The Master Guide to Custom Paper Shopping Bags | Pakfactory Blog

14 Jul.,2025

 

The Master Guide to Custom Paper Shopping Bags | Pakfactory Blog

There are many factors to consider when deciding how you want to advertise and present your brand to potential customers. The first things that come to mind might be through online advertisements or a social media campaign. There are many ways to get your brand recognized over the sea of competitors, but in this guide, we’ll focus on one versatile type of promotion you may have overlooked—the There are many factors to consider when deciding how you want to advertise and present your brand to potential customers. The first things that come to mind might be through online advertisements or a social media campaign. There are many ways to get your brand recognized over the sea of competitors, but in this guide, we’ll focus on one versatile type of promotion you may have overlooked—the custom shopping bag.

For more information, please visit our website.

The Benefits of Personalized Shopping Bags for Businesses

Eye-catching custom shopping bags with logo, brand color, and other complementary features are an excellent way to provide your business with a medium for free advertisement. When your customers carry these bags and catch the attention of other potential customers, it entices them to visit your store and make a purchase, further increasing your brand awareness and sales.

However, the potential of customized shopping bags for business goes far beyond just advertising and marketing. For starters, implementing custom bags significantly increases a customer’s shopping and unboxing experience — another crucial factor that can mean the difference between customers choosing you over your competitor.

Finally, utilizing custom bags—specifically paper—also allows you to cater to another essential thing consumers value: sustainability.

Why Use Custom Paper Bags?

Paper bags offer the same benefits as traditional packaging while promoting a greener image of your brand and being cost-effective to create in bulk. They are flexible and versatile in shape, size and color, which, according to Smithers, lends to their forecast that flexible packaging will continue to replace more traditional packaging methods.

Furthermore, regarding environmental considerations for custom paper bags, utilizing eco-friendly packaging shows your brand’s commitment to protecting the environment while contributing to a product’s premium perception, as IPSOS reported.

Sustainability has become a topic of concern for consumers in the past years, and for good reason! According to McKinsey’s survey insights, the impact of ocean litter has become the primary environmental issue across all generations among concerned individuals, and most consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. In fact, about half of US consumers are willing to pay 1 to 3 percent more for sustainable packaging, and 4 to 7 percent of consumers are willing to pay over 10 percent more for sustainability.

So not only do paper bags lend to an eco-friendly initiative, but customers are also willing to pay more and perceive sustainability as a premium trait for your brand!

The Basic Terminology of Paper Bags

Now that you know the value of using paper for your custom shopping bags, it is essential to understand that paper bags come with a whole set of industry-specific terminology that you should familiarize yourself with to make an informed decision about how to plan your paper bag project. Let’s look at the most important things you need to know:

Paper Basis Weight

Paper Basis Weight refers to how the weight of paper is standardized and measured, typically in pounds (lbs). It is defined as the weight of a ream, which is 500 sheets of paper when cut to its specific base or standard size. One thing to note is that each type of paper has a designated standard size, so a conversion will be required.

For example, if the standard size for bond paper is 17 inches by 22 inches, and you have a ream of this paper labeled as 20 lb., it means that 500 sheets of this size will collectively weigh 20 pounds.

This measure helps compare the relative thickness and quality of different types of paper, even if they come in different sizes.

For instance, a ream of 80 lb. cover paper will be much thicker and more durable than 80 lb. text paper, because ‘cover’ paper has a larger standard size and is designed to be heavier.

Paper Grammage (GSM)

Paper grammage (GSM) is a universal unit of measurement that represents the weight of one square meter of paper in grams per square meter (gsm) for all paper types. Unlike basis weight, which is based on a ream of paper of varying standard sizes, GSM is applicable worldwide and is much more convenient to measure. Generally, the higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper.

Points (PT)

Points (PT), or the point system, is another unit of measurement primarily used in the US to determine the thickness of cardstock and other paper types. The higher the PT value, the thicker the material is.

