The Master Guide to Custom Paper Shopping Bags

The advantages of customised shopping bags for companies

Using eye-catching custom shopping bags with a logo, brand colours and other complementary features is a great way to offer your business free advertising. When your customers carry these bags and attract the attention of other potential customers, they will be lured into visiting your store and making a purchase, which will further boost your brand awareness and sales.

However, the potential of custom shopping bags for businesses goes far beyond advertising and marketing. Firstly, using custom bags greatly enhances the shopping and unboxing experience for customers, which is an important factor that can influence their decision to choose you over a rival.

Lastly, consumers also consider sustainability, which can be addressed by using custom paper bags.

Why use custom paper bags?

Paper bags offer the same advantages as classic packaging, create a green image for your brand and are inexpensive to produce in large quantities. They are also flexible and versatile in terms of their shape, size and colour. Smithers argues that this contributes to the prediction that flexible packaging will continue to replace more traditional methods.

Moreover, using environmentally friendly custom paper bags demonstrates that your brand is concerned about the environment, as well as creating a premium image for your product, as IPSOS found.

The concept of sustainability has become a major concern for consumers in recent years, and rightfully so! According to a McKinsey survey, ocean litter has become the main environmental concern for all generations among environmentally conscious people, and most consumers are willing to pay extra for sustainable packaging. Indeed, half of US consumers are willing to pay an extra 1–3%, and 4–7% are willing to pay an extra 10%, for sustainable packaging.

Paper bags not only contribute to a green cause, but customers are also willing to pay more and view sustainability as a valuable attribute of your brand!

The Standard Vocabulary of Paper Bags

Having learned the importance of using paper for your custom shopping bags, it is important to realise that paper bags have a complete set of industry-related terminology with which you must be familiar in order to make an informed choice about planning your paper bag project. Here are the most significant points that you should know:

-- Paper basis weight

Paper basis weight is the standardised measurement of the weight of paper, usually in pounds (lbs). It is determined by the weight of a ream, which is 500 sheets of paper cut to a standard size. It should be noted that both types of paper have a standard size, and therefore a conversion will be needed.

For example, if the size of bond paper is 17 by 22 inches and a ream of this paper is marked '20 lb', there are 500 sheets in the ream and it weighs 20 pounds.

This assists in comparing the relative thickness and quality of various types of paper, even if they are different sizes.

For example, a ream of 80 lb cover paper will be considerably heavier and stronger than an 80 lb text paper ream, since cover paper is larger in size and intended to be heavier.

-- Paper grammage (GSM)

Paper grammage (GSM) is a universal measure of weight expressed in grams per square metre (GSM) for all types of paper. GSM can be used anywhere in the world, unlike basis weight, which is calculated using a ream of paper of different standard sizes and is far easier to measure. In most cases, the higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper.

-- Points (PT)

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

-- What is the difference between GSM and PT?

Although the two measures appear quite similar, GSM is more appropriate for high-end products where aesthetics are important. An increased GSM suggests heavier, thicker paper, which is easily associated with quality and customer experience. Conversely, PT is superior when the protection of products is a higher priority. An increase in the PT value indicates thicker, more robust packaging.

To find out more about the GSM and PT unit systems, read the other article here.

-- Gussets

The folds on the side or bottom of a paper bag are known as gussets. They are the most important feature of most paper bags, as they make the bag expandable.

-- Flat bottom design

Bags with a flat bottom can easily stand on their own. They are versatile and can be used for different grocery and retail applications.

Choosing the right paper bag

By now, you may be wondering how to select the right paper bag for your project, given that we have already covered the fundamentals of paper bags. Although there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to custom branded bags, there are a few factors that can greatly affect the outcome of your project. These factors include:

-- Type of business

The first thing to consider is the nature of your business. Different industries have different paper bag requirements and customer expectations. The requirements may be more stringent, as in the medical industry, or the customers may be more demanding, as in the jewellery industry. Understanding these distinctions when choosing the right paper bag is one of the most important things to consider when starting your own custom packaging project.

-- Volume and size of the product.

Secondly, you need to be aware of the size of your product and how much of it will fit in a bag. Fortunately, measuring a bag is as easy as measuring a box! If you have any problems with measurements, Winpack printing has an article that will guide you through measuring a package properly to fit your product.

-- Paper Bag Styles and Purpose

You must consider the style and purpose of your bag. Any bag should be able to carry the weight of your products, offer customisable features and be environmentally friendly. Winpack printing offers numerous style options, each with its own advantages depending on the intended use. The following are just some of Winpack printing's offerings.

