How does printing on paper bags work in practice?

In practice, the process for printing paper bags works like this: a company submits its logo or graphics to the printing company, selects the appropriate printing method based on the order quantity, and receives the finished bags delivered according to the agreed-upon schedule. The process is straightforward, and even small businesses can order printed paper bags starting from as few as 100 pieces. Below, we’ll go over all the practical details, from printing methods to delivery schedules.

What printing methods are used in the manufacture of paper bags?

There are two main methods used for printing on paper bags: digital printing and flexographic printing. Digital printing is suitable for smaller order quantities and allows for precise, detailed printing on the front and back of the bag. Flexographic printing, on the other hand, is an industrial-scale method that can also print on the sides and bottom of the bag and can change the entire base color of the bag.

White and brown base paper are available for digital printing. This method produces precise results and is ideal for companies that want a striking final product without having to place large orders.

Flexographic printing allows for the use of 1–8 colors, up to 100% color coverage. This means that the bag’s base color can be completely changed, opening up a wide range of possibilities for a brand-consistent visual identity. Flexographic printing is intended for large orders.

What is the step-by-step process for ordering custom-printed paper bags?

An order for printed paper bags typically proceeds in five stages: defining the requirements, selecting the material and size, submitting the artwork, approving the proof, and production and delivery. The process is designed to run smoothly, and a professional partner guides the customer through each stage.

1. Defining Requirements: The customer decides on the order quantity, bag size, and base color. The order quantity determines the printing method.
2. Selecting Materials: The appropriate bag model, size, and handles are selected based on the intended use.
3. Submitting Artwork: The customer submits the logo or print material in the agreed-upon vector file format or purchases the service to convert the material into a print-ready format.
4. Proof Approval: The printing company provides a digital proof or printed proof for approval before actual production begins.
5. Production and Delivery: Once the proof is approved, the bags are manufactured and delivered according to the agreed-upon schedule..

Kassatieto also offers a design service that helps customers finalize their graphics so they are ready for printing. This is particularly useful when a company’s logo was originally designed for digital use and may not meet the technical requirements for printing as is.

What kind of file or graphic is suitable for printing on a paper bag?

Vector graphics, such as AI, EPS, or PDF files, are best suited for printing on paper bags. Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is essential for printing. Raster images, such as JPEG or PNG, can work if their resolution is high enough.

As a practical rule of thumb, the resolution of raster graphics should be at least 300 dpi at the final print size. If the logo is only available as a small web image, it’s best to request a new version from a graphic designer or have it vectorized before placing a print order.

Regarding colors, it’s important to note that screen colors and print colors may differ. Professional printing often uses Pantone or CMYK color values, which ensure consistent color reproduction from one print run to the next. This is especially important for companies with strictly defined brand colors.

What is the minimum order quantity for printing on paper bags?

Paper bags can be printed in runs as small as 100 pieces using digital printing. This makes purchasing printed paper bags a realistic option even for small businesses that cannot handle large inventory batches. Flexographic printing, on the other hand, is geared toward high-volume orders.

A minimum order of 100 pieces is a competitive benchmark in the market, making printed paper bags accessible to a wide range of business owners. A small retail store, barbershop, café, or specialty shop can order bags featuring their logo without having to tie up large sums of money in inventory.

The order quantity also affects the unit price: the price per piece decreases with larger batches, so as your volume grows, it’s worth considering switching to larger order quantities to improve cost-effectiveness.

How long does it take to print a paper bag?

The turnaround time for printing paper bags varies depending on the order quantity, the selected printing method, and current production capacity. Digital printing is a significantly faster process than flexographic printing, as it does not require separate printing plates or a long production run. It’s always a good idea to confirm the exact delivery time when placing your order.

The delivery time is also affected by the readiness of the artwork at the time of ordering. If the print-ready file is ready and the proof is approved quickly, production can begin without delay. Adding a design phase to the process or the need to correct files may extend the overall timeline.

In urgent situations, it’s best to contact the supplier directly, who can assess a realistic timeline on a case-by-case basis and, if necessary, prioritize your order in production.

Would you like to order paper bags with your company’s logo or learn more about bag printing options? Contact a Kassatieto expert, who will help you choose the right printing method and bag to suit your specific needs. You can also browse our selection in our online store.

Kassatieto is a second-generation Finnish family business that combines extensive experience, Finnish production and responsible business practices. Our aim is to make our customers’ daily lives run more smoothly with reliable products and expert service.