Running a retail store or food business means you need the right paper grocery bags. After all, your customers need something sturdy to carry their purchases, which may include groceries, clothing, or small gifts.
Now, if you are a retailer or small business owner, understanding standard grocery bag dimensions and materials like kraft paper is essential. It helps you choose the right bag size for heavy loads while keeping costs low and maintaining a strong brand image.
And because they are sturdy, recyclable, and environmentally friendly, paper shopping bags made from kraft paper are a smart choice for grocery stores and other packaging needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common bag sizes, basis weight, and custom printing options so you can save money and pick packaging that’s both durable and visually appealing.
What Are Paper Bags Made Of? Paper Grocery Bags Factory & Wholesale Supplier from China
When you pick up paper bags at grocery stores or use paper shopping bags for carrying groceries and small gifts, you might wonder what they’re actually made of. Let’s break it down simply so you know which type best suits your store, product size, and brand image.
Kraft Paper
This is the most common material for paper grocery bags. It’s made from strong wood pulp, giving it a durable and sturdy texture that can handle heavy loads. Most kraft paper bags are brown, but you can custom print them in your brand colors to make them visually appealing. If you’re also packaging food, clothing, or bottles, kraft paper is a solid, eco-friendly choice that helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Recycled Paper
If you want to make a positive impact on the environment, recycled paper is your best pick. These bags are made from reused materials, making them more sustainable and better for small businesses that want to save money while promoting eco-friendly packaging. They are also perfect for carrying items like groceries, clothing, or other items that don’t require heavy-duty strength.
Art or Coated Paper
These are the go-to for retailers who want their bags to look elegant and premium. Art paper or coated paper has a smooth, sometimes glossy or laminated finish. It’s perfect for special occasions, gifts, and stores that care about product protection and maintaining a high-end brand image. You’ll often see these in fashion boutiques or gift shops where the bag size and look matter as much as the product inside.
Strength Factors
The strength of a paper bag depends on three main factors: GSM (grams per square meter), ply (the number of layers), and the type of handle. A higher GSM means the bag can hold heavier items, while multiple layers (ply) add extra durability. Therefore, choosing the right bag size and handle type helps make sure your purchased items are safe and easy to carry.
Standard Grocery Bag Dimensions – A Guide for Custom Paper Bag Manufacturer and Wholesale Supplier
Knowing the standard dimensions of grocery bags helps you choose the most suitable ones for your products. Let’s go through the common sizes you’ll find in most grocery stores and retail shops.
Small Grocery Bags
These paper grocery bags are approximately 5-7 inches wide × 8-10 inches tall × 3-4 inches deep, with a gusset. They are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or light items. Small bags are ideal for small businesses that want to save money while still offering neat, eco-friendly packaging. They are also easy to fold, store, and look great with custom printing or stickers that show your brand colors.
Medium Grocery Bags
Measuring 8-10 inches wide × 12-14 inches tall × 4-5 inches gusset, these bags are the go-to for takeout food, retail products, and daily shopping. They strike a good balance between durability and storage capacity, making them a favorite among grocery stores and retailers in the USA. If you sell clothing, bottles, or packed food, this size can easily carry heavy items without tearing.
Large / Heavy Duty Grocery Bags
These heavy-duty paper shopping bags range from 12-14 inches wide × 16-18 inches tall × 6-7 inches gusset. They are great for groceries, bulk items, and clothing.
The strong Kraft paper or recycled paper used for this size can safely hold heavier loads, reducing the need for plastic bags. Additionally, if you want to make a positive impact on your brand image and the environment, this bag size is ideal for carrying items securely while reducing your carbon footprint.
No matter the product size or occasion, choosing the right fit from these standard sizes helps you protect your purchased items, maintain a clean brand image, and keep your customers happy, all while being eco-conscious.
Paper Bag Measurements Explained –
When choosing paper bags for your store or small business, understanding how they are measured helps you select the right bag size for your products. As the size would usually affect how well your purchased items fit, how sturdy the packaging feels, and even how visually appealing your brand image looks to customers. Here us what you need to know:
The Formula:
Every paper grocery bag follows a simple formula: Width × Gusset × Height. The width refers to the front of the bag, the gusset is the side fold that allows it to expand, and the height is the vertical dimension. This helps you understand the shape, storage capacity, and durability of your paper shopping bags.
