Custom Paper Bag Material Guide Singapore: Kraft vs Art Card vs Coated
The paper a bag is made from decides almost everything else — how strong it is, how premium it looks, and how your print turns out. A kraft grocery bag and a coated boutique bag are the same product category and completely different objects. Choosing the right custom paper bag stock is the first decision, before handles, size or print. Here’s how the common papers compare.
The 30-second version: kraft is rugged and eco-looking, art card is the premium printable choice, coated adds durability and shine — match the stock to your product and brand. Our default MOQ is 200 pieces, though it isn’t strict — smaller runs are often possible when a style is in stock or the artwork is simplified.
The common paper stocks
| Paper | Look & strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brown kraft | Rugged, natural, eco-looking | F&B, casual retail, eco brands |
| White kraft | Clean, strong, brighter print base | Retail, bakeries, everyday |
| Art card | Smooth, premium, prints vividly | Boutique, fashion, gift packaging |
| Coated (matte/gloss) | Durable, sheen, moisture-resistant | Luxury retail, premium gifts |
Weight (GSM) and strength
Heavier paper (higher GSM) carries more weight and feels more premium, but costs more. A light bag for a single garment doesn’t need the same stock as one carrying bottles or shoes. Match the GSM to the heaviest thing the bag will hold — under-spec and handles tear, over-spec and you overpay. Handle type matters too; see our paper bag handle types guide.
Stock and your print
Smooth art card and coated stocks reproduce full-colour artwork and brand colours most faithfully; kraft gives an earthy, slightly muted print that suits natural branding. Decide the look first, then the stock. For sizing, our paper bag sizes guide helps, and you can browse stocks in our custom paper bags range.
Match it to the product
The stock should suit what goes in the bag and the brand carrying it — more on that in our guide to paper bags for retail packaging.
Choosing a paper stock?
Tell us what the bag will carry and the look you want and we’ll recommend the paper and weight — costed in one business day.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between kraft and art card paper bags?
Kraft is rugged and natural-looking with an earthy print, ideal for F&B and eco brands; art card is smooth and premium and reproduces full-colour artwork vividly, suited to boutique and gift packaging.
Which paper bag is strongest?
Strength comes from the paper weight (GSM) more than the type — a higher-GSM kraft or coated stock carries heavier items; match the weight to the heaviest contents.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our default MOQ is 200 pieces, but it isn’t strict — smaller runs are often possible when a style is in stock or the artwork is simplified.