• SOS bags are recyclable and ideal for takeaway restaurants.

• Pinch bottom bags are excellent for holding food due to their envelope-like openings and grease-resistant interior.

• Flat-bottom paper bags have a flat base, so they are easy to stand up. They are generic and can be used for all grocery and retail applications.

• Euro tote bags provide luxury brands with the security and superior quality that customers demand.

• Merchandise bags are available in a variety of styles and sizes and can be highly customised.

• Die-cut bags have a special handle design that enhances the customer experience.

• Custom Kraft paper bags are an affordable, environmentally friendly alternative that will raise your brand's profile by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.

• Wide gusset paper bags are suitable for a wide variety of products. They offer customers greater room, organisation and comfort.

And more!

-- Paper bag materials

Another consideration is the materials used. Paper comes in different forms, each with different properties with regard to strength, durability, weight, cost, reusability and texture. For example, heavier products may be put in stronger paper, whereas lighter paper with a more luxurious feel may be more suitable for smaller jewellery pieces. It all depends on what you are selling!

A detailed chart outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each type of paper can be found below. This information will help you decide which materials to use for your packaging project.

-- Printing and design elements.

Now that you have decided on the materials, it is time to consider the design, print and colour of your bag. Printed paper bags are custom-made bags that take things to the next level. At Winpack printing, we offer a wide variety of printing and ink choices for custom shopping bags, and we promise that they will suit your every requirement. We offer:

- Large-run, high-quality offset print.

• Digital print is ideal for smaller quantities and cost-effectiveness.

• We also offer UV printing for quick drying and a glossy finish.

• We also offer water-based ink for those who want an environmentally-friendly alternative with a high-quality colour output.

• Another eco-friendly alternative with rich colours is soy/vegetable ink.

• Oil-based ink is not environmentally friendly, but it offers high-quality colour.

• Use Pantone/Pantone Metallic to ensure consistent and accurate colour.

-- Customisation:

Now, we will discuss the various customisation options available for your retail bags. As well as materials, styles and print options, paper bags offer numerous additional features that will enhance your customers' experience and add value and convenience.

In particular, custom paper bags with handles make a significant contribution to the design of paper bags. They are in line with the latest trends, convenient for customers and can be customised with features such as ribbons, tipping ropes, plaited ropes, cotton, twisted paper and folded paper, offering a unique appearance and feel.

However, in addition to custom handles, there are other features to consider.

• Include a small surprise for your customers with these packaging inserts.

• Paper tags that you can attach to your bags to make them look more attractive.

• Foldable bags reduce storage space.

• Easy-close bags to ensure the items inside are safe.

• Compartments to organise items in a professional way.

• Laminate your bags to make them look and feel good.

• Embossing/debossing adds a touch of luxury to your bag.

• UV varnish for shiny, classy designs.

• Foil stamping to make a bold statement and draw the attention of customers.

-- How much do paper bags cost?

Finally, you may be wondering how much personalised paper bags cost. The answer is not straightforward because all the aforementioned factors significantly impact the final price of your custom shopping bag. The price depends on the size of your bag, the materials you choose, the quantity ordered, turnaround time and personalisation.

Selecting the appropriate manufacturer is also important

Now that you have finalised the design of your paper bag, there is one more thing to consider: custom paper bag manufacturers. Your choice of manufacturer is important for the success of your project, as they will contribute significantly to the quality of your bags. When seeking a paper bag manufacturer, we suggest researching the company. To determine whether a manufacturing company is suitable for your needs, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do they meet your project's needs and requirements?

• Are they reputable and well-established in the industry?

• Are they well equipped for manufacturing?

• Do they have an experienced, professional team who respond to your needs and questions promptly?

• Are they cost-effective?

• Do they have positive reviews from previous customers?

• Winpak printing is here to help!

There are many things to consider when it comes to packaging projects, and paper bags are no exception. However, the most important thing to remember is that a good paper bag must be durable enough to carry the weight of your products, convey your brand's story and values, be environmentally friendly, and be affordable for your business.

At Winpack printing, our success is based on yours. We can help you achieve your paper packaging goals and offer a wide range of options, including personalised paper wine bags, custom merchandise bags, shopping tote bags, grocery bags and gift bags. But we don't just offer paper bags — Winpack printing also provides custom-printed pouches, custom mailers and custom reusable shopping bags!

So, if you're looking to start your packaging journey, Winpack printing is the one-stop destination for all your packaging needs! Talk to one of our product specialists to find out what your next packaging project will entail!