Types of Paper Bags | Flat, Square Bottom, Greaseproof & More Explained


In the era of sustainable packaging, paper bags are not just an eco-friendly trend—they’re a vital part of brand identity, logistics, and customer experience. For business planners and packaging strategists, knowing the types of paper bags available helps guide material selection, machine investment, and overall packaging strategy.

This guide explores the most popular paper bag types, their typical uses, and relevant production considerations:

  • Square Bottom Paper Bags
  • Flat Food Bags / V-Bottom Paper Bags
  • Paper Bags with Plastic Windows
  • Greaseproof Paper Bags
  • Mailing Bags (E-commerce Paper Envelopes)
  • Paper Bags with Zippers
  • Double-layer Paper Bags
  • D-cut Paper Bags
Types of Paper Bags

1. Square Bottom Paper Bags

Square bottom bags—also known as block bottom bags—are among the most versatile in retail and food service.

Features:

  • Flat, reinforced bottom for standing display

  • Suitable for automatic packing

  • Common in groceries, coffee shops, takeaway food

Materials: Kraft paper, white paper, laminated variants

Production Tip: Need to produce them in-house? Explore the Square Bottom Paper Bag Machine for high-speed production.

Square Bottom Paper Bags

2. Flat Food Bags / V-Bottom Paper Bags

These V-bottom paper bags, also called flat and satchel bags, are simple, cost-effective, and ideal for lightweight goods.

Features:

  • V-shaped bottom with side gussets

  • Flat when folded, easy to stack and transport

  • Common in bakeries, pharmacies, small shops

Use Case Example:

  • Satchel paper bags are frequently used for food items like pastries, sandwiches, and dry goods.

Machine Solution: Consider a Flat Bottom Paper Bag Machine if looking to scale up.

V-Bottom Paper Bags

3. Paper Bags with Plastic Windows

Combining visibility with sustainability, these bags feature a transparent window for product display.

Features:

  • Great for baked goods, coffee, pet treats, or retail packaging

  • Allows consumers to see the product without opening the bag

  • Requires laminated or hybrid material

Technical Note: Requires specialty materials and inline window-pasting modules.

Paper Bags with Plastic Windows

4. Greaseproof Paper Bags

Used widely in the food industry, greaseproof paper bags resist oil and moisture.

Applications:

  • Burgers, fries, donuts, and oily bakery items

  • Maintains hygiene and improves customer experience

Materials: PE-coated paper, waxed kraft, or naturally grease-resistant paper

Greaseproof Paper Bags

5. Mailing Bags (E-commerce Paper Envelopes)

With the rise of online shopping, paper mailing bags are gaining traction as an eco-alternative to plastic mailers.

Features:

  • Durable and tear-resistant paper

  • Self-adhesive flap or tamper-evident seal

  • Often padded or laminated for protection

Markets: Apparel, documents, subscription boxes

Mailing Bags

6. Paper Bags with Zippers

Though traditionally associated with plastic, paper zipper bags combine reusability with natural aesthetics.

Use Cases:

  • High-end food packaging (tea, snacks)

  • Refillable product packaging

Tip: Hybrid kraft-aluminum or kraft-plastic materials enable zipper functionality.

Paper Bags with Zippers

Summary Table: Common Paper Bag Types

Bag Type Common Use Bottom Style Special Features
Square Bottom Bag Retail, groceries, food delivery Square Strong base, machine-friendly
Flat (V-Bottom) Bag Bakery, pharmacy, snacks V-bottom Cost-effective, easy fold
Paper Bag with Window Coffee, cookies, dry goods V or Square Transparent window for display
Greaseproof Paper Bag Fries, burgers, oily baked goods Flat or Square Oil/moisture resistance
Mailing Paper Bag E-commerce, fashion items Flat Tamper-proof, laminated
Paper Zipper Bag Tea, snacks, refillables Square or Doypack Reusable zipper, premium look

Conclusion: Match Bag Type to Your Market

Choosing the right type of paper bag depends on product nature, consumer expectations, and distribution channels. Whether it's a greaseproof satchel bag for a bakery or a windowed square bottom bag for a coffee brand, matching function with form is essential.

Curious about how paper bags are actually produced? Check out our in-depth guide: How Are Paper Bags Made? | Paper Bag Manufacturing Process & Machines to explore the full journey from pulp to finished product.