Paper Carrier Bags

How to choose the right paper carrier bag

Three decisions determine the right paper carrier bag: paper weight, handle type, and colour.

1. Paper weight (gsm): Heavier gsm means a stronger, more durable bag better suited to heavier products. White flat handle bags are 75gsm for lightweight goods. Brown Kraft flat handle bags are 80gsm for everyday retail use. White twisted handle bags are 100gsm for general retail. Large Kraft bags with raffia handles are 160gsm for heavy or bulky items including homewares and clothing.
2. Handle type: Flat handles are the most economical option, suited to takeaway food, catering, and everyday retail. Folded 5-ply paper handles are internally reinforced for added strength and comfort, suited to boutique retail and gift presentation. Twisted paper handles offer a premium feel for clothing, homewares, and higher-end retail. Twisted raffia handles are the most durable option for heavy products.
3. Colour: Brown natural Kraft has an organic, eco-conscious look associated with sustainability and food retail. White Kraft gives a clean, professional finish suited to boutique and premium retail. Coloured bags in black, navy, pink, red, green, gold, and more provide impact and brand differentiation at point of sale.

Paper carrier bag ranges

Flat handle paper carrier bags

Brown Kraft (80gsm) and white Kraft (75gsm) bags with flat paper handles. Food safe and fully recyclable. FSC-certified options available in two sizes (refs BEB30060 and BEB30062). Ideal for takeaway food, catering, bakeries, confectionery, and everyday retail. Sold in packs of 100. Brown Kraft sizes made from 100% recycled content.

Brown paper carrier bags with folded handles

Brown Kraft paper bags with internally reinforced 5-ply folded handles. Reusable and 100% recyclable. Delivered flat for under-counter storage, gusseted sides for easy opening. Suitable for retail, gifts, clothing, and homewares. Available in a range of sizes.

White paper carrier bags with twisted handles

White Kraft paper carrier bags at 100gsm with internally reinforced twisted paper handles. 100% recyclable. Delivered flat with expanding gusset for easy opening. Suited to boutique retail, gift presentation, clothing, and homewares. Available in a range of sizes.

Large Kraft paper carrier bags

Heavy duty brown Kraft paper carrier bags at 160gsm with reinforced base and twisted raffia handles for maximum carrying strength. Suited to large gifts, bulky homewares, and heavy clothing items. Sold in packs of 10. The strongest paper carrier bag in the RAJAPACK range.

Coloured paper carrier bags

Coloured Kraft paper bags with twisted handles in a wide range of colours including black, navy, pink, red, green, gold, and more. Available in small, medium, and large formats, suited to boutique retail, events, gift shops, and brand-led packaging where colour differentiation at point of sale matters.

Custom printed paper bags

Custom printed paper carrier bags with your company logo or brand colours for branded retail packaging. Contact the RAJAPACK team to discuss specifications, print options, and minimum order quantities.

Frequently asked questions

What are paper carrier bags made from?

RAJAPACK paper carrier bags are made from Kraft paper, a strong paper produced from wood pulp. Available in natural brown Kraft for an eco-conscious look and white Kraft for a cleaner, more professional finish. Paper weights across the range run from 75gsm for lightweight flat handle bags up to 160gsm for heavy duty bags with raffia handles. All bags are 100% recyclable and suitable for kerbside paper and card collection.

What is the difference between flat, folded, and twisted handles?

Flat handles are a simple, cost-effective option suited to takeaway food, catering, and basic retail use. Folded handles are made from 5-ply paper and internally reinforced for greater strength and carrying comfort, suited to boutique retail and gift presentation. Twisted handles are rolled paper providing a premium feel, suited to clothing, homewares, and higher-end retail. Twisted raffia handles are the most durable and are used on heavy duty large format bags for bulky items.

Are paper carrier bags recyclable?

Yes. All RAJAPACK paper carrier bags are 100% recyclable and can be placed in kerbside paper and card collections. Brown Kraft flat handle bags are made from 100% recycled content. FSC-certified options are available in the flat handle range, independently certifying responsible paper sourcing. Paper carrier bags are one of the most straightforwardly recyclable retail packaging formats available.

Can I buy paper carrier bags in bulk?

Yes. RAJAPACK supplies paper carrier bags in bulk to retailers and businesses across the UK, with volume discounts applied automatically at the basket. Flat handle bags are sold in packs of 100. Large Kraft bags with raffia handles are sold in packs of 10. Available for next-day delivery to mainland UK on orders placed before 4pm. Free delivery on orders over £180 excl. VAT. All orders are covered by the RAJAPACK service promise. For high-volume requirements, contact the RAJAPACK team.

What paper carrier bag is best for food use?

Flat handle paper carrier bags in the brown Kraft and white Kraft range are food safe and suited to takeaway food, catering, bakeries, and confectionery. FSC-certified options are available. Flat handles are the standard choice for food retail as they are the most economical format and easy to open quickly at a counter. For heavier food products, use a higher gsm bag with a reinforced handle for greater carrying strength.

Can I get custom printed paper bags?

Yes. RAJAPACK offers custom printed paper carrier bags with your company logo or brand colours. Contact the RAJAPACK team to discuss specifications, minimum quantities, and lead times.

You might also need

• Gift bags for premium presentation including luxury finishes, ribbon handles, and specialist gift packaging formats.
• Retail and gift packaging for the full range of retail packaging including tissue paper, ribbon, and gift boxes.
• Plastic carrier bags for heavy duty retail and trade counter use where greater load capacity is required.
• Packaging labels for labelling retail bags with product information, pricing, or branding.

Need help choosing the right paper carrier bag for your business? Contact the RAJAPACK team.