The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Kraft Paper Bag for Your Business
The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Kraft Paper Bag for Your Business
SO1, S06, Thriftypak, Handypak - if these mean nothing to you, you're not alone. Here's what they actually are, and which one your business needs.
Most businesses know they need kraft paper bags. What they don't know is which one. Sizes look similar on a screen, SKU codes are meaningless without context, and ordering the wrong bag can be hugely frustrating. If you're sourcing kraft paper bags in South Africa and not sure where to start, this guide is for you. We've broken down every kraft paper bag Enviromall stocks, what makes each one different, what it's best suited for, and how to make the right call for your business.
Â
What Is a Kraft Paper Bag?
Kraft paper gets its name from the German word for "strength" - which tells you exactly why it's used for packaging. It's made from unbleached wood pulp, which gives it that characteristic brown colour and a naturally strong, tear-resistant structure.
Brown kraft is the standard. White kraft is the same paper, bleached for a cleaner, brighter finish - same strength, more premium appearance.
Both are food safe and recyclable, which matters more than ever as South African businesses move away from single-use plastics under consumer pressure and changing packaging legislation. Kraft bags aren't just a trend, they're becoming the baseline expectation for professional, responsible packaging.
Â
Understanding GSM - What Does It Mean for Your Bag?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's how paper weight (and therefore thickness and strength) is measured.
Higher GSM = thicker, stronger, more premium feel
Lower GSM = lighter, more economical, suited to lighter loads
A simple way to think about it: 90gsm suits lighter retail items like clothing or gifts. 100gsm and above handles heavier loads: full takeaway meals, groceries, multiple containers. Think of it like the difference between a standard shopping bag and a heavy-duty carry bag. Both work, but one handles more.
Â
The SOS Bag Range - Enviromall's Core Kraft Range
SOS bags (self-opening sacks) are the classic flat-bottom kraft bag with no handles. They stand upright on their own, making them the go-to for counter food service, bakeries, delis, and anywhere bags are handed across a counter. All Enviromall SOS bags are food safe and warehoused under ISO22000 accreditation.
SO1 - 185 x 85 x 55mm
The smallest in the range. Best for: pill packets, a single muffin or scone, condiment sachets, pharmacy items.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
S02 - 205 x 110 x 65mm
A step up from the SO1. Best for: a sandwich, small pastry, takeaway slice, small retail items.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
SO3 - 210 x 130 x 70mm
A versatile mid-small everyday bag. Best for: wraps, pastries, two item coffee orders, small deli items.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
SO4 - 220 x 125 x 75mm
Similar to the SO3 with a slightly wider gusset — better for bulkier items. Best for: larger sandwiches, small takeaway meals, bakery items.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
S06 - 300 x 150 x 90mm
One of the most popular sizes for food service. Best for: full takeaway meals, burger and side, multiple items, deli orders.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
SO16 - 375 x 200 x 115mm
The largest SOS bag in the range — built for volume. Best for: large meal orders, multiple containers, catering packs, fruit and veg.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
Brown Bag No. 12 (#12 Bag) - 335 x 180 x 115mm
Similar footprint to the SO16 with its own SKU. Best for: larger takeaway orders, grocery-style packing, multiple items.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
SOS bags are available with custom logo printing — a simple, high-impact way to turn every bag into a brand touchpoint. See custom branding options →
Â
Shopper Bags
These open-top kraft bags are designed for counter handover and retail environments. Both styles below have no handles and are available with custom logo printing.
Medium Shopper Bag - 260 x 125 x 365mm
A versatile kraft shopper bag. Best for: retail purchases, counter service, deli, bulk packing.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Medium Shopper Bag Without Handle - 260 x 125 x 365mm
Made from kraft paper sourced from sustainably managed forests. Strong, natural finish. Best for: retail and gifting-ready presentation, counter handover, volume packing.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
Handle Bags - When You Need a Carry Option
Handle bags are the natural upgrade when customers need to carry their purchase further - think retail, gifts, clothing, or larger orders. All carry compostable twist handles.
Small Thriftypak with Compostable Twist Handles - 120gsm
A compact handle bag with eco-friendly compostable twist handles.
Premium feel at a smaller size. Best for: jewellery, gifts, small boutique retail, pharmacy.
Pack size: 500
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Medium Thriftypak with Compostable Twist Handles - 265 x 130 x 370mm, 90gsm
The mid-range handle bag - a good balance of strength and cost. Best for: clothing, gifts, retail, food hampers, small grocery orders.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Large Handypak with Compostable Twist Handles - 100gsm
A larger handle bag with heavier paper weight, built to carry more. Best for: large clothing orders, grocery shopping, hampers, bulk retail.
Pack size: 250
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
White Thriftypak with Twist Handles - 360 x 280 x 150mm
The premium option in the range. White kraft with twist handles gives a boutique, high-end look. Best for: upmarket retail, gifting, fashion, beauty - anything where presentation matters. White also gives a cleaner canvas for branding, with crisper print results for most logo styles.
