Custom Flat Paper Bags

From $0.65 / unit

500 units minimum · 7 days from approved proof

Custom flat paper bags are slim, non-gusseted bags made from flat front and back paper panels joined at the sides and base, with an open top. They store and ship completely flat and suit thin, lightweight products, which makes them the minimal counterpart to the gusseted Paper Tote Bag built for broader retail carrying.

Non-gusseted flat format
Stores and ships flat
Best for thin, lightweight products
Custom print and sizing

SKU PD-FLATPAPERBAGS

Configure your order Estimated quantity *

Bag dimensions (inches)

Paper weight Finish

Print coverage Handles

Target deadline Project details Artwork or spec file Optional. PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS, or PSD. Up to 3 files, 8 MB each.

Contact information

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Phone Company / brand

Final pricing depends on size, material, finishing, and quantity. Request a quote for exact pricing.

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Flat paper bags in mustard, burgundy, and cream, flat-fold construction with a die-cut carrying handle, holding a pastry.

Product Details

Overview & Specifications

What Is a Flat Paper Bag?

A flat paper bag is the simplest paper bag format: two flat panels sealed along the sides and bottom, with an open top and no side or base gusset. It has almost no depth, so it holds cards, stationery, small textiles or flat bakery items close to their own shape, and it does not stand on a base.

How a Flat Paper Bag Works

The format works through three production details.

Flat Front and Back Panels

The bag is made from paper folded or joined into a front and back panel, giving a slim profile with no expanding sides.

Sealed Sides and Base

The side and bottom edges are glued or sealed, leaving the top open for filling.

Open Top

The top stays open unless another feature is added, such as a fold-over flap, sticker seal or tin tie.

Anatomy of a Flat Paper Bag

01
Front Panel
Main logo and branding face.
02
Back Panel
Second print surface or back seam.
03
Side and Bottom Seams
Close the bag around the product.
04
Open Top
Filling edge, plain or with a thumb cut.
05
Optional Closure
Flap, sticker or tin tie where specified.

Artwork note

Front and back panels are flat and uninterrupted by gussets, so logos and copy sit edge to edge; seams are marked on the dieline.

Flat Paper Bag vs Paper Tote Bag at a Glance

Feature	Flat Paper Bag	Paper Tote Bag
Gusset	None	Side and/or base gusset
Handles	None, unless engineered handle treatment is specified	Twisted paper, rope, die-cut or ribbon
Stands upright	No	Yes, on its base
Best for	Thin, lightweight items	Boxed and multi-item purchases

Application guide

When Is a Flat Paper Bag the Right Choice?

A flat paper bag suits thin, lightweight products that do not need a standing base or handles: cards and stationery, small textiles and accessories, flat bakery items in suitable food-contact paper, and samples or inserts, especially where counter or storage space is limited.

01
Compact
Compact Flat Storage
The bag stays flat before filling, so stacks fit at counters and in fulfillment areas with limited storage, and each bag is opened as it is packed.
02
Simple
Simple Packaging for Thin Products
Cards, small textiles, flat bakery items and stationery fit without a broad base or extra depth.
03
Direct
Direct Branding Surface
Front and back panels give a clean area for logos, product information and simple campaign artwork.
04
Alternative
When Another Format May Fit Better
If the purchase is boxed, bulky or carried by hand, choose a Paper Tote Bag with gussets and handles. For rigid presentation around a product, see Custom Mailer Boxes or Tuck Boxes.

Flat Paper Bag Specifications

Custom flat paper bags are specified around width and height, product thickness, paper type and weight, seam and top finish, closure, print coverage and finishes, with the panels and seams set on a custom dieline for each size.