What’s the difference between GSM and PT?

While both measurements seem very similar, GSM is better for high-end products with a value on aesthetics. A higher GSM indicates a heftier and thicker paper that can commonly be associated with quality and customer experience. On the other hand, PT is better when product protection is a higher priority. A higher PT value indicates a thicker, sturdier packaging.

To learn more about the GSM and PT unit systems, check out the other article here.

Gussets

Gussets are the folds on the sides or bottom of a paper bag. They are the key feature in many paper bags, giving the bag its expandability.

Flat Bottom Design

Flat Bottom Design are bags with a flat base that make it easy to stand upright. They are the standard, versatile option ideal for various grocery and retail uses.

Choosing the Right Paper Bag

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the paper bag, you might wonder how to choose the right one for your project. While there is no right or wrong answer for custom branded bags, a handful of factors can significantly influence your decisions and impact the outcome of your project. These factors include;

1. Type of Business

The first factor you must consider is the type of business you operate. Each industry has different paper bag needs and wants from customers and companies. Some industries may have stricter requirements that need to be adhered to, like the medical industry, or customers might have higher expectations, such as in jewelry. Understanding these differences when deciding the right paper bag for you is one of the most important things to consider when beginning your custom packaging project.

2. Volume and Size of the Product

The next consideration is knowing the size of your product and the volume you need to fit it within a bag properly. Thankfully, measuring a bag is the same as measuring a box! If you need help with measurements, PakFactory has an article that will walk you through how to correctly measure a package for your product.

3. Paper Bag Styles and Purpose

Next, you need to consider your bag’s style and purpose, but remember that all bags should be strong enough to hold the weight of your products, provide customizable options, and ideally be eco-friendly. PakFactory offers many style options, each with its own set of benefits for specific purposes. Below are just a handful of PakFactory’s offerings.

  • SOS Bags are 100% recyclable and perfect for takeaway restaurants.
  • Pinch Bottom Bags are great for food items because of their envelope-like openings and interior grease resistance.
  • Flat Bottom Paper Bags are bags with a flat base that make it easy to stand upright. They are the standard, versatile option ideal for various grocery and retail uses.
  • Euro Tote Bags offer high-end brands the protection and an elevated sense of luxury customers expect.
  • Merchandise Bags come in various styles and sizes, offering excellent customization.
  • Die Cut Bags offer a unique handle design that lends to increased customer experience.
  • Custom Kraft Paper Bags are a cost-effective and eco-friendly option that elevates your brand by promoting sustainability.
  • Wide Gusset Paper Bags are ideal for a wide range of products. They provide more space, structure and convenience for customers.
  • And More!

4. Paper Bag Materials

Another factor you need to consider is the materials you use. There are various types of paper, each differing in strength, durability, weight, cost, reusability, and texture. For example, stronger papers can be used for heavier products, while lighter paper with a more luxurious texture might be better suited for smaller jewelry items. Once again, it all depends on what you’re selling!

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive chart comparing the pros and cons of each paper type. This information will help you decide which materials to use in your packaging project.

5. Design Elements and Printing

Now, with the materials decided, it’s time to think about the design, print and color you want on your bag. Custom print paper bags elevate your project to the next level. At PakFactory, we offer many different printing and ink options for custom shopping bags that we guarantee will fit your every need. We offer;

  • Offset Print for larger runs and high-quality
  • Digital Print for cost-effective, smaller runs
  • UV Print for fast drying and a glossy finish
  • Water-based Ink for an eco-friendly alternative that offers high-quality color output
  • Soy/Vegetable Ink for another eco-friendly alternative with vibrant colors
  • Oil Base Ink provides high-quality color but is not eco-friendly
  • Pantone/Pantone Metallic for color consistency and precision

6. Customization

Next, let’s look at the different customizations you can choose for your custom retail bags. In addition to the various materials, styles, and print options, paper bags offer many additional options you can add that will further increase the value, convenience and experience for your customers.

