How are paper bags made?

Imagine inventing a technology that would completely revolutionise the packaging and transport of goods. A packaging that not only protects and securely encloses your goods, but also transports your brand message and other information in addition to transporting the goods. Packaging that can also be a letter from the sender to the recipient?

The paper bag as a packaging revolution

This “utopia” became a reality in the mid-late 19th century, with the invention of the paper bag. But where and how were these “wonder bags” invented? How are paper bags made, what exactly are paper bags made of and what can paper bags be used for? In our guide, we provide answers to these questions – and celebrate the ingenuity and simplicity of these useful packing helpers. And we show you all the things they can be used for, from storing your bits and bobs to presenting gifts with a wow effect.

Who invented the paper bag?

Unfortunately, even wikipedia does not have a clear answer to this question. What is clear, however, is that the development of the (paper) carrier bag took off with a change in consumer behaviour in the middle/end of the 19th century. Until then, shopping was considered a “necessary evil” and was primarily used to buy food. Then, however, the “pleasurable shopping experience” gradually developed, including window shopping. And the carrier bag was no longer a simple means of transport, but a kind of trophy.

Around this time, in the 1870s, a resourceful American came up with the idea of giving the simple bag more volume by adding a bottom. The inventor of the square bottom of the paper bag and thus the man who turned the “bag” into a real space miracle was called: Luther Childs Crowell from Wellfleet in Massachusetts.

How are paper bags made?

PPaper bags are made from pulp that is pressed into flat sheets or rolls of paper. These paper rolls are cut to twice the height of the finished bag. These cut sheets are then folded over and the two parallel open sides are glued together. This can be done either by pressing the glue sides together or by heating and pressing.

The simple, flat paper bag is ready. To make a paper bag with a stand-up bottom, a similar process is followed. A little more elaborate here is the folding at the bottom of the bag so that the finished bag is square or oblong with an open top.

Finally, for bags with handles or grips, separate paper handles are then fixed with glue.

What are paper bags (still) made of?

What paper bags are made of seems like a silly question at first glance: paper. But there are many designs and styles, all made from different types of paper, depending on what the bag is to be used for. Standard brown bags are made from kraft paper, but can be made from any type of paper and in any colour. Most paper carrier bags are printable and therefore make the best personalised bag.

Paper bags in different paper thicknesses

Kraft bags can also be made from laminated paper. This has a plastic coating on the inside to protect the bag from moisture from the goods inside or to keep moisture out. Kraft paper bags can also be designed in any colour and weight of kraft paper. These are usually made of 60 g / m² paper and are available in a variety of formats. Sturdier gift bags made of kraft paper are made of 90 g / m² paper and can also be designed as desired.

Paper bags can of course also be made from recycled paper and kraft paper. This offers a good, robust and environmentally friendly way to package goods, gifts and more. Typically these are made from strong 110 g / m² recycled kraft paper.

Why use paper bags?

The possibilities are almost endless. Paper bags are cheap, easy and a sustainable way to store and deliver all sorts of things – as long as they are not wet or very heavy.

Calculate the volume of a paper bag

To calculate the capacity for grit, for example, you need to know the volume. To do this, measure the height, width and depth (gusset). Multiply these values to calculate the volume. The practical carrying aids come in all sizes, from 20 x 30 x 10 cm to bags measuring 45 x 80 x 29 cm.

How much weight can a paper bag carry?

How much weight a paper bag can hold depends again on its size and the thickness of the paper used. Small bags made of 70 g / m² kraft paper have an elongation at break of 4 kg, while the largest paper bags made of 90 g / m² paper can withstand ten times that and have an elongation at break of 40 kg.

In between are the countless available bag sizes, each of which can carry a weight of 40 kg or less. In this table you will find all available sizes and their relative strengths.

For additional advice on paper packaging, our packaging experts are on hand to help you find the right solutions and arrange next-day delivery. Simply call us on 0800 20 77 000 or visit rajapack.co.uk.

The bang for paper bags: the bang

And when the paper bag has had its day…? Something that will always remain funny: Bursting 🙂 The Galileo video explains how the loud noise comes about in the first place: Why does the paper bag pop?