Specification	Available Configuration
Product Type	Non-gusseted paper bag
Category	Paper Bags
Structure Role	Core paper bag structure: flat, non-gusseted
Dimensions	Custom width × height, built around the product's size and thickness
Core Construction	Flat front and back panels sealed at sides and base, open top
Expansion	Minimal; no side or base gusset
Paper	Standard or heavy-duty kraft, white art paper, recycled paper; metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured paper
Paper Weight	About 50–150 gsm, matched to the product and handling
Closure	Open top; optional fold-over flap, sticker seal or tin tie
Handles	None, unless an engineered handle treatment is specified
Add-ons	Die-cut window (with or without film), grease-resistant paper where suitable
Print Coverage	One side, both sides or full wrap
Print Methods	Offset, digital, screen or flexographic printing; CMYK and Pantone spot colors
Coatings and Finishes	Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV
Performance	Weight and tear resistance depend on paper grade, dimensions and product load
Starting Price	From $0.65 / unit; final price depends on size, paper, print, finishes and quantity
Minimum Order	500 units
Standard Production	7 days from approved proof
Rush Production	Available on request
Shipping	Ships flat, USA and worldwide

How Flat Paper Bags Compare to Paper Tote Bags

Attribute	Flat Paper Bag	Paper Tote Bag
Construction	Two flat panels, no gusset	Gusseted geometry, side and/or base per project
Depth	Slim, close to the product	Set by the gusset
Handles	Not standard	Standard
Packed shape	Flat	Stands on its base
Typical paper	Lighter kraft or art paper	Kraft or art paper; base insert optional
Best fit	Cards, stationery, flat items	Boxes, apparel, gift sets

What Size Flat Paper Bag Do You Need?

Quote by width × height, measured flat. Because there is no gusset, the product's thickness takes up part of the width and height, so share the product's thickness as well as its face size.

There is no fixed size list: any practical size is built to order, across the full paper range below.

How Product Size Becomes Bag Size

The figures below are planning references, not fixed manufacturing rules; final allowances depend on product thickness, paper and closure.

Step	Typical Allowance
Product width to bag width	Add the product thickness plus about 10 mm (3/8 in)
Product height to bag height	Add the product thickness plus about 20–30 mm for the opening or flap
Fold-over flap	Add the flap depth to the height
Several flat items	Size to the stacked thickness

Paper Weight Reference

Paper	Typical Weight	Typically Suited To
Light kraft or white paper	About 50–70 gsm	Cards, tissue-wrapped items, flat bakery items
Standard kraft or art paper	About 80–120 gsm	Stationery, small textiles, accessories
Heavy-duty kraft or art paper	About 120–150 gsm	Heavier flat items and repeated handling

Important: These are reference figures. Weight and tear resistance depend on the paper grade, dimensions and product load, so the bag is confirmed on a sample with the actual product.

If you are unsure, share the product's width, height, thickness and weight with the quote request, and the bag is sized around it. For products near the depth limit of a flat bag, a sample confirms the fit before production.

Do Flat Paper Bags Stand Upright?

Not as a defining feature. With no base gusset, the bag lies flat when filled; for a bag that stands on its base, choose the Paper Tote Bag.

Customization

Customize Your Flat Paper Bags

Flat paper bags can be configured across width and height, paper type and weight, closure, windows, print coverage and finishes, chosen around the product's thickness and how it is packed.

Paper Weight and Dimensions

Choose paper weight, dimensions and print around the actual product thickness. Reference allowances are in the size guide.

Closure

Leave the top open, or add a fold-over flap, sticker seal or tin tie for products that should stay inside.

Windows

Add a die-cut window, with or without clear film, to show flat bakery items or merchandise; see Paper Bags With Window for window-led designs.

Grease-Resistant and Specialty Papers

Use grease-resistant paper for oily bakery items, or metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured paper for presentation, only where the substrate and use support it.

Print and Finishes

Offset, digital, screen or flexographic printing in CMYK and Pantone spot colors can be paired with matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV.

Sustainability Options

Uncoated kraft or recycled paper is a fiber-based bag that may simplify the material mix; laminations, inks, window film and closures affect local recyclability.

Ordering

How to Order Custom Flat Paper Bags

Ordering custom flat paper bags takes five steps: share the product and requirements, confirm the size, paper and dieline, approve the artwork proof, move into production, and ship flat. Orders start at 500 units, with standard production in 7 days from approved proof after the final specification is confirmed.

