Popular Paper Bag Materials – Paper Bags & Their Materials

Popular Material for Paper Bags

Paper bags have been gaining a lot of attraction in the packaging industry. Not only are they cheap to purchase in bulk and easy to customize, but as cities and states pass laws against plastic bags, they’re becoming the only packaging option for many companies. Even if plastic isn’t currently banned where you do business, transitioning away from plastic to recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials like paper is a good move to make.

As with bags made from other materials, paper bags come in many shapes and sizes. Each of these bags serves a different purpose and are manufactured for different properties. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common paper bag materials before diving into the different types of paper bags that are manufactured from these materials.

Bags Made from Paper

Paper bags have been gaining a lot of attraction in the packaging industry. Not only are they cheap to purchase in bulk and easy to customize, but as cities and states pass laws against plastic packaging, they’re becoming the only packaging option for many companies. Even if plastic isn’t currently banned where you do business, transitioning away from plastic to recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials like paper is a good move to make. 

As with bags made from other materials, paper bags come in many shapes and sizes. Each of these bags serves a different purpose and are manufactured for different properties. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common paper bag materials before diving into the different types of paper bags that are manufactured from these materials.

What’s the difference between Kraft Barrier and Normal Paper Bag Material

Kraft Barrier materials are laminated films which combine kraft paper with other materials like aluminum or nylon as well as polyethylene. kraft barrier materials are not glued, but are laminated, while normal paper bags are made of paper that is glued together. 

Common paper bag materials

Though the raw material for making paper bags is natural wood fiber, each of the materials included in this list has different properties because of different processing methods. Think of it like this: apple juice, applesauce, and apple cider are all made from apples, but since they’re processed differently the end result is different. 

Kraft paper 

This is the most common kind of paper used in making paper bags, and customers come across Kraft paper bags most often at grocery stores. It typically weighs 80-120/g square meters, making it a light, yet strong, packaging option. It has great flexibility and tear resistance, so it can be used to carry heavy things. Its natural look is brown, but the fibers can be bleached white or dyed a different color after bleaching. 

The largest advantage of brown Kraft paper is its cost. It is the lowest cost option on this list, making it the ideal choice for even the most for cost-conscious customers. 

White cardboard

As the name would suggest, these bags are composed of single or multiple layers of bleached chemical pulp. The end result is a firm white bag with a smooth surface. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line gift boxes or bags, they will likely be manufactured from white cardboard. They tend to be thicker with a more premium texture, so they make wonderful promotional items for clients who expect something with a bit more oomph. These bags also often have handles

Coated paper 

This is another common material used for shopping bags. It’s a little thicker than Kraft paper, typically flailing between 80-250g/square meters. It is also softer than white cardboard and can be coated on one or both sides. One of the primary benefits of coated paper is that ink latches onto the paper better, so it’s a great choice for companies that plan on using a lot of color on their bags. 

Recycled/eco-friendly paper 

This is another common material used for shopping bags. It’s a little thicker than Kraft paper, typically flailing between 80-250g/square meters. It is also softer than white cardboard and can be coated on one or both sides. One of the primary benefits of coated paper is that ink latches onto the paper better, so it’s a great choice for companies that plan on using a lot of color on their bags. 

Common paper bag types

So, now that you understand the different types of paper bag materials, we think it’s important to explore the different types of paper bags made and their applications. Here are some of the most common paper bag types and their uses: 

Stand on shelf bags

Sometimes called SOS bags, these are most often used for carrying food and drinks (think: brown paper bag lunches!) SOS bags come in a wide range of colors and are a great option for companies looking to package their products in an affordable and attractive way. 

Pinch bottom bags

Similar to envelopes, these bags are most commonly used in bakeries. They tend to have a built-in grease-resistant lining, making them a great option for packaging food. 

Merchandise bags

Retail chains and smaller brick and mortar shops both use merchandise bags to package their products and clothing. Sometimes online retailers ship their products in merchandise bags, too! They’re colorful, stylish, and often include the name or logo of the shop. 

Party bags

These take the shape of standard Kraft paper bags but are bright and colorful – perfect for parties and to package gifts. 

Mailing bags

These bags are used to ship small and large items, and often have a self-adhesive stirp for easy sealing and mailing. 

