Benefits of Kraft Paper Bags with Handles: A Complete UK Guide

Sun Nov 09 • By Isabella Jacobs • 6 min read

By Isabella Jacobs November 09, 2025 6 min read

Paper bags with handles are now the natural choice for UK retailers, cafés, events and brands that want strong packaging without the plastic. This guide explains why they’re better than plastic for most uses, how to pick the right size and GSM, and how to use colour, branding and pack sizes to lift sales and presentation. You’ll also find quick links to shop the full range, plus simple answers to the most searched questions.

✅ UK stock • 🚚 Same-day dispatch (Mon–Fri before 5 pm) • ⭐ Top-rated on Trustpilot

Brown kraft paper bags with twisted handles for retail and gifting – 100 gsm Italian paper

Shop Brown Paper Bags with Handles — 100 gsm Italian kraft, retail-ready, UK stock.

Why paper bags with handles are better

For everyday retail and gifting, twisted-handle paper bags give you strength, a clean look and a better customer experience. They carry weight well, stand upright on the counter, and can be branded fast with stickers or stamps. Compared with thin plastic, they feel more premium and align with eco goals.

Stronger feel, better presentation: 100 gsm Italian kraft offers a firm hand-feel. Bags stand up and pack neatly at the till.
Easy to brand: add a logo sticker, stamp, or a swing tag. Great for boutiques, cafés and event gifting.
Eco-aligned: paper bags can be reused and recycled when clean and dry. See Eco & recycling for UK steps.
Fits UK retail flow: flat block bottom supports boxes, jars, clothing folds, and bakery trays.
Customer-friendly: comfortable twisted handles, tidy look, and easy to store under the counter.

Explore colours for seasonal campaigns or brand fit: Brown, White, Black, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Red, Dark Green, Lime Green.

Branded kraft paper bags with handles – stickers, stamps and swing tags for small businesses — Brand fast with stickers or stamps. Great for boutiques, cafés and gifting.

Sizes, GSM & strength

All our handled paper bags use 100 gsm Italian kraft for reliable strength and a consistent finish. Choose your size by the items you pack most often.

Size	Internal (L × W × D)	Typical uses	Shop
X-Small	L24 × W18 × D8 cm (9.4 × 7.1 × 3.1 in)	Jewellery boxes, candles, small gifts, skincare	View options
Small	L31 × W24 × D11 cm (12.2 × 9.4 × 4.3 in)	Books, folded tees, wrapped food, gift sets	View options
Medium	L41 × W32 × D12 cm (16.1 × 12.6 × 4.7 in)	Clothing, shoebox-alternatives, hampers, bakery boxes	View options

Need a colour match? Browse the full Paper Bags collection by colour and size. For sweets and party favours, see Party Bags.

Small white paper bags with twisted handles – clean retail presentation for boutiques — White kraft gives a clean, modern look for retail and gift presentation.

Who uses them? UK sectors & everyday uses

Handled paper bags are used across UK retail and events because they’re tidy, strong and quick to brand:

Boutiques & gifts: candles, skincare, small boxes, apparel. Add branded stickers for a premium finish.
Cafés & bakeries: pastry boxes and trays sit flat; add a grease-proof liner for hot or oily items.
Events & corporate: welcome packs, samples and brochures in colour-matched bags.
Crafts & markets: handmade goods, soaps, preserves and cards.
Seasonal & party: favour bags and gifts in Party Bags and coloured kraft.

For shipping, combine in-store paper bags with strong Mailing Bags and reliable Packaging Tape for online orders. Popular mailing ranges include Grey, Blue, Green, Pink and Purple.

Paper gift bags with twisted handles in assorted colours for retail and events — Colour helps segment lines, seasons and gifting themes.

Eco & recycling in the UK (clear and practical)

Paper bags align well with UK recycling systems when clean and dry. Here’s a simple approach your staff can also share with customers:

Reuse first: bags are strong enough for multiple trips or for gifting.
Recycle when clean: remove tape or liners; check local guidance via Recycle Now.
Compost (uncoated) if suitable: shred first; avoid greasy residues.
Know UK rules on carrier charges: see GOV.UK carrier bag charges.

For post and courier services, keep parcels within Royal Mail limits — see the Royal Mail Size & Weight Guide. If you ship online, pair in-store paper bags with our Mailing Bags.

Cost-effective paper bags with handles compared with single-use plastic alternatives — Cost-effective, reusable and recyclable when clean and dry.

Quick compare: Brown vs White vs Coloured

Type	Look & feel	Best for	Shop
Brown kraft	Natural, classic, “eco” visual	General retail, cafés, farm shops, gifts	Brown Paper Bags
White kraft	Clean, bright, premium feel	Boutiques, cosmetics, weddings, corporate	White Paper Bags
Coloured kraft	Brand-matched, seasonal, playful	Retail displays, gift shops, party favours	Black • Blue • Purple • Pink • Hot Pink • Red • Dark Green • Lime Green

Paper bags with twisted handles in brown, white and coloured options for retail — Choose brown for natural, white for clean premium, or colour to match your brand.

