A paper bag is just a paper bag, right?

Perhaps this is true, but when a paper bag is being used in connection with your business, it can be so much more.

Have you ever considered that paper bags can be a powerful marketing tool? It's true! When paper bags are customized with your company's name, logo, and social media handles, they are immediately transformed into a means of keeping the public in touch with your brand. If you want to build greater brand awareness, custom paper bags are just one way to accomplish this.

Of course, it's essential to remember that paper bags do more than market your business. It further is crucial that they be functional. This means that the paper bag is appropriately sized to carry its contents. Additionally, the paper bag needs to be strong enough to stand up to use. This means that if you need bags that will transport heavy or bulky items, it is imperative that they be reinforced and made from heavier-weight paper.

When you start to think about it, it becomes apparent that a paper bag rarely is "just a paper bag." If you are ready to put paper bags to work for your business, then it's time to get in touch with Mid-Atlantic Packaging. We have design experts on staff who can provide the guidance and support that you need to design the perfect paper bags for your business no matter which industry you occupy.

Paper vs. Plastic

For many years, plastic bags have ruled the packaging scene. Cheap, easy to produce, and readily available, plastic bags were an obvious choice for a wide range of businesses.

Unfortunately, it turns out that there are serious negative consequences to relying on plastic bags. From manufacturing to disposal, plastic bags are an environmental nightmare. Many toxic chemicals go into their production, and facilities for recycling these bags are few and far between.

Moreover, plastic bags are too frequently improperly disposed of. They become litter in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Unable to biodegrade, plastic bags could spend decades destroying the appearance of the landscape.

Nowadays, Consumers are more environmentally conscious. This means that they want more environmentally friendly bag options, such as Recycled Kraft Paper Bags.

Even if plastic bags were not such an environmental nightmare, they are not exactly easy to use. They do not have flat bottoms that enable them to stand on their own. This can complicate the process of packing them with items as well as make it more difficult to remove items when they arrive at their destination.

Plastic bags also are subject to tears and holes that can undermine their integrity. There are few ways to more quickly anger consumers than providing them with a bag that isn't as functional as it should be.

Plus, consumers are far more aware of environmental concerns now than they were in decades past. Some of them will make snap judgments concerning your company based on its reliance on plastic bags. You can't afford to incur the distaste of members of the public who might otherwise become your customers.

Are you looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions for your company? Mid-Atlantic Packaging is your number-one resource for finding paper bags and other packaging that supports a healthier environment.

What Do Your Paper Bags Need to Do?

Your organization's paper bag needs will vary depending on your industry. For example, the bags that are required by a chocolate confectioner are bound to have different characteristics than those that are needed by a clothing retailer.

Once again, it becomes clear that paper bags are never "just paper bags." That's because this is one packaging solution that is incredibly customizable. They can have a place in virtually any industry and can be used to transport almost any item. From tiny and delicate to large and sturdy, paper bags can be customized to meet the needs of any brand.

At a minimum, the paper bags that you choose for your business need to be functional. This means that it is essential for you to consider the size and weight of the items that your bags will be carrying.

Do your goods mainly consist of small, light items that are relatively easy to carry? If so, then you don't necessarily need to worry about selecting paper bags that are heavy-duty. You can go with a lighter-weight material that is still perfectly adequate for its intended purpose.

What if your paper bags will need to carry things that might be greasy or that could be prone to spills or leaks? In this situation, it would be wise to carefully consider the paper material out of which your bags are made and how this material is treated.

Greaseproof paper bags are an ideal solution when your customers want to keep their hands clean. Plus, these bags remain strong and reliable no matter what their contents are.

You might want to consider specially coated paper if your bags may be transporting items that could leak or spill. Paper that is coated can keep liquids contained so that they don't get all over cars or your customers' homes.

Do you want your paper bags to be easier to carry? If so, then it could be wise to select paper bags that have handles. Frequently, these handles are constructed out of the same material from which the bag is made. However, it further is possible to select handles that are made of cord, twine, ribbon, or other materials. These items can be chosen to improve the bag's appearance as well as its comfort in the customer's hand.