Recycled bags

Like the bags mentioned in the previous section, these are manufactured from recycled materials (paper) or other waste materials (sugarcane pulp.)

 FAQ on Brown Paper Bags

As one of the largest manufacturers of packaging, including paper bags, we get a lot of questions from prospective customers about our bags. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about paper bags in particular. 

Q: Are all paper bags eco-friendly? 

Yes, since paper bags are made from a natural material (paper) that easily degrades over time or recycled materials, paper bags are an eco-friendly packaging option for your organization. Some dyes are difficult to recycle, so check with CarePac before customizing your bag if recycling is important to you. 

Q: Are all paper bag materials safe? 

If you’re purchasing food-grade paper bags, yes — they are safe to come into contact with food and drinks. Some bags, though, particularly coated bags, can be toxic if burned.

Q: What other options can I add to my bags? 

At CarePac, we’re all about customization! This means you can add your logo, an image, brand colors, or other design elements to your bag. Some of the customizable features we can add to bags include zippers and hang holes.

The CarePac Guarantee

Still not sure? CarePac focuses exclusively on barrier bags and custom packaging for a variety of industries, from cannabis wholesalers to food and beverage distributors. We have exceptional customer service reps who are committed to making sure your order bundle is completed to perfection. With our CareDesign® process  you can rest assured that your barrier pouches will be done right, no matter what. 

Ready to experience the CarePac difference? 

We think now is the right time to give us a try.

How Is CommercialCannabis Dried – Cannabis Drying Tips

Cannabis Growing and Processing Strategies

Although cannabis growing and processing strategies vary from one facility to the next within the hemp industry, all cannabis companies have the same goal: to provide the best-quality cannabis at an affordable price. By doing so, more and more people can take advantage of cannabis’ medicinal properties without having to worry about the affordability.

One very important area of the cannabis lifecycle that’s often overlooked and doesn’t vary much between wholesalers is the drying and curing process. Whether you’re a new company in the cannabis space or a curious customer that’s wondering how their favorite cannabis strain is harvested and dried, this blog is for you. Read on to learn more about how commercial cannabis is dried before distribution.

Step 1: Cannabis Grow & Harvesting

First things first is harvesting. During harvesting season, usually late September into October, cannabis farms throughout the United States begin harvesting their cannabis crops. This time of the season is often affectionately referred to as “Croptober” since it combines the words “crop” and “October.” Please note: Croptober is for sun-grown/outdoor cannabis only — indoor cannabis can be harvested at any time, as the lighting, humidity, and other elements that promote growth can be manually adjusted. 

To learn more about Croptober, check out this blog.

Step 2: Cannabis Drying

Once the cannabis is harvested, it’s time for drying cannabis on racks or bins. During cannabis drying, the initial moisture is removed from the plants via traditional drying methods. During drying, cultivators hang the whole plant or wishbone-shaped branches to dry when they’ve cut it down, and this is done in an environmentally controlled space. This is one of the most important, if not the most important, aspects of the cultivation process. If rushed or done incorrectly, the quality of your end product can be severely impacted. In some cases, an improper drying process can lead to cannabis that’s unusable. 

When it comes to drying via traditional drying methods, the environment where drying takes place is everything. Drying always occurs indoors because cultivators must be able to control all environmental factors, from temp and humidity to light and airflow. Although most commercial growers dry their plants in 10 days or less, it’s not uncommon for drying to take as long as 21 days or as few as 5. The actual length varies less than the end product — a properly dried cannabis plant.

Step 3: Curing

Once cultivators have completed the drying process, it’s time to move on to the next step: curing. Curing is important because, although drying does remove excess moisture, there will always be additional moisture that needs to be removed. 

The curing process removes any remaining moisture, by encouraging it to move from the center of the plant toward the outside of the buds. Each grower has their own cure method, and most cultivators learn how to cure from someone on the team who has done it before. 

Not only does curing involve knowing the perfect temperature and humidity levels, but it also requires special containers, equipment, and environmental monitoring. Curing has many benefits, including: 

• It helps improve the taste 
• It preserves and enhances terpenes and cannabinoids
• It breaks down sugars that can encourage mold growth 

Ultimately, curing recreational retail hemp is important because it makes your product better, tastier, and less prone to mold.

