How to Print on Kraft Paper Bags - customdesignpackaging.com

1. Why Kraft Paper Bags Are the New Branding Canvas

You’ve seen them everywhere from that trendy coffee shop on Main Street to the handmade candle seller at your local market. Kraft paper bags have quietly replaced the shiny plastic ones we used to take for granted.

But here’s the thing: they’re not just about being eco-friendly anymore. They’ve become a subtle but powerful part of brand identity. The earthy tone, the matte finish, that satisfying crinkle when you open one it all speaks to authenticity and craftsmanship. And in 2025, that’s exactly what customers crave.

So if you’re a small business owner or a freelancer trying to stand out, your packaging isn’t just packaging. It’s storytelling. And today, we’re breaking down exactly how to print on kraft paper bags—from DIY ideas to wholesale printing—so your brand looks every bit as thoughtful as the product inside.

For a deeper dive into how packaging influences perception, check out our article on Why Custom Packaging is the Secret Ingredient for Brand Success.

2. What Makes Kraft Paper Bags So Popular?

Let’s be honest—nobody gets excited about plastic bags anymore. They feel impersonal, cheap, and frankly, outdated. Kraft paper bags, on the other hand, have something that plastic never will: soul.

They look natural, they feel premium, and they immediately send a message that you care about sustainability. According to a 2024 Nielsen report, over 73% of consumers in the U.S. said they’re more likely to purchase from a brand that uses eco-friendly packaging. That’s not just preference—that’s purchase behavior.

Plus, kraft paper bags are versatile. Whether you’re running a boutique, a bakery, or an online gift shop, they adapt easily to your brand’s look. You can keep them rustic and minimal, or go all in with vibrant prints and branded handles.

It’s the perfect mix of affordability, flexibility, and eco-conscious appeal—which is probably why even major retailers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods never ditched them.

To see how sustainability plays into brand loyalty, read our post on Top 5 Custom Packaging Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025.

3. Types of Kraft Paper Bags (And When to Use Each)

Not all kraft bags are created equal. Depending on your business, you might need something simple, or something that can carry a few pounds of product without tearing. Let’s walk through the main types and when to use them.

• Brown Kraft Paper Bags
These are your go-to classic—natural, rustic, and 100% recyclable. Perfect for bakeries, organic brands, and handmade items.

• White Kraft Paper Bags
If you’re going for a modern, clean aesthetic, white kraft bags are ideal. They provide a sharper contrast for printed logos and colorful designs.

• Kraft Paper Bags with Handles
Essential for retail stores, boutiques, or events. They’re sturdy, practical, and give your packaging a polished touch.

• Flat Kraft Paper Bags
These don’t expand at the bottom, making them best for small, lightweight products like greeting cards, jewelry, or stationery.

• Kraft Paper Bags with Window
A brilliant choice for food businesses. A small transparent window lets customers see your product before they buy—adding trust and visual appeal.

• Large and Small Kraft Paper Bags
Large ones work great for apparel and bulk items, while small kraft paper bags are perfect for gifts, accessories, or thank-you packaging.

And if you’re sourcing in bulk or wholesale kraft paper bags, always check the GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the GSM, the stronger the bag.

For more guidance on packaging sizes and material choices, read our guide on How Custom Packaging Boosts Sales and Builds Trust.

4. Printing Methods for Kraft Paper Bags

Here’s where things get interesting. Printing on kraft paper bags isn’t just about slapping your logo on a brown surface. The method you choose can completely change how your brand is perceived—both in look and feel.

a) Screen Printing

A classic favorite for small runs. You can print manually or with a basic screen-printing setup. It gives a bold, textured finish—perfect for simple logos or text designs.
Best for: Small businesses, handmade sellers, DIY creators.
Avoid for: Complex multicolor prints.

b) Flexographic Printing

Think of it as the industrial version of stamping. It’s fast, cost-effective for bulk orders, and ideal if you’re working with one or two colors.
Best for: Bulk kraft paper bags or wholesale runs.
Avoid for: Small batches (setup costs can add up).

c) Digital Printing

The modern option. Perfect for full-color prints, gradients, or photographic logos. It’s quick, flexible, and doesn’t require plates like flexography does.
Best for: Custom printed kraft paper bags with complex designs.
Avoid for: Very large orders (per-unit cost can be higher).

d) Offset Printing

Offers exceptional color accuracy and sharpness—great for premium branding. The setup is more technical, but results are stunning.
Best for: Branded kraft paper bags for fashion, luxury, or corporate clients.
Avoid for: DIY or short-run printing.

e) Hot Stamping / Foil Embossing

Adds metallic accents—think gold logos or silver text. It screams premium.
Best for: Gift shops, luxury brands, seasonal collections.
Avoid for: Rustic or minimal eco brands.

So, which one’s best for you?
If you’re starting small—go screen or digital. For growing brands ordering thousands, flexo or offset printing will save cost per unit.