Custom paper bags with handles, in particular, play a massive role in the design of paper bags. They align with current trends, offer convenience for the customer, and provide extra customization options with styles such as ribbons, tipping ropes, plaited ropes, cotton, twisted paper, and folded paper that offer unique looks and feels for your paper bag.

But aside from custom handles, some other additional options worth considering include;

  • Packaging Inserts to add a little surprise for your customers inside the bag
  • Paper Tags you can attach to your bags to add an extra flare
  • Foldable Bags to save space in storage
  • Easy Closure to ensure the items inside are secure
  • Compartments to neatly separate items in an organized, professional manner
  • Lamination to enhance your bag’s finish and durability
  • Embossing/Debossing to create a touch of luxury on your bag
  • UV Varnish for glossy, elegant patterns
  • Foil Stamping for a bold statement that catches the attention of customers

7. How Much Does Paper Bags Cost

For our final consideration, you might be wondering how much do personalized paper bags cost. To put it bluntly, there is no concrete answer, as all the factors mentioned above play a heavy role in determining the final cost of your custom shopping bag. The size of your bag, the materials you use, the quantity you order, turnaround time, and customization options all affect the end price.

Choosing the Right Manufacturer

With the design of your paper bag fresh in your mind, there is one more thing you need to consider: custom paper bag manufacturers. Choosing the manufacturer is crucial to the success of your project, as they will play a massive part in the quality of your bags. Some advice we can offer when searching for a paper bag manufacturer includes researching the company thoroughly. Ask yourselves the following questions to determine whether a manufacturing company is right for you:

For more information, please visit Yifu Packaging.

  • Do they meet your project needs and requirements?
  • Do they have a strong and reliable reputation within the industry?
  • Do they have advanced manufacturing equipment?
  • Is their team experienced and professional, responding promptly to your needs and questions?
  • Are they cost-effective?
  • Do previous customers provide positive reviews?

PakFactory is Here to Help

There’s much to consider when planning a packaging project, and paper bags are no exception. But the most important takeaway from this guide is that a good paper bag should be strong enough to hold the weight of your products, convey a strong brand story and values, be environmentally friendly and be cost-effective for your business to implement.

At PakFactory, your success is our success. We can help you achieve your paper packaging goals and offer a plethora of paper options, such as personalized paper wine bags, custom merchandise bags, shopping tote bags, grocery bags and gift bags. But we don’t just have paper bags; PakFactory also has options such as custom-printed pouches, custom mailers and custom reusable shopping bags!

So, if you’re looking for a place to begin your packaging journey, PakFactory is the one-stop shop for everything related to packaging! Speaking with one of PakFactory’s product specialists is the best way to figure out the details of your next packaging project!

Looking for Inspiration?

If you’re not ready to take the next step in your packaging journey just yet, check out some of the previous packaging projects we’ve completed or some of the recommended sites below to get your creative juices flowing!

Elevate Your Business With Custom Tube Packaging - Essex Tubes

In the competitive retail landscape, distinguishing your brand goes beyond offering excellent products. The packaging, often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand, plays a crucial role in creating a memorable buying experience.

Custom tube packaging, an innovative and versatile option, can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and customer satisfaction. Here are 11 ways custom tube packaging can elevate your e-commerce brand.

Custom tube packaging allows you to create a distinct brand identity that sets you apart from competitors. With various design options available, you can customise the tubes to reflect your brand’s colours, logo, and overall aesthetic.

This consistency in branding helps in building brand recognition and loyalty among customers. Customers who see a uniquely designed tube associate it with your brand, enhancing recall and encouraging repeat business.

The unboxing experience is an integral part of the e-commerce journey. Custom tube packaging can make this experience more exciting and enjoyable for customers.

