The History of Kraft Paper Bags

Kraft paper bags are a staple in the modern world. As consumers and retailers recognize the negative impacts of plastic bags, paper bags are making a comeback.

 

But most of us are unaware of the basics of how paper bags are made, how they work, and why we use them in the first place. Let’s unravel this mystery!

 

What did we use before paper bags?

Before paper bags, we used baskets, bowls, and other reusable containers for everything. The main materials used for bags were jute, canvas, and burlap.

 

Store owners began to notice that customers would only purchase what they could carry with what they had. They wanted a way to allow customers to purchase more items at once—and thus, the paper bag was born.

 

The invention of the durable and disposable paper bag was life-changing.

 

Who invented the paper bag?

The first paper bags were invented in the 1800s, and Francis Wolle developed the first patents on mass-produced paper bags.

 

However, Wolle’s paper bag was weak, thin, and resembled an envelope more than a bag. These bags were flimsy, and their flaws were improved upon by other inventors, most notably Margaret E. Knight and Lydia Deubener, who developed stronger paper shopping bags with handles and flat bottoms. These are the shopping bags we use most often today.

 

How are Kraft shopping bags made?

To make a Kraft shopping bag, we start with Kraft paper. Kraft paper is created using unbleached wood pulp, which is broken down organically into smaller and smaller pieces.

 

Once the wood chips have disintegrated into a pulp, a paper-making machine presses the pulp into long sheets of thin paper.

 

Then, the paper is cut to the correct dimensions needed to create a paper shopping bag.

 

Another machine folds and glues the sections of cut paper to create the paper shopping bag we all know and love. Then, handles are added to the bag. While most Kraft shopping bags use a twisted paper handle, some feature folded paper handles, ribbon handles, and jute handles.

 

What are the benefits of using Kraft shopping bags?

Since Kraft paper is made of wood chips with no chemical fillers, it is biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Not only are Kraft paper shopping bags environmentally friendly—they are also one of the lowest-cost options out there today.

 

Kraft paper bags have the potential to be reused, and they’re extremely versatile. Any business can benefit from using Kraft paper shopping bags.

 

Purchase Kraft paper shopping bags wholesale from UCanPack

At UCanPack, we offer a variety of Kraft paper shopping bags and other Kraft paper products at wholesale prices to ensure your business thrives.

 

With various sizes available and affordable full-color CMYK printing, you can take advantage of all that Kraft paper has to offer while ensuring your brand image comes through clearly. Shop Kraft paper bags today at UCanPack.