Which size should I choose? (simple selector)

Follow these three quick steps to pick your best fit:

Item footprint: compare your item’s base to the bag width (W) and depth (D). Aim for a snug fit that stands upright.
Height margin: leave headroom for easy lifting and clean handle clearance.
Weight & corners: for heavy or sharp-edged items, place them flat and add light inner protection.

Still unsure? See the full Paper Bags collection or speak to our team for trade advice.

Buying guide: packs, trade & branding

Packs & value

Small event packs: ideal for markets, workshops and parties.
Trade bundles: best value per bag for daily retail use.
Colour sets: split by product line, season or campaign.

Branding options

Stickers & stamps: the fastest way to brand brown or white kraft.
Swing tags & tissue: add style for gifting and boutique lines.
Full print (made-to-order): talk to us for larger branded runs.

Checklist before you buy

Match bag base to your product footprint.
Pick colour for brand fit or season.
Choose pack size for best unit cost.
Keep Packaging Tape handy for transit boxes.
Use the right Mailing Bags for online orders.

Sustainable brown kraft paper bags with handles used by UK retailers — Sustainable kraft supports brand values and a better customer experience.

Practical tips to avoid damages and returns

Pack heavy items at the base and keep weight centred.
Pad sharp corners of boxes with card off-cuts or tissue.
Flatten air before adding tissue so labels and ribbons sit clean.
Store bags flat and dry away from heat or damp.
Add a liner for hot or greasy food items.

For e-commerce and dispatch

If you sell online, pair in-store presentation with robust shipping:

Mailing Bags — lightweight and moisture-resistant for couriers.
Packaging Tape — secure cartons and document wallets.
Keep a mix of sizes: Grey • Blue • Green • Pink • Purple.

Follow the Royal Mail Size & Weight Guide to keep costs down.

Definition (snippet-style)

Paper bags with handles are strong, reusable retail bags made from 100 gsm kraft paper with twisted paper handles and a flat block bottom. They suit boutiques, cafés, events and gifts, and can be recycled in the UK when clean and dry. Brown gives a natural look, white is premium, and colours support brand themes.

Shop, trade & size guide

🛒 Shop Brown Paper Bags with Handles
🎨 Shop by colour: Brown, White, Black, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Red, Dark Green, Lime Green
📦 All Paper Bags (collection) • Party Bags • Mailing Bags • Packaging Tape

Delivery & service

UK stock with same-day dispatch on orders before 5 pm (Mon–Fri). We ship from Manchester using DPD Next Day and Royal Mail Tracked 24. UK Mainland orders over £100 qualify for free next-working-day delivery. Click & collect: 10A Locket Street, Manchester, M8 8EE.

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sun 11:00–18:00. Need help or a bulk quote? Call or WhatsApp +44 7450 981838. See customer reviews on Trustpilot.

FAQs

Are kraft paper bags with handles environmentally friendly?

Yes. Kraft paper bags are made from renewable wood pulp, fully recyclable and biodegradable when clean and dry. They are a more sustainable alternative to plastic carrier bags and reduce landfill waste.

How strong are paper bags with handles?

High-quality kraft paper bags can hold between 2 kg and 8 kg depending on size and GSM (100 or 120 gsm). Twist handles and reinforced bases improve durability, making them suitable for retail, food service and gifting.

Can kraft paper bags be reused?

Yes. Kraft bags are sturdy enough to be reused multiple times. Many customers reuse them for shopping, gifting, storage, crafts and lunch bags, helping reduce single-use waste.

Are kraft paper bags recyclable in the UK?

Yes — most councils accept kraft paper bags in household recycling when free from food residue, grease or contamination. Coloured bags are also recyclable if printed with eco-inks.

Are paper bags better than plastic bags?

For sustainability, yes. Paper bags biodegrade naturally and use renewable materials, while plastic bags can take hundreds of years to break down. Kraft bags are also easier to customise and offer a premium feel.

Which sizes are best for paper bags with handles?

Small bags work for cosmetics and gifts, medium bags suit clothing and accessories, and large bags are ideal for bulky retail items. Choosing the right size improves presentation and customer experience.

Can I print my logo on kraft paper bags?

Yes. Kraft paper bags are ideal for branding. They can be custom printed with logos, artwork or brand colours to improve visibility, marketing impact and customer perception.

Where can I buy kraft paper bags in bulk?

You can buy wholesale kraft paper bags directly from Mr Bags UK. A wide range of sizes, colours and pack quantities are available with fast UK delivery and competitive pricing.

Article By

Isabella Jacobs

Isabella is a packaging specialist with over a decade of experience helping UK retailers find sustainable solutions for their business needs.