Hey everyone! Let’s cut to the chase—if you’re here, you’re probably either hunting for paper bags for your small business, restocking for an event, or just curious about what options are actually out there when you ditch plastic. As a paper bag supplier, I’ve lost count of how many times a customer’s first question is, “Wait, what colors even exist for these bags?” It’s not a dumb question, honestly—most people only think “brown kraft” or “white,” but the range is way bigger, and there’s a reason we don’t just stick to the basics. Let’s break it down, no fancy jargon, just real talk from someone who’s been in the bag game for years. Paper Bag
First, let’s start with the OG color: kraft brown. This is the stuff most people picture when they hear “paper bag.” But hold up, it’s not just one brown. Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, and the natural color varies depending on the type of wood, how it’s processed, and even where it’s sourced. There’s light kraft, which is like a warm, sandy tan—super popular for cafes and bookstores because it feels casual and earthy, not too harsh. Then there’s dark kraft, almost like a deep chocolate brown, that has a richer, more vintage vibe. We get a lot of request for dark kraft for craft fairs or small boutique shops that want a more rustic, timeless look, not the bright, processed brown you might see on cheap grocery bags. Fun fact: unbleached kraft is also the most eco-friendly option, since it doesn’t go through the bleaching process, so if sustainability is your top priority, brown kraft is your go-to.
Next up: white paper bags. Again, not just plain white. There’s unbleached white? Wait, no, actually, white paper has to go through bleaching, so we have two main types here. Bright white is the one most grocery stores use—super white, crisp, easy to print on, but it’s not the most eco-friendly because of the chemicals used in bleaching. Then there’s natural white, sometimes called “cream” or “off-white,” which is a softer, more muted tone, like the color of old notebook paper. It’s less harsh than bright white, feels a little warmer, and is still way more eco-friendly than bright white because the bleaching process is milder or doesn’t use chlorine (we stick to chlorine-free bleaching for all our white bags, by the way). Natural white is huge for makeup brands, clothing boutiques, and wedding favors because it feels elegant without being over-the-top.
Now, if you want something that stands out, not just neutrals—this is where it gets fun. We use two main methods to color paper bags, and that determines how vivid and long-lasting the color is. First, there’s dyed-in-the-mass (or “core dyed” for short). That means we mix the pigment right into the wood pulp before we make the paper, not just paint it on the surface. The big perk here? The color doesn’t chip or fade, even if the bag gets wet or rubbed around. That’s a game-changer for people who are using bags for groceries, market stalls, or something that’s going to be handled a lot. Then there’s surface printing, which is what you’re thinking of when you see logos or designs on bags. Wait, but hold on—some people think printing is just for logos, but you can print solid colors too. It’s a little more cost-effective for larger orders, but the color is on the surface, so it can scratch if you’re not careful. We always tell customers: if you want a solid color that’s going to be durable, go core dyed. If you want a custom shade with a logo, surface printing is your guy.
Let’s talk about the actual colored shades, because there’s way more than just “pink” or “blue.” The most popular core dyed colors are pastels first. Pastels are huge right now—soft pink, mint green, baby blue, lavender. They’re perfect for small businesses that want a cute, approachable vibe without being too loud. A lot of gift shops and bakery brands go for pastels, because they match with almost any packaging or decor. Then there’s the bold, vibrant colors: fiery red, sunny yellow, royal blue, emerald green. These are for brands that want to make a statement. If you’re a coffee shop, a bold red bag makes your order stand out when customers carry it around the neighborhood. If you’re a kids’ party supply company, bright yellow or orange bags pop in photos, which is great for social media (super important for small businesses these days).
Wait, and we can do custom shades too! If your brand has a specific color—like if your logo is a teal that’s not exactly a standard mint or blue—we can mix the pigment to match exactly. I’ve had customers come to us for a custom purple that matches their craft line’s packaging, or a deep navy that’s darker than our standard royal blue. The only thing to note is that custom colors usually require a minimum order, because we have to set up the dye mix and adjust the pulp, but it’s totally worth it if you want your bags to be totally on-brand.
Also, let’s not forget about specialty finishes that change how the color looks. A lot of people don’t know this, but you can get paper bags with metallic colors—gold, silver, rose gold, bronze. These are printed on, usually with a foil stamping process, and they make the bag look way more luxurious. Wedding planners, jewelry brands, and high-end clothing stores go crazy for metallic bags, because they feel premium without the cost of fabric bags. Then there’s matte vs. glossy. Matte colors are more common for everyday use—they don’t show fingerprints, feel more natural, and are easier to print on. Glossy bags have a shiny coating, which makes colors pop more, but they do show smudges a little easier. We also have textured bags sometimes, like linen texture or kraft bags with a slight rough finish, which makes the color look more unique and rustic.
