by Jaime Radakovich | Posted in: Bags
From food service and pharmacy to high-end fashion, the paper bag has replaced plastic bags as the practical and sustainable choice for consumers at checkout. According to RoundUp.org, 78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important, and 84% of customers say poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.
Durable, reusable, recyclable, uncoated kraft bags offer unmatched versatility, seen through their use across food service, delivery, pharmacy, and retail markets. Kraft twist-handle bags are even becoming a popular gift bag choice for consumers and are now being stocked across retail chains for purchase. Celebrities have been spotted toting brown kraft paper bags instead of high-end designer handbags.
Paper bags can be made from almost any color paper, but the most common type of paper used is brown or white kraft paper. How do you decide which is best for your business to stock? Read on as we break down the key features of both options to help you decide.
But first, let’s learn about the origins of kraft paper…
The “kraft” process produces strong and durable paper, making kraft paper the ideal material for producing bags to transport and carry various goods and products. It involves turning wood into pulp and then into paper in five steps:
1) Wood Preparation:
The process begins with wood, usually softwood like pine or spruce. The logs are debarked, and the remaining wood is chipped into small pieces.
2) Cooking the wood:
The wood chips are then cooked in a mixture of chemicals, typically a combination of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium sulfide. This process breaks down the lignin in the wood, separating fibers and turning them into pulp. This is known as the kraft pulping process. A benefit of kraft pulping is that roughly 90% of the pulping chemicals can be recovered and reused in an economical manner. This makes the process both sustainable and affordable.1
3) Paper Formation:
Next, the pulp is washed, screened, and refined to create a slurry. This slurry is spread thinly and evenly over a moving mesh or conveyor belt. Water drains from the slurry and the remaining fibers form a wet sheet of paper.
4) Pressing:
The wet paper is then passed through a series of heated rollers to remove the remaining water and flatten out the paper, which helps to improve the strength, density and smoothness of the paper.
5) Drying:
The drying process includes several methods that remove any excess water and ensure a consistent roll or sheet of kraft paper.
Optional Steps:
White paper bags start off as kraft brown paper and become white through a bleaching process (see optional step above) that removes lignin from the wood pulp. The process of bleaching paper has been around for centuries, even though the process has changed over the years. It creates a white, consistent paper color and allows for better ink absorption, making it ideal for printing.
The Challenges
Although today’s bleaching process has made great progress, it is still energy-intensive and involves chemicals. Extra additives can be required to restore the strength of the kraft paper as the fibers become shorter during the bleaching process.
Most white paper bags are produced from virgin materials with few options for recycled content to maintain a consistently white and bright outcome. Adding recycled content can disrupt the color consistency and sometimes the texture and strength.
Also, white kraft bags might not meet the requirements of certain state bag ban laws nationwide. You can refer to our Bag Ban Guide as a resource but always check with your state and local municipality for the latest updates and to confirm your business meets regulations.
Despite the drawbacks of bleaching, most white uncoated paper bags are still 100% recyclable and 100% reusable, making them a great alternative to plastic bags.
Where White Shines
Printing is where white kraft paper bags have a strong advantage. White paper is perfect because of its smooth and crisp ink-friendly surface. This is especially useful in promotional markets where a company’s logo or message needs to be consistent or stand out.
After all, what is better than a blank white canvas?
White kraft paper also imparts a sense of cleanliness and sterility in the pharmacy and food service sectors. Although it is not “cleaner” than brown kraft paper, white kraft paper has a strong psychological association with cleanliness. But as priorities shift and consumers reconsider what is truly important, these preconceived notions about what “premium” looks and feels like may change.
Features of White (Uncoated) Kraft Paper Bags:
The brown kraft bag is one of the most popular paper bags produced on the market. Kraft means “strength” in German, and for good reason. Kraft bags are known to be the workhorses across industries.
Brown reflects the natural color of wood pulp and delivers an organic feeling. As a result, the market’s perception of it has shifted.
