Paper Bags: Types, Sizes, Specifications, Uses & Custom Printing (Complete Guide)
Ifiok Team · July 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Paper bags are one of the most versatile, eco-friendly and brand-ready forms of packaging available to Nigerian businesses today. From retail boutiques and restaurants to pharmacies, supermarkets and gift shops, a well-made custom-printed paper bag carries your product home and turns every customer into a walking advertisement for your brand. This complete guide covers everything about paper bags — the types, materials and GSM specifications, standard sizes, handle styles, how they are folded and constructed, their uses across industries, and your custom printing and branding options.
What are paper bags?
A paper bag is a carrier made from kraft or art paper, usually reinforced at the base and fitted with handles so it can carry weight comfortably. Unlike thin nylon or plastic bags, paper bags are biodegradable, recyclable and reusable, and their flat surfaces make them ideal for printing logos, patterns and marketing messages. They range from lightweight sandwich bags to heavy-duty shopping bags that carry several kilograms.
Types of paper bags
Choosing the right type of paper bag depends on what you are carrying, how much it weighs, and the look you want. Here are the most common types:
- Kraft (brown) paper bags — the classic natural-brown bag. Strong, affordable and eco-friendly; perfect for a rustic, organic or premium-natural brand feel.
- White paper bags — bleached white kraft or art paper that gives a clean, premium canvas for full-colour printing. Popular with fashion, beauty and luxury brands.
- SOS (flat-bottom / grocery) bags — a self-opening square-bottom bag that stands upright on its own. Ideal for takeaway food, bread, groceries and pharmacy items.
- Twisted-handle bags — handles made of twisted paper rope, glued inside the bag. Comfortable to carry and 100% paper (fully recyclable).
- Flat-handle bags — flat paper tape handles, common on takeaway and fast-food bags.
- Die-cut / patch-handle bags — the handle is cut directly into the top of the bag. Lightweight and low-cost for boutiques and events.
- Rope-handle bags — cotton or paper rope handles with reinforced eyelets, used on premium laminated shopping bags.
- Laminated / luxury bags — art-paper bags with a matte or gloss laminate finish for a rich, durable, high-end feel.
Paper materials and GSM specifications
Paper thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square metre) — the higher the GSM, the thicker and stronger the paper. Getting the GSM right keeps costs down while making sure the bag can carry its load without tearing.
| Paper / material | Typical GSM | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight kraft | 70–90 gsm | Bread, sandwiches, small light items |
| Standard kraft | 100–120 gsm | Boutique, retail, everyday shopping bags |
| Heavy kraft | 150–180 gsm | Heavier goods, groceries, bottles |
| Art paper (coated) | 150–250 gsm | Premium full-colour printed luxury bags |
Finishes such as matte lamination, gloss lamination and water-based coatings add durability and a premium touch, while keeping the bag recyclable.
Common paper bag sizes
Paper bags are described by width × gusset (depth) × height. These are the most popular sizes, but bags can be produced in almost any custom dimension.
| Size | Approx. dimensions (W × D × H) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 18 × 8 × 22 cm | Jewellery, cosmetics, small gifts |
| Medium | 25 × 11 × 31 cm | Clothing, books, takeaway meals |
| Large | 32 × 13 × 42 cm | Fashion, groceries, multiple items |
| Extra large | 40 × 15 × 45 cm | Bulk shopping, bulky garments |
Handle types and construction
The handle affects both comfort and cost. Common options include:
- Twisted paper handles — fully recyclable, comfortable, great all-rounder.
- Flat paper handles — economical, popular for food and takeaway.
- Cotton / rope handles — premium feel for luxury laminated bags.
- Die-cut handles — cut into the bag itself, no separate handle needed.
For strength, bags are reinforced with a turn-over top (a folded, glued rim) and a cardboard base insert that keeps the bottom flat and rigid under load.
How paper bags are folded and made
Understanding the construction helps you spec a bag that won't fail. A typical square-bottom shopping bag is built like this:
- A printed flat sheet is glued into a tube along a side seam.
- The sides are pleated inward to form the gusset (the fold that lets the bag expand).
- The base is folded and glued into a flat, square bottom, often with a card insert for strength.
- The top is turned over and reinforced, and the handles are attached with patches or eyelets.
Tip: the gusset (side/bottom fold) is what lets a paper bag lie flat for storage yet open into a roomy box shape — always confirm the gusset depth for bulky items.
Uses and applications by industry
- Retail & fashion — branded shopping bags that elevate the unboxing experience.
- Food & restaurants — grease-resistant takeaway and delivery bags.
- Supermarkets & groceries — strong flat-bottom carrier bags.
- Pharmacies — discreet, hygienic dispensing bags.
- Gifts & events — luxury laminated bags for weddings, launches and giveaways.
- Corporate & SME branding — promotional bags that market your business everywhere they go.
Printing and branding options
This is where paper bags become a marketing tool. Popular options include:
- Print methods — flexographic and offset printing for large runs; screen printing for bold single colours.
- Colours — from a clean 1-colour logo to full-colour (CMYK) artwork.
- Premium finishes — matte or gloss lamination, gold/silver foil stamping, embossing and spot UV for a high-end look.
- Coverage — front, back, sides and even the base can carry your design.
Are paper bags eco-friendly?
Yes. Paper bags are biodegradable, recyclable and made from a renewable resource. Choosing kraft paper and water-based inks makes them an easy sustainability win — and customers increasingly reward brands that ditch single-use plastic for paper.
Order custom paper bags in Nigeria
Whether you need durable kraft grocery bags or premium laminated luxury bags, we produce custom-printed paper bags in any size, GSM and finish — printed with your logo and brand colours. Browse our Paper Bags product or contact the Ifiok team for a quick quote and we'll help you pick the perfect bag for your business.
