When manufacturing custom paper bags for retail, jewelry, cosmetics, apparel, or corporate gifts, selecting the right paper grade and grammage (GSM ??grams per square meter) is fundamental to achieving both high structural integrity and premium brand presentation. Below is our factory guide to the four primary paper bag material categories, available weights, and recommended applications.
1. Art Paper (Coated Paper / Copperplate Paper)
Art paper features an ultra-smooth, clay-coated surface that delivers vibrant, photo-realistic 4-color CMYK and Pantone offset printing. It is almost always paired with matte or glossy lamination to prevent ink scuffing and reinforce fold durability.
- Available Grammages (GSM): 128g, 157g, 200g, 210g, 230g, 250g, 300g, 350g, 400g
- Optimal Weight: 200g ??250g with matte lamination is the international gold standard for luxury boutique shopping bags.
- Best Uses: High-end fashion boutiques, cosmetics, luxury jewelry packaging suites, corporate VIP gifting.
2. White Cardboard / Ivory Board (Virgin Wood Pulp)
Ivory board (white card) is manufactured from 100% virgin bleached chemical pulp. It features remarkable rigidity, high caliper thickness, and supreme puncture resistance, making it ideal for packaging that must hold substantial weight without sagging.
- Available Grammages (GSM): 190g, 210g, 230g, 250g, 300g, 350g, 400g
- Optimal Weight: 230g ??300g provides rigid standalone upright structure for premium retail presentation.
- Best Uses: Rigid gift bags, high-volume retail, watch and timepiece carrier bags, multi-piece jewelry suites.
3. White Kraft Paper (Eco-Friendly & Natural Elegance)
White kraft paper is manufactured through bleached kraft pulping, preserving natural long wood fibers for superior tensile strength while maintaining a clean, organic appearance. It is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and highly receptive to metallic foil stamping and spot UV accents.
- Available Grammages (GSM): 40g, 70g, 80g, 100g, 120g, 150g, 180g, 210g, 250g, 300g, 350g
- Optimal Weight: 150g ??180g for machine-formed shopping bags; 210g ??250g for hand-finished luxury shoppers.
- Best Uses: Clean beauty, organic skincare, sustainable jewelry brands, minimalist apparel labels.
4. Brown Kraft Paper (Classic Vintage & Unbleached Strength)
Made from unbleached virgin or recycled natural wood pulp, brown kraft paper offers maximum tear resistance and a tactile, earth-toned texture. It represents the quintessential eco-conscious packaging choice for brands prioritizing circularity and sustainability.
- Available Grammages (GSM): 40g, 70g, 80g, 100g, 120g, 150g, 180g, 210g, 250g, 300g, 350g
- Optimal Weight: 120g ??150g for automated supermarket/takeaway bags; 200g ??250g for boutique retail shoppers with card bottom inserts.
- Best Uses: Sustainable lifestyle goods, artisanal jewelry, vintage accessories, specialty retail.
Quick Comparison: Paper Bag Materials & Applications
| Material Type | Standard GSM | Print Resolution | Burst Strength | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Paper | 200 – 250 GSM | Ultra-High (CMYK) | High (Laminated) | Luxury Fashion & Jewelry |
| Ivory Board | 230 – 300 GSM | High | Very High | Heavy Goods & Watches |
| White Kraft | 150 – 210 GSM | Medium – High | High | Eco Cosmetics & Skincare |
| Brown Kraft | 120 – 200 GSM | Classic (1-2 Colors) | Maximum Tensile | Sustainable Retail & Gifting |