Pack size: 200
✓ Brandable - MOQ applies
Â
Flat Bags & Kraft Reams - The Unsung Heroes
Not every product needs a gusset. These two options are easy to overlook and genuinely useful.
Flat Paper Bag Size 4 Kraft - 200 x 310mm
A flat bag with no side gusset — slim profile, ideal for flat items. Best for: croissants and flatbreads, documents, greeting cards, artwork prints, pharmacy scripts. The pack size of 1,000 makes it excellent value for high-volume users.
Pack size: 1,000
Brown Kraft Reams - 610 x 450mm (sheets)
Not a bag — these are flat kraft paper sheets sold by the pack. Versatile and underrated. Best for: wrapping produce, lining crates or display baskets, butcher-style food presentation, deli counter wrapping, or gift wrapping with a natural, rustic finish.
Pack size: 50 sheets
Â
Brown vs White - Which Should You Choose?
Both are equally strong and food safe. The choice comes down to look and use case.
Brown Kraft |
White Kraft |
|
|
Look |
Natural, earthy, eco-signalling |
Clean, bright, premium |
|
Best for |
Food service, delis, farm stalls, coffee shops |
Retail, gifting, fashion, beauty |
|
For branding |
Works well |
Crisper contrast for most logos |
|
Cost |
Slightly more affordable |
Slightly higher |
Â
If your logo has fine detail or strong colour, white kraft will give you a noticeably better print result.
Â
Custom Branding - Make the Bag Work Harder
A branded bag is a walking advertisement. Every customer who carries one through a shopping centre, market, or car park is putting your logo in front of people who aren't in your store yet.
Enviromall offers custom logo printing on selected kraft bag styles - available in both brown and white, with a professional finish printed directly onto the bag (not a sticker or label). It suits restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, gift boutiques, and any business that wants their packaging to do double duty.
Minimum orders apply. For quantities and a quote, contact sales@enviromall.co.za or visit the Custom Branding page.
Â
Â
Quick Decision Guide
|
If you need... |
Choose... |
SKU |
|
A bag for counter food service |
SOS Bag range |
|
|
Something small for a single item |
SO1 or S02 |
|
|
A bag for a full takeaway meal |
S06 or SO16 |
|
|
A shopper bag for counter/retail |
Shopper Bags |
|
|
A carry bag for retail |
Thriftypak or Handypak |
|
|
A premium look for gifts or boutique |
White Thriftypak |
|
|
Flat items like pastries or documents |
Flat Kraft Bag Size 4 |
|
|
Wrapping, lining, or deli presentation |
Kraft Reams |
|
|
Custom branding on the bag |
White Thriftypak or SOS range |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SOS bags and handle bags?
SOS bags (self-opening sacks) have a flat bottom and no handles - they stand upright and are designed to sit on a counter or tray. Handle bags have twisted handles for customers to carry. SOS bags suit food service counters; handle bags are the most popular choice for takeaway meals and retail carry-out orders.
What GSM should I choose for takeaway food bags?
For heavier loads: full meals, multiple containers, anything with real weight, choose 100gsm or above. For lighter items like a single pastry or a small sandwich, 90gsm is sufficient and more cost-effective.
Are kraft paper bags food safe?
Yes. All Enviromall kraft paper bags are food safe. Enviromall warehouses under ISO22000 accreditation - the international standard for food safety management - so you can use these bags with confidence in a food service environment.
Can I get kraft paper bags printed with my logo in South Africa?
Yes. Enviromall offers custom logo printing on selected kraft bag styles, supplied locally with no overseas shipping delays. Contact sales@enviromall.co.za or visit the Custom Branding page to get a quote.
What is the difference between brown and white kraft bags?
Both carry the same strength and food safety rating. Brown kraft is unbleached with a natural appearance; white kraft is bleached for a cleaner, more premium look. White generally produces crisper, more vibrant branding results.
What size SOS bag do I need for a standard takeaway meal?
The S06 (300 x 150 x 90mm) is the most popular choice for a full takeaway meal with multiple items. For larger orders or catering packs, the SO16 (375 x 200 x 115mm) or Brown Bag No. 12 (#12 Bag, 335 x 180 x 115mm) gives you more room.
Are Enviromall kraft bags recyclable and compostable?
Yes. Kraft paper bags are recyclable and accepted in most paper recycling streams across South Africa. The kraft paper bag range are also home compostable. The compostable twist handles on the Thriftypak and Handypak range are certified compostable.
How many bags come in a pack?
Pack sizes vary by bag type. SOS bags (SO1–SO4, S06) come 500 per pack. Larger SOS bags (SO16, #12 Bag) come 250 per pack. The Flat Bag Size 4 (GPBAGK4) comes 1,000 per pack, which makes it particularly cost-effective for high-volume users.
Â
Still Not Sure?
Our team is happy to help you find the right bag for your setup - whether you're ordering for a high-volume kitchen or a boutique store. Drop us a line at sales@enviromall.co.za or browse the full range and order directly online.