For Example:
If a bag reads 12 × 7 × 16 inches, it means the width is 12 inches, the side gusset (fold) is 7 inches, and th+e height is 16 inches. This size is ideal for carrying groceries, bottles, or other items that require a sturdy base and sufficient space to stand upright when filled.
Why Does This Matter?
Getting the right size ensures your products fit comfortably without stretching or tearing the paper. It also keeps your customers happy because their groceries or small gifts stay safe during shopping and transport. Proper measurements also enable you to select standard sizes that are suitable for your store, minimize waste, and have a positive impact on your environmental footprint.
In short, understanding how paper grocery bags are measured makes it easier to select the right fit for every occasion, from takeout packaging to gift wrapping, all while maintaining your brand’s image as smart, eco-friendly, and reliable.
Benefits of Using Standard Grocery Paper Bags
If you run a store, manage retail packaging, or supply grocery stores, choosing standard grocery paper bags can make your operations more efficient and environmentally responsible. These bags support your brand image, help reduce costs, and meet the growing demand of customers for sustainable packaging.
Here are more reasons why you should use standard grocery paper bags:
1. Eco-Friendly
For many businesses, sustainability is now a key priority. Paper grocery bags are recyclable and biodegradable, offering a lower carbon footprint than plastic bags. Hence, by switching to kraft paper or recycled paper, your company can demonstrate environmental responsibility while enhancing its brand reputation.
2. Durable & Strong
When selecting packaging materials for your business, durability is a crucial consideration. Paper shopping bags made from strong kraft paper can safely carry groceries, bottles, and other heavy items. And with the right basis weight (such as 57 lb paper), these bags maintain their shape well, even when filled, providing reliable performance for both in-store use and customer carryout.
3. Customizable
If your business values brand consistency, paper bags offer easy custom printing options. You can include your store logo, brand colors, or product details to make your packaging more visually appealing. This adds professionalism and strengthens your brand identity while giving customers a lasting positive impression.
4. Customer Preference
Today’s consumers and retail partners are increasingly choosing paper bags over plastic ones. A survey found that 62% of consumers prefer paper packaging for online orders, and 53% are using more paper products in daily life.
This shows people associate paper with quality and environmental care, so offering eco-conscious options not only boosts customer satisfaction but also keeps your brand in line with current market trends.
Everything You Need to Know About Grocery Paper Bags
What is the standard size of a grocery paper bag?
The standard grocery paper bag size is around 12 × 7 × 16 inches. It’s the most common size you will find in supermarkets because it fits most grocery items like fruits, snacks, and canned goods without tearing.
Are paper grocery bags recyclable?
Yes, paper grocery bags are recyclable if they are uncoated and clean. If the bag has no plastic or wax layer and free from food residue like food or drink stain, it can go straight into your recycling bin. Dirty or coated bags should be reused instead.
What is the weight capacity of a paper bag?
A standard paper grocery bag can hold about 5–8 kg (10–18 lbs.). This makes it strong enough for everyday groceries. However, heavier-duty Kraft paper bags can carry even more weight.
What paper weight (GSM) is best for grocery bags?
The best paper weight is 100–150 GSM Kraft paper. This range gives the bag enough strength to hold groceries while staying flexible. On the other hand, Thicker paper with the weight of 130–150 GSM works best for heavier items.
Where can I buy paper grocery bags in bulk?
You can buy them from wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, or online retailers. Websites like Itendee.com also offer affordable bulk options and even let you customize your bags with your brand logo or design.
Conclusion
Standard grocery paper bags are typically made from Kraft or recycled paper, and they come in sizes ranging from small lunch sacks to large supermarket bags. Understanding their measurements and material properties ensures businesses select the right bags for functionality, branding, and sustainability.
And now that you know the standard grocery paper bag sizes and materials, it’s time to choose the right ones for your business. Pick a bag that fits your products, supports your brand, and helps the environment. Want to learn more about packaging choices? Check out our guide on how to choose the best kraft paper bags for your store.
Get Standard Grocery Bags for Your Business
Looking for durable, eco-friendly grocery bags? Itendee.com has you covered. Choose from strong kraft, recycled, or custom-printed paper bag options that are perfect for your business. Order in bulk today from Itendee.com and make sustainability a proud part of your brand.