To recap, some of the most basic considerations that will go into the design of your paper bags include:

• The size of the bag
• The material out of which the bag is made
• Whether or not the material should be greaseproof or coated
• Whether or not the customer's experience with the bags could be enhanced with the addition of handles

Just a few of the options that are available at Mid-Atlantic Packaging include paper bags that are made from colored paper, white paper, and recycled Kraft paper. We further offer solutions that are specifically made to contain gourmet food items and bags that are designed to stand open on their own to make them easier to fill and empty.

Any of these could be the ideal solution for your business. Contact Mid-Atlantic Packaging today to learn more about the available options.

Five Types of Paper Bags

In general, most paper bags fall into at least one of five categories. These categories are:

• Euro totes: A sophisticated carrier-style bag that is favored by many upscale retailers.
• Pinch bottom bags: Wide at the top, these bags easily remain open so that they can be loaded with several items. Common features include a glassine lining, an envelope-like seal, and a tapered end. These bags frequently are used for packaging edible items.
• SOS bags: The bottoms of these convenient bags are shaped like a box, enabling them to stand upright on their own. This makes them much easier to load and unload.
• Mailing bags: Not all of the bags that are used by your business will be hand-carried out of a brick-and-mortar location. If you will be shipping small, lightweight items, then you may want to consider investing in paper mailing bags that are functional and eco-friendly.

Chances are good that the paper bags that you choose for your brand will come from one of these categories. From reading these brief descriptions of these bags and their uses, you probably already have a pretty fair idea of which variety would work well for your business.

What About Customization?

This is where we get into the really fun stuff that the designers at Mid-Atlantic Packaging love. One of the best reasons for choosing paper bags for your business is that they are extremely versatile.

Of course, opting for simple brown or white paper bags is always a reliable solution. It's easy to print on these materials, and many brands appreciate the natural and unfussy look of these bags.

On the other hand, you might want to really dress up your paper bags in an exclusive color. Think about how closely associated Tiffany blue is with the famous jewelry store. It's not unusual for brands to choose a signature color or colors. When people see that color, their minds immediately go to the brand with which it is associated.

If you have chosen a particular color scheme for your business, then your custom paper bags can reflect this. The entire bag may be dyed to match your brand's signature color with a contrasting color being used for the brand's name, logo, and other identifying characteristics.

The same is true for any artwork or graphic designs that you would like to incorporate into your paper bags. Printing on paper is easy and inexpensive. You can give the entire bag an eye-catching pattern or choose to apply a design to just one area that immediately draws the eye. Bring your custom artwork to Mid-Atlantic Packaging, and our design team will apply it to paper bags for you.

What if you want paper bags that have a more luxurious appeal? Consider having your bags made with a special, heavy-weight paper with a unique finish. Available in glossy or matte finishes, these elegant and glamorous bags are customizable in a wide variety of colors and styles. Add handles in ribbon or another deluxe material, and you have a designer paper bag that your customers will covet.

Don't Forget the Basics

No matter how you ultimately decide to style your custom paper bags, it is wise to keep in mind that these bags need to make an immediate association with your brand.

This means that items such as your brand's name, logo, slogan, colors, or signature pattern need to be prominently displayed. Don't forget to include the address for your brick-and-mortar location and your website. Add your email address and social media handles for good measure.

The more ways that you can find to connect with your customer base, the better. Your custom-printed paper bags from Mid-Atlantic Packaging are just one more way that you can deepen your connection with your customers.

Getting it Right

From the size and the material to the colors and other aesthetic elements, getting your paper bags just right is critical to the success of your business venture. Get started on the right foot by contacting Mid-Atlantic Packaging for a custom packaging quote.

Mid-Atlantic Packaging can help you with every aspect of packaging from boxes and bags to attractive and functional fillers. Contact us to learn more.