Overview & Specifications
What Are Recycled Paper Bags?
Recycled paper bags are paper bags where the paper contains recycled fiber. How much, and whether it is post-consumer, depends on the paper chosen and its documentation. Recycled content and recyclability are separate claims.
Recycled Paper Bags sit in the Paper Bags range and under Sustainable Packaging.
What it has to do
What a Recycled Paper Bag Has to Get Right
A recycled paper bag has to use documented paper, state content accurately, keep recyclability separate and review added components. Each need below is matched to the option that meets it.
01
Documented
Documented Paper
Recycled kraft, recycled white paper, or a stated recycled-content grade from the supplier.02
Accurate
Accurate Content
Percentage and type, including post-consumer content, come from documentation, not assumptions.03
Recycled
Recycled Is Not Recyclable
Recyclability depends on the full construction and local collection and reprocessing.04
Components
Components Reviewed
Handles, coatings and laminations are considered before any environmental claim is printed.
Recycled vs Standard Paper Bags
Choose recycled paper when a documented recycled-content claim matters, and standard paper when it does not. The table compares the two.
| Attribute | Recycled Paper Bag | Standard Paper Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Recycled kraft or white | Kraft, white art or specialty |
| Content claim | From documentation | None implied |
| Recyclability | Depends on construction | Depends on construction |
| Formats | Flat or tote | Flat or tote |
Recycled Paper Bags Specifications
Recycled Paper Bags are specified around the contents, the paper and the bag format. Review the specifications below to plan the bag.
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Material-led paper bag |
| Category | Paper Bags |
| Structure | Flat Paper Bags, Paper Tote Bag or approved format |
| Dimensions | Custom width × gusset × height |
| Paper | Recycled kraft, recycled white paper, or documented recycled-content paper |
| Paper Weight | About 50–150 gsm for flat bags; About 100–250 gsm for tote bags, matched to the load and handle style |
| Handles | Twisted paper, twisted rope, die-cut or ribbon on tote bags; none on flat bags unless specified |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window (open or with clear PET film), paperboard bottom insert, reinforced top edge, tin tie |
| Recycled Content | Percentage and type stated only from supplier documentation |
| Post-Consumer Content | Verified separately |
| Recyclability | Depends on the full construction and local systems |
| 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, according to the paper |
| Starting Price | From $1.25 / unit; final price depends on size, paper, handles, 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 Do You Specify a Recycled Paper Bag?
Choose the format and size, then the documented paper, then review handles and finishes against the claim. The final specification is set on the approved dieline.
| Measurement | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Format | Flat or tote |
| Paper | Recycled kraft or white |
| Content | Documented percentage and type |
| Claim | Wording to be printed |
Check the Claim Against the Paper
Compare the printed claim with the supplier documentation for the paper before approval.
What to Check Before Bulk Production
Review a sample in the documented paper with the final artwork. Record the approved paper, content and claim wording on the signed-off sample.
| If the sample shows | Review before approval |
|---|---|
| Claim not documented | Remove or qualify it |
| Lamination conflicts with claim | Remove or change it |
| Print shifts on recycled paper | Review color on a sample |
| Handle strains | Review construction and fit, then check another packed sample |
Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately.
