Custom Printed Paper Bags
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Branded paper carrier bags for retail, gifting and events — a durable, 100% recyclable alternative to plastic that carries your logo out of the shop and down the street. Delivered flat with gusseted sides, ready to open and use.
Sizes & Capacity
| Size | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Max weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 240 × 180 × 80mm | 3.5kg |
| Medium | 290 × 220 × 100mm | 4kg |
| Large | 370 × 270 × 120mm | 5kg |
| Extra Large | 450 × 320 × 170mm | 6kg |
| Bottle | 360 × 110 × 85mm | 3.5kg |
| Handleless | 345 × 175 × 115mm / 405 × 260 × 130mm | — |
Brown vs White Kraft: What's the Difference?
"Kraft" is German for strength — the kraft pulping process keeps wood fibres long, which is what makes these bags strong. Brown kraft is unbleached: maximum strength and a natural, rustic look, but muted colour reproduction. White kraft is bleached: a crisp surface that reproduces printed colours and logos accurately. Choose brown for the eco/natural aesthetic, white for brand-colour accuracy — and remember we don't print white ink, so white or very light artwork won't work on brown kraft.
Key Features
- Reinforced 5-ply twisted or flat paper handles with internal reinforcement patches
- Single-sided full-colour print in a central square print area (120–270mm depending on size)
- 100% recyclable, unlaminated kraft
- Twisted-handle versions on heavier stock
Are These Bags Recyclable? (The Honest Detail)
Yes — plain and printed kraft bags with glued paper handles go in normal household paper recycling; the handles and water-based inks are removed during pulping. The exceptions worth knowing: laminated (plastic-film-coated) paper bags are NOT recyclable, and any rope/ribbon/plastic additions should be removed first. Bags must also be clean and dry — grease or food contamination stops them being recycled. Our standard kraft bags are unlaminated and fully recyclable.
Buying Branded Bags? A Note on UK Packaging Rules (EPR)
Since 2025, the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme shifts packaging-waste costs onto businesses that place packaging on the market. Larger businesses (broadly £2m+ turnover handling 50+ tonnes of packaging a year) pay fees based on the packaging they supply; smaller ones may still need to record and report data. The good news for paper: it attracts a lower EPR base fee than plastic, so switching branded packaging to recyclable paper can cut both costs and impact. For the full picture — including what FSC certification actually means — read our guide to FSC, PEFC and UK packaging rules. This is general information, not compliance advice — check your obligations on GOV.UK's Report Packaging Data service.
Honest Limitations
No white ink; colours print slightly muted on brown kraft; not waterproof; not certified food-safe (perfect for carrying food in food-safe boxes, not direct contact); slight batch-to-batch colour variation on kraft is normal.
Artwork Requirements
Supply your logo/design as a print-ready PDF in CMYK at 300 DPI, designed for the central square print area of your chosen size. Simple, bold artwork prints best on kraft.
FAQs
White or brown kraft? White for the truest colours; brown for the natural eco look (avoid light artwork).
Are they recyclable — even with handles? Yes — glued paper handles are fine in kerbside recycling. Laminated bags and non-paper additions are the exceptions.
Can you print white on brown kraft? No — no white ink; choose white kraft for white/light designs.
Are they waterproof or food-safe? No on both — retail and pre-packaged goods only.
How much weight can they hold? 3.5–6kg by size — see the table.
Which size for gift sets? Medium suits most boxed gifts; Bottle for wine and spirits.
Get a Quote
Message us on WhatsApp: +44 7950 243399 or email hello@fabricforge.co.uk — ask about matching gift tags and stickers for a complete packaging set.