellent printability. It is commonly used for premium retail carry bags, jewellery bags, luxury packaging, fashion and garment bags, gift bags and branded paper packaging. The clean white surface allows colours, logos and detailed artwork to appear sharp and vibrant, making FBB a suitable choice for brands that want a polished and premium presentation. FBB is available in different GSM options depending on the required strength, size and application.

Consider: FBB generally provides a smoother and more premium appearance than kraft papers, but the final bag cost can be higher depending on GSM, printing, finishing and construction. For heavier products, the appropriate GSM and bag construction should be selected to provide sufficient strength.

Duplex Paperboard

Duplex paperboard is a multi-layer paperboard commonly used where a combination of stiffness, printability and cost efficiency is required. It typically has a smooth, printable white or coated outer surface with a different-coloured reverse side. Duplex is suitable for retail carry bags, garment and fashion bags, gift packaging, promotional bags and general-purpose branded paper packaging. Its firm structure provides good shape retention, while the printable surface allows logos, graphics and brand colours to be reproduced clearly. Available GSM options can be selected according to the bag size, construction and intended load.

Consider: The printing appearance and surface finish can vary depending on the grade and coating of the duplex board. It is important to select the appropriate grade and GSM for the intended application, particularly when the bag needs to carry heavier products.

Sustainability and Recyclability

Unlaminated paper bags — whether kraft, white kraft or art paper — are generally recyclable and biodegradable. Laminated bags contain a plastic film layer and should not be described as universally biodegradable or compostable. Recyclability also depends on the facilities available at the disposal location.

Kyara Packaging does not make blanket certification claims (FSC, BIS, FSSAI etc.). If certification is a specific requirement for your order, raise it at enquiry stage so it can be addressed.

Choosing the Right Paper Type

The right paper type for your bag depends on the end use, the visual appearance you want, the printing and finishing you plan to apply, and the product you are packaging. For a direct comparison between the two most common options, see the Kraft vs White Paper guide. To understand how paper weight affects bag specification, see the GSM Guide.

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Paper Types: Frequently Asked Questions

The main paper types used for custom paper bags are brown kraft, white kraft, art paper / SBS (solid bleached sulphate board), FBB (Folding Box Board), duplex paperboard, and food-grade kraft. Recycled kraft is also available for applicable products. Availability depends on the product type and specification.

Brown kraft paper has a natural brown colour from the unbleached kraft pulp used to make it. White kraft paper is bleached to a bright white. Brown kraft is widely used for grocery, restaurant, bakery and general retail bags. White kraft offers higher contrast for colour printing and is common in retail, jewellery and fashion bags. For a detailed comparison, see the Kraft vs White Paper guide.

Art paper and SBS (solid bleached sulphate board) are different materials, but are often grouped together in the context of premium paper bag production. Both are used for jewellery, luxury and premium gifting bags where a smooth, bright surface is needed for high-quality printing and finishing.

Unlaminated paper bags — whether made from brown kraft, white kraft or art paper — are generally recyclable and biodegradable. Laminated bags contain a plastic film layer and should not be described as universally biodegradable. Exact recyclability depends on local waste facilities. Certification claims are not made.