Step 4: Processing and packaging

Once cannabis is harvested, dried, and cured, it’s time to process and package. Processing refers to getting the cannabis ready for whatever its intended purpose is — trimmed for smokable hemp flower, ground for pre-rolls or edibles, or turned into a distillate for vape cartridges or oils. Afterward, the product is packaged for sale and distributed to dispensaries.

Cannabis Curing & Drying Process FAQs

Here are some common cannabis drying, curing, and processing FAQs.

Q. How long does cannabis need to be dried on racks?

The average drying time is about ten days, although some cultivators dry for as few as five days and others as long as 21 days. The amount of drying time doesn’t matter — what matters is that the cannabis is properly dried before being cured, and, ultimately, processed, packaged, and sold.Q. How long does cannabis need to be dried? As cannabis dries, any excess moisture is released from the plant. By removing this moisture, the plant won’t attract mold or mildew and will last longer on the shelves. If you’ve ever come across moldy cannabis, this is almost always the direct result ofimproperly drying and curing.

Q: What are the perfect conditions for dryingcannabis?

To effectively dry cannabis, there needs to be the perfect blend of lighting, humidity, and airflow. Those conditions vary from cultivator to cultivator and are adjusted depending on the moisture content of the cannabis they harvested.

Q: Can cannabis complete drying in 2 days? 

No, in most cases cannabis won’t be dried in two days, and especially not faster. The industry’s average is around 10 days we don’t recommend drying cannabis for anything less than five days. In some cases, it generally takes three to four weeks to properly dry and cure cannabis. 

Q: Can you dry bud too long?

Yes, just like you shouldn’t dry cannabis for only two days, you shouldn’t dry cannabis for longer than a month. Like under-drying, over-drying can also cause mold to grow.

Q: Can you dry buds without hanging them?

Yes! If you prefer not to hang your buds to dry them, you can trim them and use a flat rack. Flat racks are circular and have layers of mesh, which is ideal for airflow. If you use the flat rack method, the buds should be checked every 2-3 days. Note: this methodrequires that the buds be trimmed before drying.

Protect your product with the right packaging     

Properly drying and curing cannabis occurs after harvest is only the first step in producing quality smokable flower and protecting cannabis from mold, mildew, and other environmental contaminants. Ensuring that you’re using the right cannabis packaging is just as important. All custom cannabis packaging should protect the cannabis within from exposure to the elements, including air and light, and should be resealable so customers can close their package and keep their cannabis fresh in between use.

For the best cannabis packaging on the market, look no further than CarePac. As a California-based company, we were an early adopter and have had time to perfect our cannabis packaging. The process is simple, our customer service team is helpful, and we offer many different sizes, styles, and bag materials. To get the process started, get an Instant Online Quote today!

Overwhelmed withall the options?

Is Cannabis a Consumer Packaged Good? | Cannabis as a CPG

Legal Cannabis as a CPG

If you live in a state that has a legal cannabis market, it’s a game-changer for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Why? Well, basically every single mainstream product on the shelves, from lotions and shampoos to drinks and snacks, can be infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), the most common (and popular) cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen (or even tried!) a product infused with CBD – it’s a billion dollar cannabis industry! Long heralded as the property of cannabis that “heals”, cannabidiol is growing in popularity. In fact, major food and beverage companies and brands — including Ben and Jerry’s, Coca-Cola, Hershey Co., and General Mills — have shown interest in incorporating CBD into their products. 

Cannabis, particularly CBD, is no longer a product consumers use in secret. Now that it is legal in almost every state, you can guarantee that more and more CBD-infused products will pop up on the shelves. So, what does this mean for the billion-dollar consumer packaged goods CPG cannabis industry? Read on to learn more.

It All Started With The 2018Farm Bill Impacting CBD Market

The 2018 Farm Bill, officially The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, was groundbreaking for the cannabis industry. It authorized the industry to produce hemp and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the DEA’s schedule of controlled substances. Additionally, it directed the USDA to issue regulations and guidance to implement a program to create a consistent regulatory framework around the production of hemp in the United States. 

