THE Paper Bag platform – a collaboration of Europe’s leading kraft paper manufacturers and paper bag producers – has published new guidelines for high-quality paper carrier bags.
The document aims to give paper bag producers and customers orientation on parameters that influence the resistance and durability of paper carrier bags.
“Offering flawless product protection is the most important function of packaging,” explained Elin Gordon, secretary general of CEPI Eurokraft. “By offering their customers high-quality paper carrier bags, retailers can be sure that their products arrive safely.
“With our industry guidelines for high-quality paper carrier bags, we want to support paper bag producers and their customers in producing paper bags that meet their own and customers’ expectations in terms of product protection and durability.”
The guidelines define a high-quality paper carrier bag as follows: it should carry at least 6kg of products from the supermarket and be reusable up to five times for the same purpose.
The document presents technical methods and recommendations on how to produce paper carrier bags that satisfy these criteria. The guidelines also address factors that may influence the quality of a bag – from the selection of the right material, such as paper and glue, to the converting process and the handle type.
“To achieve the best results possible, we suggest following the recommendations in our guidelines and making use of the quality certification,” Elin Gordon added. “Last but not least: being produced from natural and renewable raw materials that are sourced from sustainably managed European forests, high-quality paper carrier bags are excellent vehicles to project a brand’s corporate social responsibility.”
