The right paper bag does more than carry an order out the door — it protects the product, holds up to grease or weight, and puts your brand in a customer's hand. The wrong one splits on the way to the car or leaks through the bottom. For cafes, retailers and takeaway kitchens, picking the correct bag is a small decision that customers notice every day.
This guide runs through the main types of paper bag available in New Zealand, what each is best for, and how to choose handles, material and size — plus how buying by the carton keeps costs down.
Start with how the bag will be used
Paper bags fall into a few clear jobs. Nail the use first and the type follows:
- Retail carry — boutiques, gifts and events, where presentation and a comfortable handle matter.
- Takeaway and food service — hot chips, baked goods and counter service, where grease resistance and strength come first.
- Bakery and deli — bread, pastries and loose goods that need a tall or breathable bag.
- Coffee and dry goods — resealable, often with a window, to display and keep product fresh.
The main paper bag types
| Bag type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Flat / satchel bags | Counter service, fruit and veg, hardware, filled foods — quick to fill, no handle |
| Block-bottom (SOS) bags | Stand-up filling of groceries and bulkier goods; sit open on the bench |
| Handle bags | Retail and boutique carry, gifts, events — customer carries by hand |
| Greaseproof bags | Hot, oily or buttery takeaway food that would soak through plain paper |
| Bread & bottle bags | Loaves, baguettes and bottles — tall, narrow shapes |
| Tin-tie bags | Coffee, deli and retail goods needing a resealable top, often with a display window |
Explore each range: flat paper bags, block-bottom (SOS) bags, handle paper bags, greaseproof bags, bread & bottle bags, tin-tie bags and coffee bags.
Choosing the handle
For carry bags, the handle affects both comfort and cost:
- Twist handle — a rounded paper handle that's comfortable to carry and looks premium; a popular retail choice.
- Flat handle — a flat paper tape handle, sturdy and economical for everyday retail.
- Die-cut (D-cut) handle — a hole punched in the bag itself; lightweight and low-cost for lighter goods.
Match the handle to the weight you're carrying — twist and flat handles for heavier retail loads, die-cut for lighter items.
Kraft, white, greaseproof and recycled
The paper itself matters for both looks and function:
- Brown kraft — strong, natural and the default eco look; the most popular choice for retail and takeaway.
- White — a cleaner, brighter presentation where branding calls for it.
- Greaseproof — treated to resist oil for hot and fatty foods.
- Recycled and compostable — recycled kraft and RecycleMe-style options for brands prioritising sustainability.
Most NZ cafes and retailers lean on brown kraft for the natural look and strength, stepping up to greaseproof for food and white where the branding suits it.
Sizes and buying in bulk
Paper bags are sold by the carton, so the per-bag cost drops sharply at volume. A few tips:
- Stock two or three sizes that match your typical orders rather than one compromise size — it reduces waste and looks tidier.
- Buy by the carton to bring the unit cost down and avoid running short at the counter.
- Set up a trade account for tiered pricing that improves as your volumes grow — worth it if bags are a weekly reorder.
The quick answer
Choose the type by the job: flat or block-bottom for counter service and groceries, handle bags for retail carry, greaseproof for hot food, and tin-tie for coffee and resealable retail. Go with brown kraft for strength and the natural look, match the handle to the weight, stock a couple of sizes, and buy by the carton on a trade account to keep costs down.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between flat and block-bottom paper bags?
Flat (satchel) bags lie flat and are quick to fill over the counter. Block-bottom (SOS) bags have
a square base so they stand up on their own, which suits groceries and bulkier goods.
Which paper bags are best for hot or greasy food?
Greaseproof paper bags are treated to resist oil, so they hold up to hot chips, pastries and
buttery or fatty foods without soaking through.
Are brown kraft paper bags recyclable?
Yes — plain brown kraft paper bags are widely recyclable, and recycled and compostable options
are available for brands focused on sustainability.
Can I buy paper bags wholesale in NZ?
Yes — paper bags are sold by the carton at wholesale prices, and trade accounts receive tiered
pricing that improves with volume. Browse the full paper bags
range or email sales@nzpackaging.nz for a quote on
quantity, or see the full range.
