What materials are needed for paper bag making?

08 October, 2025 Marketing Department

In a world that moves fast, thoughtful craftsmanship still stands out. That’s why a well-made paper bag does more than carry—it represents your brand with quiet confidence. If you’re planning a run of custom paper bags, here’s a practical, shop-floor guide to the materials you’ll need—from the sheet that becomes the bag, down to the tiny reinforcements that make it last.

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1) Paper stock (the hero)

Choose the paper first; it determines strength, print quality, and overall feel.

  • Brown Kraft (unbleached): Naturally sturdy, classic eco look. Great for retail and food service. Typical range: 100–180 gsm for small–medium bags; go heavier for large sizes.

  • White Kraft (bleached): Clean, brighter print results while retaining strength.

  • Coated Art Paper/Board: Smooth surface for photo-quality prints; usually paired with lamination for scuff resistance.

  • Recycled Paper: Lower environmental footprint with a soft, matte character. Perfect for earthy, sustainable branding.

  • Specialty Textured Papers (linen, laid, pearlescent): Premium tactile finish for events, boutiques, and gift packaging.

Tip: Match paper weight to contents. Light merch? 120–150 gsm is often enough. Glass jars or heavy items? Step up to 170–230 gsm plus reinforcements (see #4).

2) Handles & cords (comfort + character)

Handles affect usability and style just as much as they affect load capacity.

  • Twisted Paper Handles: Fully recyclable and sturdy; the go-to for everyday retail.

  • Flat Paper Handles: Broad profile distributes weight—great for takeout.

  • Cotton Rope: Soft, premium hand feel; ideal for boutique and gift bags.

  • PP Rope or Nylon Cord: Durable and color-rich for high-use scenarios.

  • Ribbon (satin/grosgrain): Elegant, lightweight option for premium gifting.

Hardware add-ons:

  • Eyelets to protect handle holes on premium bags.

  • Plastic bar/knots for rope anchoring (optional).

3) Adhesives (quiet workhorses)

  • PVA/White Glue: Clean, strong bonds for side seams and turn-tops.

  • Hot-Melt Adhesive: Fast setting for automated lines and base panels.

  • Tape (kraft or double-sided): For temporary holds and quick fixtures in prototyping.

4) Reinforcements (strength where it counts)

  • Turn-Top Reinforcement Card: A narrow strip tucked into the top fold to strengthen handle areas.

  • Bottom Board/Insert: A die-cut chipboard placed at the base to prevent sagging under load.

  • Patch Reinforcements: Small cards under handle holes to resist tearing (used with rope/ribbon handles).

5) Printing & finishes (your brand, made to last)

  • Inks: High-quality, low-odor inks suited to your chosen stock (water-based for kraft; rich CMYK for coated).

  • Lamination:

    • Matte for a soft, modern look;

    • Gloss for pop and scuff resistance.

  • Spot UV: High-shine accents over logos or patterns.

  • Foil Stamping (gold/silver/colored): Luxury cues that catch the light.

  • Emboss/Deboss: Tactile branding without extra color.

  • Varnish/Sealants: Extra rub resistance on heavy-ink areas.

6) Cutting, creasing & forming (from flat to fabulous)

  • Cutting Tools: Industrial guillotine or die-cut press for consistent edges.

  • Creasing/Scoring Rules: Clean fold lines for side gussets and turn-tops.

  • Forming Jigs or Automated Bag-Making Machine: Keeps folds precise and speeds up production.

  • Bone Folder/Hand Roller: For crisp manual finishes on small runs.

7) Sizing essentials (fit for purpose)

  • GSM & Size Matrix: Plan widths, heights, and gussets around your actual products—leave allowance for tissue or boxes.

  • Load Testing: Fill sample bags to intended weight, then “swing and set” (gentle swings + set down) to check handle and base integrity.

  • Stackability: Keep heights consistent and side seams clean for easy storage and shipping.

8) Sustainability extras (feel-good choices)

  • Recycled or FSC-aligned stocks for responsible sourcing.

  • Water-based inks & adhesives where feasible.

  • Non-laminated kraft for fully recyclable bags (or use soft-touch varnish alternatives).

  • Minimal metal hardware to keep end-of-life simple.

Quick spec checklist (copy–paste for your brief)

  • Paper: Type + gsm

  • Size: W × H × G (gusset)

  • Print: Colors, coverage, special finishes (foil/UV/emboss)

  • Lamination: None / Matte / Gloss

  • Handles: Type, color, length; eyelets (Y/N)

  • Reinforcements: Turn-top card, bottom board (thickness)

  • Quantity: Total + size split (if multiple)

  • Sustainability: Stock and ink preferences

  • Use case: Retail / Food / Events / Gift sets

  • Load target: ___ kg per bag (test to this)

DIY vs. mass production: what changes?

  • Small batches / prototypes: Hand gluing, bone folder, paper handles—perfect for testing sizes and print placement.

  • Scale production: Dedicated bag-making machines, die-cut reinforcements, rope/ribbon handle insertion, and automated hot-melt bases for speed and consistency.

Why make your custom paper bags with Craft Clothing?

We’re artisans at heart. From material selection to print execution, our team obsesses over details so your bags look sharp and stay strong—through store displays, events, and repeat use. Share your product sizes and brand goals; we’ll recommend paper weights, handle styles, and finishes, then prepare free mockups so you can approve with confidence.

Ready to bring your design to life? Check our collection and start your brief here:
CraftClothing.ph – custom paper bags

Let’s craft packaging that carries your brand—beautifully and reliably.

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