5. Designing for Print: Before You Hit ‘Print’

A great kraft bag starts with a great design. But here’s the trick: kraft paper’s earthy texture and color can slightly distort print colors. That’s why your design file needs special attention.

Here are a few tips:

Use high-contrast colors. White, black, and bold colors like navy or maroon pop best on brown kraft.
Keep it simple. Clean logos and typography often look more elegant than busy graphics.
Use vector files (AI, SVG, or PDF) to ensure sharp printing.
Maintain 300 DPI resolution for clarity.
Leave 0.125 inches around the edges as a bleed area.
Design in CMYK color mode.

A pro tip: if your design uses light tones, consider white kraft paper bags instead. The colors will appear brighter and truer.

6. Custom Printed & Personalized Kraft Bags

Now, this is where branding magic happens.
Custom kraft paper bags aren’t just a packaging choice—they’re a walking advertisement. Imagine customers carrying your bag through a busy street—that’s free marketing.

Small brands often overlook this. But adding your logo, tagline, or even a QR code can make your packaging feel more premium without spending much.

Here’s how different businesses use personalization:

Cafés & Bakeries: Custom printed kraft bags with handles—perfect for takeout.
Boutiques: Branded kraft paper bags in black or white for a luxury vibe.
Online Sellers: Personalized kraft paper bags with thank-you notes for that handmade charm.

You can even add simple custom stamps for a low-cost DIY approach. Etsy sellers do this all the time—and it works beautifully.

7. How to Print on Kraft Paper Bags at Home (or Small Scale)

You don’t need industrial machines to start printing on kraft paper bags. You can do it right from your workshop, kitchen table, or garage.

DIY Screen-Printing Method

Tools You’ll Need

Blank kraft paper bags (brown or white)
A silk screen and squeegee
Acrylic ink (non-toxic)
Masking tape
Your stencil (cut from vinyl or printed film)

Steps

Tape your stencil to the screen.
Place the screen on top of the bag where you want the design.
Apply ink along the top edge and pull it down using the squeegee.
Lift the screen carefully.
Let the print dry for at least 2–3 hours.

You can also use rubber stamps with quick-dry ink pads—perfect for small businesses printing a few dozen bags per week.

8. Scaling Up: Wholesale and Bulk Printing

Once your brand grows, it’s time to move beyond DIY. Printing kraft paper bags wholesale gives you access to better prices, higher consistency, and professional finishing.

Suppliers like UPrinting, Vistaprint, and Alibaba offer bulk custom printing—you can choose bag sizes, paper thickness, handle types, and finishes.

When sourcing:

Ask for samples before bulk ordering.
Check printing compatibility—some bags are coated and need special ink.
Verify handle quality—twisted paper handles are stronger than flat ones.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Usually 250–500 units.

Order slightly extra. There’s always minor variation during mass printing.

9. Packaging Trends for 2025

2025 packaging trends point toward subtle luxury meets sustainability—earthy materials, minimalist prints, and soft tones are in.

Here’s what’s trending:

White kraft paper bags for high-end minimalism.
Brown kraft with foil accents for eco-luxury balance.
Personalized handles (braided cotton or jute).
Printed QR codes linking to your Instagram or website.
Matte finish coatings that resist fingerprints.

Brands like Aesop and Blue Bottle Coffee have mastered this understated elegance—simple kraft bags, clean typography, timeless appeal.

10. Where to Source High-Quality Kraft Paper Bags

Reliable U.S. and global suppliers include:

UPrinting.com – Custom sizes, digital or offset printing, fast turnaround.
PaperMart.com – Great for brown kraft paper bags in bulk.
Alibaba – Wholesale suppliers (compare MOQ and shipping costs).
Vistaprint – For branded kraft paper bags with handles and premium print.
Etsy – Handmade sellers offering small-batch, personalized options.

Always review customer feedback, GSM (weight), and sample quality before finalizing.

11. Real Examples: Small Brands Doing It Right

Wild Bloom Boutique (California): Uses white kraft bags with gold foil logos—classy yet minimal.
Ground & Grains Bakery (Texas): Prints brown kraft paper bags with a window showing fresh pastries inside.
EcoNest Soap Co.: Uses flat kraft bags with hand-stamped logos for a rustic handmade feel.

Each of these brands understands one thing—the bag is part of the product experience.

12. Final Thoughts: Your Bag Is Your Billboard

We often spend weeks perfecting our logo, website, and product photos—but forget that the first thing customers actually touch is the packaging.

Your kraft paper bag isn’t just a carrier—it’s your handshake with the customer. It’s what they see, hold, and sometimes even reuse.

So whether you’re just starting out with DIY printing or ordering thousands in bulk, treat your kraft paper bags as part of your brand story. Make them something worth remembering—because when your packaging speaks, people listen.

For more practical insights, check out Custom Cereal Box Packaging for U.S. Brands: Design, Print & Sell with Style to explore how storytelling in packaging boosts visibility and sales.