Now, let’s get real about something a lot of customers worry about: are colored paper bags eco-friendly? Because that’s the big thing right now, right? A lot of people think dyed bags are worse for the environment, but it depends on how we do it. The dyes we use are water-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable—no harsh chemicals that will leach into landfills. Core dyed bags are actually just as recyclable as plain brown or white bags, because the pigment is mixed into the pulp, not a separate layer. The only thing is, avoid bags with plastic coatings (like some glossy bags that use plastic finishes) if you want them to be 100% recyclable or compostable. All our bags, whether they’re colored or not, are recyclable and compostable, no weird additives. I always tell customers that going colored doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sustainability—just make sure you’re working with a supplier that uses safe dyes, not cheap stuff that’s bad for the planet.
Wait, let’s also cover the different types of paper bags and how color works for them. Like, flat paper bags vs. gusseted bags? Flat bags are thinner, usually for small items like gift cards or jewelry, and they work great for printed colors, since the surface is smooth. Gusseted bags are the ones with the flat bottom that can hold more—groceries, clothing, bulk items. Core dyed gusseted bags are super popular for farmers markets, because they hold a lot, the color doesn’t fade when they get wet from produce, and they’re sturdy. We also have handle options, right? Handles can be the same color as the bag, or a contrasting color. A lot of customers do black handles on a tan kraft bag, or white handles on a black bag, which adds a little extra pop without being too much.
Let me give you some examples of what customers are actually asking for lately, just to make this relatable. Last month, a local bakery ordered soft pink gusseted bags with white printed logos for their Valentine’s Day cookies—they wanted something cute but not too cheesy, and the natural pink dye worked perfectly. A small coffee shop downtown ordered core dyed dark brown bags with red handles, because they wanted a warm, cozy vibe that matched their brand. And a wedding planner ordered custom rose gold metallic bags for wedding party favors, because they wanted something that looked fancy but still affordable, unlike satin bags. Oh, and I had a client who sells plant-based snacks, so they went with natural white bags with a light green print—super earthy, on-brand, and way more sustainable than plastic.
Now, let’s clear up a common myth: you don’t have to stick to one color for your whole line. A lot of brands mix and match colors to create sets, or use different colors for different products. Like, a skincare brand might use soft blue for their face wash bags, soft pink for their moisturizer, and natural white for their face masks—makes it easy for customers to tell what’s inside just by looking at the bag. That’s a great trick for small businesses, especially if you have multiple product lines.
Wait, what about cost? I know that’s a big factor for most people. Brown kraft and natural white are the cheapest, since they’re the base colors. Pastel core dyed bags are a little more, but not by much—usually a 10-15% markup, which is worth it for the extra appeal. Bold core dyed and metallic bags are a little more expensive, because the pigments are pricier, but still way cheaper than fabric bags or plastic alternatives. Surface printing for custom logos is usually included or a small extra fee, whereas core dyed is more for solid colors. I always tell customers to budget for what makes sense for their brand—if you’re a small local cafe, pastels or standard brown are perfect. If you’re a boutique that wants to stand out, go bold or metallic.
Now, if you’re reading this and you’re ready to pick colors for your bags, here’s a quick tip: think about your brand identity. Are you casual and earthy? Go brown kraft or natural white. Are you fun and playful? Bright pastels or bold colors. Are you high-end? Metallics or deep, rich tones like navy or forest green. Also, think about where your bags will be used—if they’re going to be in the sun a lot (like farmers markets), go core dyed so the color doesn’t fade. If they’re for indoor use (like retail bags), surface printed solid colors work great too.
At the end of the day, the colors available for paper bags are way more varied than most people realize, and you don’t have to settle for boring plain brown. Whether you want something sustainable, durable, bold, or elegant, there’s an option that fits. I’ve been supplying paper bags for years, and the best part is helping a customer find the perfect color that makes their brand pop. If you’re looking to place an order, have questions about custom colors, or just want to chat about what would work for your business, hit us up—we’re here to help, no pressure, just honest advice. We can send samples, talk through minimums, and make sure you get exactly what you need. Don’t overcomplicate it, just pick colors that feel like your brand, and the rest will fall into place.
Adhesive Sticker References:
- TAPPI. (2022). Paper and Paperboard Colors: Manufacturing and Applications. Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry.
- Environmental Paper Network. (2021). Guide to Colored Paper Products & Sustainability.
- Smith, L. (2023). Retail Packaging Trends: Paper Bag Color Preferences for Small Businesses. Packaging Insights Magazine.
- USDA Forest Service. (2020). Kraft Pulp Processing and Natural Color Variations. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Jiaxing Liandong Packaging Materials Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional paper bag suppliers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please rest assured to wholesale bulk high quality paper bag for sale here from our factory. We also accept customized orders.
Address: Room 702, Building 3, Huabang Jinzuo, No. 365, Baichi North Road, Wuyuan Street, Haiyan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
E-mail: jxliandong@163.com
WebSite: https://www.liandongpacking.com/
