The Packaging Journal
A paper bag should hold the purchase comfortably and present it well. Begin with the packed product, including any box, tissue and accessories.
Record width, gusset depth and height, and state the units. When sending an existing reference, label each measurement rather than relying on an unlabeled sequence of numbers. A clear sketch can help distinguish the gusset from the front-panel width.
Measure the largest packed item and the way multiple items will sit together. Include space for tissue or a presentation box. Avoid selecting a bag only because its nominal volume seems large enough; proportions and the opening also matter.
Share the expected contents and carrying requirement so paper specification and handle construction can be reviewed together. Confirm handle color and any reinforcement requirements with the sample.
Place your logo and pattern on the artwork for the chosen dimensions. Check that fold lines, gussets and handle positions work with the design. Specify the retail pack count and outer carton requirements for your wholesale order.
PACK15 is a kraft paper reference at 8 × 4.5 × 10.8 inches. PACK16 is a white paper reference at 8 × 4.25 × 10.25 inches. PACK19 offers a larger 16 × 6 × 12 inch presentation. All can be discussed with custom dimensions and branding.
Lay out the products, retail boxes, tissue, receipt and promotional card exactly as staff will pack them. Measure the combined width, depth and height without squeezing fragile corners. If the bag must carry several common order combinations, test the smallest and largest. One universal bag may reduce inventory but can look oversized for small purchases and become overloaded for large ones. More than one size can be justified when the use cases are materially different.
Suppliers may describe bags as width × gusset × height, but you should confirm the order on the drawing. Ask whether dimensions are finished internal or external measurements and note that paper thickness, top folds and base construction affect usable space. Review the dieline and a physical sample with the product inside. A bag that matches a product’s external dimensions exactly may still be too tight for comfortable packing or removal.
Provide the typical and maximum filled weight. Discuss paper grade, thickness or weight, base board, top reinforcement, handle holes and adhesive as a complete carrying system. Heavier paper alone does not guarantee a stronger bag if another part becomes the weak point. Test lifting, carrying and setting down with representative contents. High-value or fragile goods may also require an inner retail pack or separate protective transport packaging.
Paper twist, cotton, ribbon and other handle directions create different hand feel, appearance, packing volume and disposal considerations. Define handle color, length, attachment and whether a knot or other fixing will be visible inside. Test the drop length with the filled bag so products remain below the top and the bag can be carried comfortably. Long handles may suit shoulder carrying but can change balance for a narrow or heavy package.
Keep small type, barcodes and critical logos away from gusset folds, base folds, handle holes and areas that may crease during packing. Decide which panel faces the customer and which may receive a retail label. Review the artwork on the final dieline at actual size. Metallic foil, solid ink coverage and light colors on kraft surfaces need material-specific review; screen previews do not reliably show the final interaction of ink and paper.
Carry a representative filled bag for the expected distance, set it down, lift it again and repeat the motion. Watch the handle attachment, top fold, gusset and base for stretching or tearing. If the bag may be reused by the customer, consider a longer handling sequence that reflects that intention. Define the expected load honestly; a successful test with one light retail box does not establish suitability for every combination of products. Repeat the check with the heaviest planned purchase and keep that maximum load in the packing instructions.
Ask how many bags are packed per export carton, the carton size and whether the handles are folded in a way that requires reshaping. Store paper bags away from moisture and crushing. At the retail counter, define how bags are opened, loaded and presented so the chosen size does not slow service. PACKAVELLE starts custom paper-bag projects at 200 pieces, with the final quantity basis and schedule confirmed for the selected paper, handle and print specification.