The brown bag is increasingly becoming an extension of personal identity or brand statement due to its eco-friendly look and feel. Depending on the industry and use, many kraft bags are also now made from 100% recycled material with a guaranteed percentage of post-consumer material to meet increasing state regulations, making some brown bags a superior eco-conscious statement.
Today, brown Kraft bags are a “premium” sustainable product reshaping markets but they are not without challenges.
The Challenges
Due to the material’s natural properties, print quality and consistency on brown kraft bags look different from their white counterparts. Printing has typically not been prioritized over price and function for brown kraft bags.
Due to pulp batch color changes, Brown kraft paper roll color can vary slightly between production runs. In addition, many brown kraft bags are made from percentages of recycled paper with additional post-consumer recycled content, adding more variables to color outcome.
Brown kraft paper fibers are longer than bleached white due to their natural state. This makes the fibers stronger but, in most cases, creates a rougher, less porous print surface for ink absorption.
Companies seeking to convert from bleached white kraft bags to brown kraft bags may have to make allowances to achieve the same brand color effect, as not all color schemes transfer over. Making the switch, however, is easier if you consider a few things.
An Emerging “Premium” Choice
What if we start to reimagine what “premium” looks and feels like?
As we learned above, brown kraft paper differs significantly from bleached paper’s texture and appearance. Yet, it offers a superior sustainable brand extension option to deliver brand messaging to customers. It complies with most state legislation and is typically compostable.
Some describe brown kraft bags’ print as dull, muted or washed-out. However, with the right complementary color pallet, brown kraft bags can display not only a powerful brand message visually, but also an environmentally-conscious, “premium” statement.
Features of Brown (Uncoated) Kraft Paper Bags:
It’s no secret that consumers are becoming more engaged than ever in brand choice and seeking out businesses that use sustainable practices. Consumers will continue to define what is trendy and stylish in the coming years, as well as what constitutes a “premium” product.
As a business, you can check your environmental footprint and reimagine your product offerings to stay competitive and provide your customers with long-term, premium solutions.
Both white and brown kraft paper bags offer a range of environmental and practical benefits depending on your business needs.
Both options are reusable and recyclable, contributing to sustainability efforts. Additionally, they are practical and versatile, making them convenient for various packaging needs while aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences.
For more information about paper bags, download our Paper Bag Guide or request more information.
Sources:
1. https://www.paperindex.com/academy/paper-grades/kraft-paper-primer
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Aug 2, 2023
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Paper carrier bags are a type of packaging gaining traction due to their environmental friendliness. These bags are made from renewable resources, making them a sustainable choice. They have become part of the retail packaging trends as businesses strive to adopt eco-friendly practices. Utilizing paper carrier bags as a packaging solution demonstrates a commitment to the environment and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Paper Carrier BagsIn today’s world, there is an increasing focus on reducing plastic waste and adopting more sustainable practices. As a result, recyclable paper bags and biodegradable packaging have gained significant attention among eco-conscious consumers. These alternatives offer a more environmentally friendly option than traditional plastic bags and packaging materials. Recyclable paper bags are made from renewable resources such as trees, which can be sustainably harvested. These bags can be easily recycled and reused, reducing the demand for new materials. Additionally, they are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally over time without causing harm to the environment. Biodegradable packaging is another innovative solution that is gaining popularity. Made from plant-based materials or compostable polymers, this packaging breaks down entirely into natural elements when disposed of properly. This eliminates the need for landfill space and reduces pollution caused by traditional plastic packaging. By opting for recyclable paper bags and biodegradable packaging, eco-conscious consumers can significantly reduce plastic waste. These choices contribute to a cleaner environment and support sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, as businesses increasingly cater to the demands of environmentally conscious consumers, using these sustainable alternatives can enhance their brand image and attract customers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. In conclusion, recyclable paper bags and biodegradable packaging offer viable solutions to reduce plastic waste while meeting the needs of eco-conscious consumers. We can build a more sustainable future for our planet by embracing these alternatives.
