Bags of potential: why paper bags rule the High Street

Food packaging needs to attract customers while giving them confidence in the quality of the product within. It ensures food safety, maintains its quality and enhances the overall customer experience. It also has a role to play in protecting food from contamination, maintaining freshness and giving consumers information. In terms of branding and marketing, packaging also contributes to the general perception a customer has.

The food and retail industries specifically have traditionally relied on plastic bags, which have historically been the cheapest option. However, recent years have seen a shift from plastic to paper packaging, thanks to growing environmental concerns and government regulations such as the UK’s ban on single-use plastics, which covers some types of bags. Equally, as a separate measure, for the last almost 10 years since October 2015, a ‘plastic bag tax’ has been imposed in the UK on single-use plastic carrier bags that are 70 microns thick or less.

So it’s hardly surprising that a number of major retailers have switched to paper carriers. But there are significant benefits for fast-food sellers as well, on top of not having to charge customers for bags.

These include: 

1.) Environmental impact 

Clearly, paper bags decompose at a faster rate than their plastic-based equivalents, helping to minimise the volume of plastic waste which ends up going to landfill and, ultimately, pollutes the environment. For their part, plastic bags release toxins as they degrade, poisoning the soil and harming ecosystems or infiltrating waterways. 

2.) Freshness of food

Because paper bags are designed to be breathable, excess oil and steam can escape, so that food stays fresher than it would in a plastic one and doesn’t become as soggy. 

3.) The consumer experience 

The use of paper bags is a clear way of showing that your business is committed to sustainability and doing its bit for the planet. So it’s a way of enhancing your brand’s reputation and ethos, as more of us look to spend money ethically. Additionally, because these products don’t become messy or oily, your customers will love them for that reason, too.

And, talking of branding, you can personalise your paper bags with your food outlet’s name plus any other branding for maximum impact. 

4.) Recyclable 

Your customers can just put paper carriers in the recycling once they have finished with them, making responsible disposal of these items very straightforward. Unlike plastic, paper is 100% recyclable. And, after all, paper bags come from natural sources with no carbon dioxide-producing processes involved. Source yours from FSC-certified forests which are responsibly managed and there will be no harmful environmental impact from excessive deforestation. Equally, there is even the potential to reuse some paper sacks. 

5.) Strength and quality 

If you thought paper bags were flimsy affairs, think again. Modern models are designed to carry various items very safely, with robust handles and bases glued for extra strength.

Paper bags from Well Catered

At Well Catered, we have extensive experience in the quick-service and fast-food restaurant sectors, allowing us to offer a range of carefully selected food packaging products, made to the highest standards and with the finest quality materials.

Check out our line-up of paper carrier bags, such as our kraft brown paper models, perfect for takeaway outlets, with flat paper handles and a strong, glued bottom. (Kraft paper, by the way, is strong durable and known for its cardboard-like look and for resisting wear and tear). We also supply grab bags, without handles but just as hardwearing as our carriers, and ideal for a range of food businesses.

With low minimum orders and competitive prices, not to mention prompt delivery, we offer a cost-effective, efficient service and have earned our reputation for high-quality food packaging products. Get in touch today and we’ll come up with the best solution for what you need.