When sourcing custom paper bags for your business, one of the first decisions you will face is whether to go with kraft paper bags or white paper bags. Both are excellent choices — but they serve different purposes, communicate different brand values, and suit different business types.
This guide breaks down the key differences between kraft and white paper bags so you can make the right decision for your brand, budget, and customer base.
What Are Kraft Paper Bags?
Kraft paper bags are made from kraft paper — a strong, durable paper produced through the kraft pulping process. The natural brown colour comes from the unbleached wood pulp. Kraft paper is known for its excellent tensile strength, tear resistance, and eco-friendly credentials.
Kraft bags are available in various forms: recycled brown kraft (most eco-friendly), virgin brown kraft (strongest), versa kraft (recycled with a cleaner appearance), and PCW (post-consumer waste) kraft.
What Are White Paper Bags?
White paper bags are made from bleached or coated white kraft paper. The white surface provides a clean, premium canvas for printing and gives bags a more polished, contemporary look compared to the natural rustic feel of brown kraft.
White kraft is available in standard bleached white, 40% PCW white kraft (partially recycled), and FSC-certified white kraft for businesses requiring sustainability documentation.
Brown kraft bags (left) vs white kraft bags (right) — both available in custom sizes and prints
Key Differences: Kraft vs White Paper Bags
| Factor | Kraft (Brown) | White Paper Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural, rustic, earthy | Clean, modern, premium |
| Print Quality | Good — earthy tones print well, lighter colours may appear muted | Excellent — all colours pop vividly on white surface |
| Eco Perception | Very high — looks naturally sustainable | Moderate — requires certification to confirm eco claims |
| Strength | Very high — especially virgin kraft | High — slightly lower tensile strength than unbleached kraft |
| Cost | Slightly lower — especially recycled kraft | Slightly higher — bleaching process adds cost |
| Best For | Grocery, food, bakery, eco brands, rustic retail | Fashion, cosmetics, luxury gifts, modern retail brands |
Which Should Your Business Choose?
Choose Kraft Paper Bags If:
- Your brand identity is natural, organic, artisan, or eco-conscious
- You are in food, grocery, bakery, or takeaway — where kraft is the industry standard
- You want the highest strength at the most cost-effective price point
- Your logo and design use darker, earthy tones that print well on kraft
Choose White Paper Bags If:
- Your brand is modern, clean, minimalist, or premium
- You want full-colour printing with vivid, accurate colour reproduction
- You are in fashion, cosmetics, beauty, or high-end retail
- Your logo uses light colours, pastels, or white elements that would be invisible on brown kraft
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. Many businesses order both kraft and white versions of the same bag — using kraft for everyday shopping bags and white for gift packaging or premium product lines. This gives you flexibility while keeping your branding consistent across both formats.
Our Twisted Handle Paper Bags are available in both brown and white kraft options. Our No-Handle Paper Bags also come in both materials, making them easy to mix and match.
Ready to Order Custom Paper Bags?
NextGen PaperBags manufactures directly from China and ships to the USA, Canada, and Europe. Get factory-direct pricing with full customization.