01
Request a Quote
Share the product's width, height, thickness and weight, quantity, paper preference, closure and finishes. Packaging Dock typically responds to quote requests within 24 hours.
02
Confirm the Size and Dieline
Bag width, height, paper and closure are developed around the product. Packaging Dock then provides a custom dieline showing the panels, seams and any window or flap.
03
Approve the Artwork and Proof
Artwork is prepared on the dieline with free design support available. The proof is reviewed for panel artwork, seam placement and finishes before approval.
04
Production
Production begins after the artwork proof and final specification are approved. Standard production is 7 days from approved proof, with rush production available on request.
05
Shipping
Finished flat paper bags ship flat across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

Sample note: A pre-production sample can be arranged to check the fit with your product, the paper and the print before the full production run.

Uses

What Are Flat Paper Bags Used For?

Flat paper bags are used for stationery and cards, flat bakery items in suitable food-contact paper, small apparel and accessory items, and samples, inserts and lightweight retail products.

01
Stationery and Cards
Greeting cards, prints and stationery sets in a slim branded bag. More formats are covered under Retail Packaging.
02
Flat Bakery Items
Cookies, pastries and flatbreads in grease-resistant or food-suitable paper, where the paper, inks and coatings suit the food. More formats are covered under Bakery Packaging and Bakery Paper Bags.
03
Small Apparel and Accessories
Socks, scarves, jewelry pouches and folded accessories at checkout or in online orders. More formats are covered under Apparel & Fashion Packaging.
04
Samples, Inserts and Lightweight Items
Product samples, brochures and gift inserts in a branded sleeve-style bag. More formats are covered under E-commerce Packaging.

Structures

Explore Other Paper Bag Structures

Flat paper bags are one of two core paper bag structures. Compare the other format below, or explore the complete Paper Bags range.

Paper Tote Bag

Gussets and attached handles make a bag that stands and carries boxed purchases.

FAQ

Flat Paper Bag FAQs

What is a flat paper bag?

A flat paper bag is a non-gusseted paper bag made from flat front and back panels sealed at the sides and base, with an open top, for thin and lightweight products.

Are flat paper bags the same as paper tote bags?

No. Flat paper bags are non-gusseted and designed for thinner products. A Paper Tote Bag uses an expanded carry format with handles and greater volume.

Do they stand upright?

Not as a defining feature. The simple flat construction does not create the broad standing base associated with tote or SOS-style bags.

Do flat paper bags have handles?

Not as standard. A separate engineered handle treatment can be specified, but bags that need carrying handles are usually paper totes.

Are they food safe?

Only when the actual paper, inks, coatings and contact conditions are suitable for the intended food use.

How do you measure for a flat paper bag?

Measure the product's width, height and thickness; the bag's flat width and height add the thickness plus a small clearance and any flap.

Can flat paper bags be closed?

Yes. A fold-over flap, sticker seal or tin tie can be added; otherwise the top stays open.

Can flat paper bags use grease-resistant paper?

Yes, where the selected paper and treatment suit the application, such as oily or buttery bakery items.

Can a window be added?

Yes. A die-cut window, with or without clear film, can show the product inside.

What paper weight should I choose?

As a guide, about 50–70 gsm suits cards and flat bakery items, 80–120 gsm suits stationery and small textiles, and 120–150 gsm suits heavier flat items.

Are flat paper bags recyclable?

Uncoated kraft and paper bags are fiber-based; recyclability depends on laminations, inks, window film and local facilities.

What is the minimum order for custom flat paper bags?

The minimum order is 500 units, with larger runs priced against the confirmed specification.

How long does production take?

Standard production is 7 days from approved proof once the final specification is confirmed, and rush production is available on request.

How much do custom flat paper bags cost?

Pricing starts from $0.65 per unit. The final price depends on size, paper, print coverage, closure, finishes and quantity. Quote requests typically receive a response within 24 hours.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes. Complimentary sample kits ship within two business days; the customer covers shipping. A pre-production sample can also check the fit with your product.

Where do you ship custom flat paper bags?

Orders ship flat across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

What artwork file formats can I submit?

The quote form accepts PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS and PSD files, up to 3 files at 8 MB each. A custom dieline with seams marked is provided, with free design support.