printed-paper-bags

Brown Paper Bags

Packaging plays a crucial role in how customers perceive your business. For UK companies in retail, hospitality, and events, choosing the right bag is about more than just practicality — it’s about sustainability, branding, and cost-efficiency.

That’s why brown paper bags have become the go-to solution for businesses looking to reduce plastic use while providing reliable, eco-friendly packaging.

At The Printed Bag Shop, we supply brown paper bags in a wide range of sizes and styles, including brown paper bags with handles, available in wholesale and bulk quantities to meet the needs of businesses both large and small.

Whether you run a café, boutique, takeaway, or national retail chain, our bags are designed to balance durability, affordability, and environmental responsibility.

custom bags

Up To 1000 Bags In
15 Working Days

custom bags

Minimum Order
Amount: 250

custom bags

Any Size Made
To Order

Material/Thickness
White Kraft (including 100% ink) – 170gsm
Brown Kraft – 200gsm

Print Specification
Spot Colours
4 Colour process
Interior printing
Fully customisable!
Printed Flat
Full Coverage Available

Additional Extras
Embossing
Debossing

Handle Options
Cotton Rope
Cotton Ribbon
Punched Handle

Any size made to order!

Our Most Popular Sizes Are (Width x Gusset / Depth x Height)
A5 – 150 x 80 x 200mm – Portrait
A5 – 200 x 80 x 150mm – Landscape
A4 – 250 x 100 x 310mm – Portrait
A4 – 310 x 100 x 250mm – Landscape
A3 – 320 x 120 x 420mm – Portrait
A3 – 420 x 120 x 320mm – Landscape
A2 – 510 x 140 x 420mm – Landscape
Bottle – 100 x 100 x 360mm
Bottle – 116 x 116 x 380mm

Printed Brown Bags Gallery

What Our Customers Think

What are Brown Paper Bags?

Brown paper bags are simple yet versatile packaging products made from kraft paper. Their natural appearance, strength, and recyclability make them ideal for everyday use across multiple industries. In contrast to plastic carrier bags, they are biodegradable and recyclable through UK household and commercial waste systems, aligning perfectly with modern sustainability goals.

At The Printed Bag Shop, we supply bags in a variety of formats:

  • Flat handle paper takeaway bags: Perfect for sandwiches, baked goods, or lightweight retail purchases.
  • Twisted handle paper bags: Sturdy and reliable, suitable for clothing, books, or takeaway meals.
  • Custom printed options: Turn functional packaging into a marketing tool by showcasing your brand.
The Printed Bag Shop
The Printed Bag Shop

Why Choose Brown Paper Bags for Your Business?

UK businesses are under growing pressure to reduce single-use plastics. Customers actively seek eco-friendly alternatives, and switching to brown paper bags is one of the most straightforward ways to meet this expectation.

The benefits extend beyond sustainability:

  • Eco-friendly credentials: 100% recyclable and biodegradable, making them safe for the environment.
  • Professional look: Their natural kraft finish conveys authenticity and responsibility.
  • Affordability: Especially cost-effective when purchasing brown paper bags in bulk.
  • Brand potential: With custom printing, bags double as moving advertisements for your business.
  • Customer satisfaction: Easy to carry, strong, and versatile.

For SMEs and large corporations alike, paper bags are not just packaging — they’re part of your customer experience and sustainability strategy.

Brown Paper Bags with Handles

For many businesses, the addition of handles transforms a basic paper bag into a durable, customer-friendly solution. Brown paper bags with handles are particularly popular with retail shops, takeaways, and event organisers.

At The Printed Bag Shop, we offer two main handle styles:

  • Twisted paper handles: Lightweight but surprisingly strong, ideal for fashion boutiques, bakeries, and gift shops.
  • Flat paper handles: Cost-efficient and durable, commonly used for takeaway food and grocery packaging.

Both options can be supplied plain or branded with your logo. Adding handles doesn’t just improve functionality — it improves customer perception by making packaging feel more premium and practical.

The Printed Bag Shop
The Printed Bag Shop

Buying Brown Paper Bags Wholesale or in Bulk

When managing procurement, consistency of supply and value for money are crucial. Ordering brown paper bags wholesale or in bulk is the most efficient way to secure packaging without the risk of running out during busy trading periods.

Benefits of buying in bulk:

  • Cost savings: Larger orders reduce the per-unit price, keeping packaging budgets under control.
  • Supply reliability: Avoid stock shortages during seasonal peaks such as Christmas or summer events.
  • Streamlined purchasing: Procurement teams can reduce admin time with fewer, larger orders.

Whether you need a few hundred bags for a single outlet or thousands for a chain of stores, The Printed Bag Shop can supply flexible quantities tailored to your business scale.

Sustainability & Eco Credentials

Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s an expectation. According to WRAP, UK consumers are actively choosing brands that reduce plastic waste and offer eco-friendly packaging. Brown paper bags are a simple, effective way to demonstrate environmental responsibility.

All our bags are:

  • Made from responsibly sourced kraft paper.
  • Fully recyclable and compostable.
  • Suitable for both plain and printed designs without affecting eco-friendliness.

By switching to paper bags, your business can reduce its environmental footprint while also appealing to eco-conscious customers.

The Printed Bag Shop

Related Products

Laminated Paper Bags

One of the most high end types of printed bags available.

Luxury Kraft Paper Bags

More eco-friendly than our bestselling laminated paper bags.

Twisted Handle Bags

Machine made bags that are printed and manufactured on a reel.

Custom Mailing Bags

Our custom mailing bags are designed to unleash your creativity.

To find out more about what our printed paper bags can do for your business, get in touch with our sales team.

unlaminated printed paper bags

Helpful Information

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Sustainable Packaging FAQs

Are brown paper bags recyclable in the UK?

Yes. Brown paper bags are fully recyclable in the UK and can usually be placed in standard household or commercial recycling collections. Because they’re made from kraft paper, they are also biodegradable and compostable, making them one of the most environmentally friendly packaging choices for businesses. Unlike plastic carriers, which can take hundreds of years to break down, brown paper bags decompose naturally. For companies committed to sustainability and reducing waste, switching to paper bags is a simple, effective way to lower their environmental footprint.

Yes, The Printed Bag Shop supplies brown paper bags with both flat and twisted paper handles. Flat handles are strong and cost-effective, ideal for takeaways and grocery shops, while twisted handles offer a more stylish look, perfect for retail, gift, or fashion businesses. Both styles provide excellent strength for carrying heavier items, ensuring convenience and reliability for customers. Handles also make the bags more versatile, giving businesses packaging that works for a wide range of industries and uses, from food service to high-street retail.

Absolutely. We specialise in supplying brown paper bags wholesale to businesses across the UK, from small independent shops to nationwide retail and food service chains. Buying wholesale means you benefit from reduced costs per unit, reliable supply, and simplified procurement processes. Whether you need a few hundred bags or tens of thousands, we can scale to your requirements. Our wholesale service is designed for businesses that want consistent quality, eco-friendly packaging, and affordable pricing without having to compromise on style or strength.

Yes. We offer a full range of custom printing services for brown paper bags, helping businesses turn plain packaging into a powerful branding tool. Using high-quality inks and processes, we can print your logo, artwork, or promotional design on bags of all sizes. Our food-safe printing options make them suitable for cafes, bakeries, and takeaways, while premium finishes are available for retail and events. A printed paper bag acts as a walking advertisement for your business, extending your brand visibility every time a customer carries one away.