Paper Bags for Food Businesses: SOS, Handled, Greaseproof and More

Food businesses usually need three kinds of paper bag: carry bags to take the order home, greaseproof bags that sit against the food, and small flat or SOS bags for single items. Handled kraft carrier bags are best for takeaway and retail orders. SOS bags, which stand up on their own, are quick to pack at a counter. Greaseproof chip and burger bags keep oil from soaking through.

Here is what each bag is for, and the sizes most Irish takeaways, bakeries and delis use.

In this guide

• What types of paper bag are there?
• Which carrier bag size should I use?
• When should I use SOS bags?
• Which bag stops grease soaking through?
• Are paper bags better than plastic?
• FAQ

What types of paper bag are there?

Bag type	What it is	Best for
Handled kraft carrier	Brown kraft bag with twisted paper handles	Takeaway orders, retail, gifts
SOS bag (no handle)	Flat-bottomed bag that stands open	Counter service, sandwiches, bakery, deli
QT bags	Large flat-bottomed kraft bags without handles	Bigger takeaway orders, groceries
Greaseproof chip bags	Grease-resistant paper bags	Chips, fried food, doughnuts
Burger bags	Grease-resistant bags for a single burger	Burgers, wraps, hot sandwiches
MG kraft and flat bags	Thin flat paper bags	Bread rolls, pastries, sweets

Which carrier bag size should I use?

Match the bag to your most common order, not your biggest. A bag that is too large lets boxes slide around.

Size	Dimensions	Typical use
Small	190x80x250mm	Single meal, coffee and a pastry
Medium	220x100x240mm	Meal for one or two
Large	260x140x290mm	Family orders, several boxes
Extra large	320x240x320mm	Big orders, pizza sides, retail

When should I use SOS bags?

SOS stands for "self-opening sack". The bag has a flat, gusseted bottom, so it pops open and stands up on the counter. Staff can drop items straight in with one hand. They are great for:

• Sandwiches, rolls and wraps at a deli counter.
• Bakery orders of bread and pastries.
• Small takeaway orders with no need for handles.

Which bag stops grease soaking through?

Chips, fried chicken and doughnuts will stain a plain kraft bag in minutes. Use a greaseproof or grease-resistant bag against the food.

• Chip bags: from 1/2lb (5x5") and 1lb (6x7") for a portion of chips, to 2lb (7x9") for large portions.
• Greaseproof-lined kraft bags: brown outside, grease-resistant inside, like the 3lb lined kraft bags.
• Burger bags: grease-resistant burger bags, or tick-box burger bags so staff can mark the order on the bag.

For hot chicken, a foil chicken bag keeps heat in better than paper.

Are paper bags better than plastic?

For most food businesses in Ireland, paper is now the default. Plastic carrier bags carry a levy when given to customers, and many customers prefer paper. Kraft paper bags are recyclable when clean, and a greasy one can often go in the brown bin, depending on your local waste service.

Keep in mind that paper bags are weaker when wet. For very heavy or wet orders, double bag, or use a bigger box and a stronger bag. See also the takeaway packaging checklist and the top uses for brown paper bags.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SOS bag?

A self-opening sack: a paper bag with a flat, gusseted bottom that stands open on its own, making it quick to pack.

What size paper bag do I need for takeaway?

A medium handled bag, around 220x100x240mm, suits most meals for one or two. Use large or extra large for family orders.

Which bags are best for chips?

Greaseproof chip bags. They stop oil soaking through to hands and carrier bags.

What does 1lb or 2lb mean on a chip bag?

It is a traditional guide to how much the bag holds. A 1lb bag suits a standard portion of chips, and 2lb a large portion.

Are kraft paper bags recyclable?

Clean kraft bags are recyclable. Greasy ones may be accepted in the brown bin, depending on your waste provider.