The anticipation of unrolling a beautifully designed tube can evoke the same excitement as unwrapping a gift, making the purchase memorable and encouraging repeat business. Moreover, a well-thought-out unboxing experience can lead to organic marketing, as satisfied customers will likely share their experiences on social media.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Custom tube packaging made from recyclable materials can showcase your brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Highlighting the eco-friendly nature of your packaging can attract environmentally-conscious customers and enhance your brand’s reputation. Using sustainable materials also reduces your carbon footprint, which can be a strong selling point in your marketing campaigns.

One of the primary functions of packaging is to protect the product during transit. Custom tube packaging is robust and durable, providing excellent protection against damage.

This ensures that your products arrive in perfect condition, reducing the likelihood of returns and increasing customer satisfaction. The tubes’ cylindrical shape also helps evenly distribute pressure, minimising the risk of product damage.

Custom tube packaging offers a high degree of versatility. You can choose from various sizes, shapes, and finishes to match your product specifications.

Whether you are selling cosmetics, apparel, or food items, tube packaging can be tailored to fit your products perfectly, enhancing their presentation. Additionally, tubes can be designed to include compartments or inserts that hold multiple items securely, making them suitable for gift sets or multi-product packages.

Custom tube packaging can be a cost-effective solution for e-commerce businesses. The materials are often affordable, and the production process can be streamlined to keep costs low.

Additionally, the protective nature of tube packaging can reduce product damage and associated costs, making it a financially sound choice. Bulk production of custom tubes can further lower costs, providing an economical option for large-scale businesses.

Unlike traditional box packaging, custom tubes are more space-efficient. They can be stacked and stored easily, optimising warehouse space.

This efficiency can lead to reduced storage costs and improved logistics, benefiting your overall supply chain management. Space efficiency also translates to lower shipping costs, as more tubes can fit into a single shipment, reducing the number of deliveries needed.

Custom tube packaging provides a unique canvas to tell your brand’s story. You can use the surface area to share information about your brand’s values, mission, and product benefits.

This storytelling aspect can create a deeper connection with customers and foster brand loyalty. For instance, you can include QR codes that lead to videos or webpages with more detailed stories about your brand and products, creating an interactive customer experience.

Tube packaging can be used as a promotional tool to highlight special offers, new product launches, or seasonal promotions. Eye-catching designs and messages on the packaging can attract attention and drive sales.

Including discount codes can further incentivise repeat purchases. Seasonal themes can also be integrated into the tube design to capitalise on holidays and special events, making your products more appealing during those times.

Engaging customers through packaging can enhance their overall experience. Incorporate interactive elements such as peel-off labels, hidden messages, or augmented reality features to create a more engaging unboxing experience.

This interaction can make the purchase more memorable and encourage customers to share their experiences on social media, increasing your brand’s reach. Interactive packaging can also include customer feedback prompts, encouraging reviews and further interaction with your brand.

Custom tube packaging allows for personalisation, making customers feel valued and special. You can add personalised messages, names, or unique designs to the packaging.

Personalised packaging can leave a lasting impression, increasing customer satisfaction and fostering brand loyalty. It can also be extended to include options for customers to select their preferred packaging design or add custom messages when purchasing as gifts, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Custom tube packaging is a valuable asset if you’re looking to create memorable unboxing experiences, provide secure and unique shipping solutions, or stand out in a competitive market.

At Essex Tube Windings, we are committed to providing high-quality cardboard tubes in the UK and exceptional postal packaging service. We produce custom tubes for any sized product, whether you have a specific-sized poster, artwork, or document, and offer a range of vibrant stock colours to make an impact when your customers receive your products. 

Our fully customisable cardboard tubes allow you to create a professional image with your company logo or web address printed directly on the tube outer. We cater to any order quantity, ensuring you are not obliged to order in bulk, regardless of the size of your requirement. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our custom cardboard tubes can enhance your business’s packaging solutions.

For more information, please visit custom paper packaging.