If you run a shop, boutique, or online business in the UK, the bag your customer walks away with is doing more work than you might think. Personalised paper bags turn a simple carrier into a small piece of brand advertising — one that customers carry down the high street, photograph for social media, and reuse long after the sale is made.
This guide covers everything you need to know about custom paper bags: the different types available, when branded bags make sense for your business, design tips for getting the best print result, minimum quantities, lead times, and how to place an order.
Types of Paper Bags
Not all paper bags are the same, and choosing the right style makes a real difference to how your brand comes across.
Kraft paper bags are the most popular choice for UK small businesses. Made from natural, unbleached 150gsm kraft paper, they have a warm, rustic, eco-conscious look that suits everything from artisan bakeries to candle brands. Kraft paper bags also take print exceptionally well, with logos and designs standing out crisply against the natural brown background.
White paper bags offer a cleaner, more premium finish. They work particularly well for boutiques, beauty brands, and businesses wanting a brighter, more polished retail presentation. Printed artwork tends to pop more vividly on a white background than on kraft.
Twisted handle paper bags — both our kraft and white paper bags come with sturdy twisted cord handles as standard, giving them a boutique-quality finish that flat-handled or die-cut bags simply don't match. The rope handles also make the bags more durable for repeated use, which matters if you want customers to reuse them.
When to Use Branded Paper Bags
Branded paper bags aren't just for large retailers. Some of the best use cases we see from UK small businesses include:
- Retail counters and shopfronts — every customer who leaves with a purchase becomes a walking advert for your brand.
- Market stalls and pop-up shops — a printed paper bag instantly makes a small stall look more established and professional.
- Gift and boutique businesses — personalised paper bags elevate the unboxing moment, especially for higher-value gift purchases.
- Bakeries and food businesses — kraft paper bags with a simple one-colour logo are a cost-effective way to reinforce your brand on every order.
- Trade shows and events — handing out branded bags with samples or literature keeps your business visible after the event ends.
If your customers are already leaving your business with something in a bag, that bag might as well be working for you.
Design Tips for Printed Paper Bags
Paper bags are printed one side, in one colour, so the goal is a clean, bold design rather than a busy one. A few things to keep in mind:
- Simplify your logo. Fine detail, small text, and gradients don't reproduce as crisply on paper as they do on screen. A bold, high-contrast version of your logo will always print better.
- Consider your bag colour. A dark or brightly coloured logo will stand out clearly on white paper bags, while a simpler mark often works best against kraft paper.
- Centre your placement. Most businesses print centrally on the front face of the bag — it's the most visible spot when the bag is carried or displayed on a counter.
- Keep your message short. Your business name, logo, and maybe a tagline or website is usually enough. Paper bags aren't the place for lengthy copy.
If you're not sure how your logo will translate to print, our design services team can help adapt your artwork before it goes to production.
Minimum Quantities and Lead Times
Custom paper bags from The Craftionals are available in quantities of 50, 100, and 200 per size, with a minimum order of 50 units. This makes them accessible for small businesses ordering for the first time, while still offering better per-unit pricing at higher volumes.
Once you've approved your free digital proof, standard production takes 8–13 working days. We send the proof within 24–48 hours of receiving your artwork, so you always know exactly how your personalised paper bags will look before anything is printed.
How to Order Custom Paper Bags
Ordering is straightforward:
- Choose your size — Small, Medium, or Large.
- Choose your quantity — 50, 100, or 200.
- Upload your artwork as a PDF or JPEG (max 10MB).
- Approve your free digital proof, sent within 24–48 hours.
- Sit back — your paper bags are printed and delivered free, UK-wide, in 8–13 working days.
Ready to get started? Visit the custom paper bags product page to see pricing by size and quantity, or head straight to get a quote and we'll get your artwork moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for personalised paper bags?
The minimum order is 50 units per size. Paper bags are available in quantities of 50, 100, and 200.
What sizes do custom paper bags come in?
We offer custom paper bags in three sizes: Small (18×21×8cm), Medium (22×30×12cm), and Large (26×34×15cm). All are made from 150gsm kraft paper with twisted cord handles.
How long does it take to print personalised paper bags?
Our standard lead time is 8–13 working days from the date you approve your digital proof. We send a free digital proof within 24–48 hours of receiving your artwork.
Are personalised paper bags eco-friendly?
Yes. Our paper bags are made from 150gsm kraft paper, which is recyclable and biodegradable — a sustainable alternative to plastic carrier bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for personalised paper bags?
The minimum order is 50 units per size. Paper bags are available in quantities of 50, 100, and 200.
What sizes do custom paper bags come in?
We offer custom paper bags in three sizes: Small (18×21×8cm), Medium (22×30×12cm), and Large (26×34×15cm). All are made from 150gsm kraft paper with twisted cord handles.
How long does it take to print personalised paper bags?
Our standard lead time is 8–13 working days from the date you approve your digital proof. We send a free digital proof within 24–48 hours of receiving your artwork.
Are personalised paper bags eco-friendly?
Yes. Our paper bags are made from 150gsm kraft paper, which is recyclable and biodegradable — a sustainable alternative to plastic carrier bags.