Although it did not legalize cannabis to the level it’s legalized today (cannabis with THC was still illegal!), it did pave the way for a billion products containing CBD to become more mainstream and make their way into the legal cannabis market. Without the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis as a consumer packaged goods CPG wouldn’t exist. 

Snacks As A ConsumerPackaged Good

Cookies. Crackers. Candy. What do they all have in common? Well, they can all be infused with CBD, and in states where marijuana is legal beyond just CBD, they can even be infused with THC. Beyond CBD and THC-infused snacks themselves, it’s no secret that using cannabis can increase your appetite. This means that if cannabis is legalized in your state, you can expect snack sales to go up. In fact, Nielsen data shows that the growth rates for candy and snacks are rising faster in areas where cannabis is legal for recreational use than in states that haven’t yet legalized it.

Whether customers are snacking ON cannabis or snacking AFTER they use cannabis, one thing is for sure: the legalization of American and Canadian cannabis will increase the demand for packaged snack foods in one way or another.

The Cannabis Market And C​ustomersAre Diverse

The other important thing to consider is that mainstream cannabis consumers are super diverse. Although the average cannabis consumer is men and women in their early 40s, individuals as young as 18 and as old as 100+ use cannabis, either in its flower form or in more mainstream lotions or foods infused with CBD and THC.

Although 26% of consumers purchase their products at a dispensary, 18% purchase them online and 9% at the grocery store. All this to say: as with other CPGs, how you package and present your product to the public is essential. The cannabis market is saturated with competition, so standing out from the crows through superior and stylish packaging is a must.

Cannabis As a CPG FAQ’s

Here are some frequently asked questions about cannabis consumers and cannabis as a consumer packaged good:

Q. Who is the typical cannabis consumer?

Data shows that there is no typical cannabis consumer, as many different people use cannabis for many different reasons. Although most users are in their 40s, it’s legal for individuals as young as 18 or 21 to use cannabis or cannabis-infused products. It has also been growing in popularity among senior citizens and the elderly. 

Q: What is a CPG business?

A CPG business often produces on a large scale and with a short lifespan. CPG companies sell their goods to retailers, who then sell directly to consumers. They often rely on big data technology and analytics to perfect their products and marketing and improve their CPG economic indicators. 

Q: Which state consumes the most cannabis?

Unsurprisingly, big data and market performance shows that the states with the highest cannabis consumption are states with legal cannabis sales. The number one state is Oregon, followed by Colorado, Vermont, Maine, and Alaska.

Q: What do cannabis consumers want?

Most cannabis consumers want a potent product at a low price. To help keep costs down, we recommend partnering with CarePac for your cannabis packaging needs. With low MOQs and competitive pricing, we can help you keep your costs down.

Q: Which country consumes the most cannabis?

As of 2022 news, Chile consumes the most cannabis, with Canada, Papa New Guinea, Israel, and Australia rounding out the top 5. The United States is #9 on the list of countries that consume the most cannabis. 

Q: What age group uses cannabis the most?

Although all age groups use cannabis, big data and market performance show it is most prevalent among users 18-25

Don’t forget retail cannabis itself as a CPG

Though most of this article has focused on items infused with CBD and THC, it’s important to note that cannabis itself needs to be packaged and has an influence on the CPG industry. After all, cannabis as the product itself remains foundational to cannabis as  CPG. Cannabis comes in so many forms (flower, edibles, drinks, vapes, oils, etc.), and each type of cannabis product needs to be packaged in a way that’s compliant with the cannabis industry laws and regulations.People tend to use cannabis for many different reasons, from pain relief or medical purposes to those who use it as a replacement for alcohol or nicotine during a night out with friends. Cannabis can also be used topically, either through creams infused with CBD or by rubbing a tincture into your skin.All this to say: not only are cannabis-infused products a CPG but so is cannabis itself and in many different formats. Whether you package cannabis itself or products infused with cannabis, you need to package it in a stylish and compliant way.

Trust CarePac With Your Cannabis Packaging

If you’re interested in cannabis as a CPG, we’re your one-stop shop for weed packaging of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re packaging edibles, flower, vape cartridges, or anything in between, our selection of stand-up pouches and other types of cannabis packaging are guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

All our packaging can be custom ordered or, for quicker delivery, purchased in standard sizes. Want to learn more? Reach out to us today, or get an Instant Quote now.