Sustainable paper production involves using methods that minimize environmental impact and promote the preservation of forests. This includes sourcing paper from certified suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices. By opting for sustainable paper, businesses can contribute to conserving natural resources and support a more eco-friendly approach to paper production.
Compared to plastic bags, reusable white gift bags have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to reduced pollution both during their production and disposal processes. This is because reusable bags are designed for multiple uses, reducing the amount of waste generated. In contrast, plastic bags are often single-use items in landfills or as litter. Individuals can play a part in minimizing environmental impact by choosing reusable bags.
Branding opportunities abound when it comes to paper bags. These versatile options allow for custom designs and printing, allowing businesses to showcase their logo, message, or artwork in an eye-catching and memorable way. Whether used for retail packaging or promotional giveaways, white gloss gift bags offer a cost-effective means of promoting brand awareness and leaving a lasting impression on customers. With various customization options, businesses can create unique and attractive packaging solutions that align with their brand image and values.
Paper bags with a sophisticated and trendy appearance are visually appealing and create an impression of high quality and luxury. This perception is often linked to using paper bags in upscale establishments, giving customers the feeling of indulgence and exclusivity.
When it comes to carrying items comfortably, durability becomes a crucial factor. Look for materials that are known for their strength and long-lasting qualities. Additionally, reinforced handles offer added convenience by providing extra support and stability while transporting your belongings.
Packaging plays a significant role in various industries, and the fashion and food industries, in particular, have embraced luxury paper bags as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. In the fashion industry, packaging has become integral to brand identity and customer experience. Paper carrier bags are practical for customers to carry their purchases and serve as walking billboards for the brand. Paper bags have gained popularity in the food industry as an alternative to plastic packaging due to their biodegradable nature. Whether it’s takeaway meals or grocery items, paper bags provide businesses and consumers with a convenient and environmentally friendly option. Furthermore, paper carrier bags are also widely used for gifts and promotional items. Their versatility allows businesses to customize them with branding elements such as logos or messages, making them an effective marketing tool. These bags enhance the perceived value of the gift and promote brand visibility when used by recipients in public spaces. Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce, packaging solutions have become crucial in ensuring the safe delivery of products while maintaining sustainability practices. Paper-based e-commerce packaging options include corrugated cardboard boxes, padded mailers made from recycled materials, or even innovative designs that eliminate excessive use of plastic materials. Overall, utilizing paper carrier bags and other sustainable packaging solutions in various industries is a step towards reducing environmental impact while meeting functional and aesthetic requirements. It reflects a growing commitment within these industries to embrace eco-conscious practices that align with consumer demands for more sustainable choices.
It is important to consider durability when selecting materials for heavy or delicate items. Opting for strong and resilient materials can ensure your items stay intact during transportation or usage. Additionally, reinforced handles or closures add an extra layer of security and stability in small paper bags. Water-resistant coating options are crucial for items that may be exposed to moisture. This protective layer helps prevent damage caused by water or humidity, extending the lifespan of your products. To guarantee the quality and reliability of your products, adherence to testing and certification standards is essential. By meeting these standards, you can instill confidence in your customers that safety measures have been taken into account during manufacturing. Overall, you can ensure the longevity and quality of your products by prioritizing durable materials, reinforcing handles/closures, considering water-resistant coatings, and adhering to testing & certification standards.
When planning to transition from plastic to paper bags, carefully considering the cost implications involved is essential. This includes evaluating the upfront investment required for purchasing mini gift bags and potentially reconfiguring packaging processes. Additionally, educating staff and customers about the benefits of using paper bags can help facilitate a smoother transition. Highlighting advantages such as eco-friendliness and recyclability can increase acceptance and understanding among all stakeholders involved in the switch.
Experience a perfect blend of sustainability and style with our range of paper carrier bags. These bags offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags, reflecting your commitment to a greener future. They are environmentally responsible and exude elegance and sophistication, making them the perfect choice for those who value both practicality and aesthetics. Embrace sustainability without compromising on style by opting for our paper carrier bags.