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The history and development of kraft paper bags
Release time:
Oct 27,2025
In the 21st century, kraft paper bags have become an indispensable part of modern life. We use them to carry groceries home, pack lunches, and transport everyday purchases. Retailers adopt them as an eco-friendly blank canvas for branded packaging, while creative individuals transform them into art projects or even Halloween masks. Simple yet practical, kraft paper bags have evolved into an everyday necessity that supports both convenience and sustainability.
History of the Brown Paper Bag
Before paper bags were invented, people relied on baskets, bowls, and cloth sacks for storage and transportation. The emergence of a lightweight, disposable, and affordable container was nothing short of revolutionary. Store owners could stack these bags in bulk, offering customers an easier, cleaner way to carry goods. Their low cost and convenience made them accessible to everyone, marking a new era in everyday packaging.
Around 1844, German inventor Friedrich Gottlob Keller pioneered the art of making paper from wood pulp, an innovation that significantly advanced the paper industry and laid the groundwork for the first commercial paper bag. In 1852, American botanist Francis Wolle invented the first paper bag-making machine, allowing mass production and quickly spreading the technology across France, Britain, and other parts of Europe. As industrial methods evolved, plywood-based paper bags and improved stitching techniques gradually replaced traditional cotton sacks once used for bulk cargo.
The Birth of the Kraft Paper Shopping Bag
The first kraft paper shopping bag was developed in 1908 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Local grocer Walter Deubener (sometimes spelled Duvina) wanted to encourage customers to purchase more items at once. He envisioned a prefabricated bag that was strong, inexpensive, and capable of carrying heavy loads—up to 75 pounds. After numerous experiments, he identified kraft paper as the ideal material.
Kraft paper is made from pulped coniferous trees with long fibers that provide superior tensile strength. During processing, it is treated with mild chemicals such as caustic soda and sodium sulfide, preserving much of the wood’s natural durability. The resulting paper is tough, flexible, and resistant to tearing—perfect for carrying heavy items. Four years later, Deubener introduced the first rectangular-bottom kraft paper shopping bag, which offered greater volume than traditional V-shaped versions. He strengthened the bag with cords running along the sides and bottom and added two pull handles for easy carrying. In 1915, Deubener patented his invention, and by then, annual sales had exceeded one million.
Transforming the Shopping Experience
The introduction of the kraft paper bag revolutionized retail. For the first time, shoppers could buy more than they could physically carry by hand, making shopping easier and more enjoyable. Although it may be an exaggeration to say the kraft paper bag single-handedly transformed the retail industry, it undeniably influenced how businesses viewed customer convenience. This focus on improving the shopping experience paved the way for innovations like supermarket baskets and shopping carts—tools that have since become retail staples.
The Rise and Fall of Kraft Paper Bags
For more than fifty years, kraft paper bags continued to evolve. Manufacturers improved material strength and introduced customized printing, allowing businesses to use bags as branding tools. Kraft paper bags became a symbol of quality and service in retail.
However, by the mid-20th century, the introduction of plastic shopping bags triggered another major shift. Plastic bags were lighter, waterproof, and cheaper to produce. Their practicality quickly overshadowed kraft paper, which gradually faded into the background. By the late century, paper bags were mainly reserved for boutique packaging—used for skincare products, books, and apparel—often associated with “nostalgia,” “naturalness,” or “eco-friendliness.”
The Environmental Comeback
The decline didn’t last forever. With the global anti-plastic movement gaining momentum, kraft paper bags made a strong comeback. Consumers and brands alike began recognizing the environmental costs of single-use plastics. In 2006, McDonald’s China took a notable step by introducing insulated kraft paper takeout bags to replace plastic ones, symbolizing a broader industry shift toward sustainability.
Governments around the world followed with bans and taxes on plastic bags, further fueling demand for recyclable, biodegradable alternatives. Kraft paper bags, once nearly forgotten, have now reclaimed their place as a responsible and stylish packaging choice.
Modern Paper Bag Designs
Paper bag designs have evolved significantly to meet diverse consumer and retail needs. Here are some common modern formats:
* SOS Bags: Self-opening square bags that stand upright while holding items. A classic choice for lunches and groceries, they come in natural kraft brown or vibrant dyed colors.
* Clip-Bottom Design Bags: These open-top bags have a pointed, envelope-like bottom and are ideal for baked goods, coffee, and dry foods.
* Trade Bags: Typically clip-bottomed, these versatile bags can hold crafts, snacks, or small gifts and are available in kraft, white, or custom colors.
* Tote Bags: Offering a more refined aesthetic, tote-style paper bags often feature rope handles, glossy finishes, and custom printing—perfect for retail and gifting.
* Bread Bags: Similar to sandwich bags, they are designed to maintain the freshness and flavor of baked goods such as bread, cookies, and pretzels.
* Recycled Bags: Made from 40% to 100% recycled materials, these eco-friendly options are ideal for sustainable brands and conscious consumers.
The Lasting Value of Kraft Paper Bags
Over the years, kraft paper bags have been improved to be stronger, lighter, and more affordable. Beyond functionality, they now serve as powerful marketing tools, allowing brands to express their identity while promoting sustainability. Even as plastic bags continue to dominate in some markets, kraft paper bags remain a symbol of responsibility, craftsmanship, and enduring value.
From their humble beginnings to their modern resurgence, kraft paper bags tell a story of innovation and environmental awareness. They remind us that practical design and sustainability can go hand in hand. Choosing kraft paper bags isn’t just a business decision—it’s a small but meaningful contribution to a cleaner planet. Join the eco-friendly movement—choose kraft paper bags and carry the future responsibly.
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