Global demand for retail paper bag market is forecast to grow from USD 1,877.4 Million in 2025 to roughly USD 2,860.2 Million by 2035, expanding at a 4.3% CAGR. Growth rests on three converging currents.
First, bans and levies on single-use plastic carry-outs keep sweeping major markets: cumulative USA and EU measures have already removed around 6 billion plastic bags per year from circulation, redirecting volume toward fibre-based formats as per World Economic Forum.
Second, consumer sentiment tilts strongly to low-carbon packaging-Bain & Company’s 2024 survey found 60% of shoppers worldwide now rank climate impact as a top purchase driver. Retailers and eCommerce platforms want brandable, curb-side-recyclable mailers that double as moving billboards and meet extended-producer-responsibility fees.
Light weight kraft blends with 30% recycled fibre now match virgin grades in burst strength, while water-borne barrier coatings replace PE laminates and keep grease-spot migration below EN 1186 limits. FSC notes that responsible sourcing is decisive-86% of consumers prefer packaging that protects forests and wildlife.
Retail Paper Bag Industry Forecast
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 1,877.4 Million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 2,860.2 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
Converters such as Mondi and Dobis have responded with mono-material shopping bags whose grammage is 12% lower yet withstand 12 kilograms payload, saving fibre and freight emissions in fashion and quick-service channels. On the industrial side, Mondi’s new two-ply valve sack for Evonik cuts bag weight by 30% by dropping the plastic film layer without compromising powder integrity.
India’s nationwide single-use-plastic ban and China’s tier-one city restrictions that have quadrupled demand for kraft grocery sacks are likely to support Asia Pacific’s market growth. North America and Northern Europe lead on recycled-content mandates, pushing average price per bag higher as retailers specify post-consumer fibre and soy-ink prints. Latin American supermarkets, meanwhile, are piloting in-store paper-bag recycling loops to meet new circular-economy laws.
Commenting on the Evonik collaboration, Florian Ullrich, Sales Director - Paper Bags at Mondi, stressed that the lightweight, 100%-recyclable design “delivers high-speed filling performance while reducing the packaging’s carbon footprint”.
His remarks capture the sector’s direction: brands want strength, speed and shelf appeal-without the plastic penalty. With plastic-bag phase-outs, eco-savvy consumers and high-performance fibre innovations all reinforcing one another, retail paper bags are set for durable, sustainability-led growth through 2035
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global retail paper bag market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 (2024 to 2034) | 4.0% |
| H2 (2024 to 2034) | 4.6% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 3.6% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 5.0% |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 4.0%, followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 4.6% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 3.6% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 5% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 40 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 40 BPS.
Flat bottom bags are projected to dominate the paper bags market, capturing a substantial 38% market share by 2025. Their popularity is primarily due to enhanced stability, ample storage capacity, and superior visual aesthetics, which appeal to grocery stores, bakeries, cafés, and high-end retail establishments. Flat bottom designs provide independent standing, facilitating convenient packing and improved shelf management, thus making them highly suitable for retail and takeaway packaging.
Prominent companies such as Starbucks and Whole Foods widely utilize flat bottom paper bags because of their practicality, customer convenience, and contribution to brand image. Additionally, growing consumer preference for sustainable and reusable packaging boosts the adoption of these eco-friendly bags.
Flat bottom paper bags are often made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, further enhancing their appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and aligning with global packaging sustainability trends.
Brown kraft paper is estimated to hold the largest share in the paper bags market, accounting for approximately 62% in 2025. Its dominance stems from its exceptional strength, durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, making it a preferred material choice across supermarkets, food retailers, and general retail stores. Brown kraft paper bags have significant strength and are highly resistant to tearing and punctures, ensuring reliable transportation of heavier or bulkier products.
Moreover, brown kraft paper’s less chemically-intensive production compared to white kraft paper positions it favorably in terms of environmental sustainability and recycling compatibility. Leading supermarket chains such as Trader Joe’s and Aldi extensively adopt brown kraft paper bags to meet consumer demands for sustainable packaging and comply with regulatory restrictions on single-use plastics.
Increasing global initiatives to reduce plastic usage and promote recyclable and sustainable packaging materials are expected to further drive the growth and dominance of brown kraft paper bags across diverse retail sectors.
Demand is rising for green and sustainable packaging
Companies worldwide are yielding to an existing environmental care; therefore, a vicious push is constructed mainly by the plastic bag of economy to companies which are required to speed up developing green packaging materials such as paper shopping bags. At the moment, with the increased focus on plastic contamination and waste dumping, it has resulted in numerous nations applying strict policies on single-use plastic and pushes the retailers towards the path of biodegradable forms, such as paper bags.
Retail brands, the household names, and internet-based companies are speeding up paper-based packaging substitution to appease customers, according to civic demands, and affirm the company's sustainability initiatives favorably. This also means that green-conscious consumers need companies that stick to green packaging procedure, which again compels companies to utilize these bags as a part of their branding and marketing strategies.
bags are considered an asset for brand value by most industries; they are easily printable with their logos and designs, or as ecological statements bags. The international retail market for paper bags is experiencing a speedy growth because of the constantly growing impact of sustainability on consumer trends.
Expansion of Retail and E-Commerce Sectors
The retail outlets, supermarkets, high-end boutiques, and e-commerce websites are growing at an unprecedented scale; therefore, the retail paper bag market is getting a helping hand. Current situation of increasing urbanization, disposable income, and shopping habits of today, it is evident that enormous spending on large fashion segments, grocery, electronics, and lifestyle items has to translate into higher demand for premium and aesthetically attractive packaging.
Within the fashion or clothing segment, department stores, organic food stalls, paper bags are becoming a symbol of premium looks and eco-friendliness. Most of the online shops have already resorted to paper packaging and recycled cartons in order to satisfy environmental standards and appeal to green consumers.
Furthermore, paper-based packaging has infiltrated leading online shopping platforms and institutional food delivery services road mapping the way towards a sustainable packaging mode. Along with additional growth in the world retail market, to maintain the new influence, the demand for paper bags of branded and quality type shall mercilessly increase.
High Cost and Supply Chain Restriction
A stark market issue confronting the growing retail paper bag market is the high cost compared to plastic bags. It calls for increased costs of raw material procurement, significant energy use, and water usage, thereby rendering paper bags expensive. Wood pulp price fluctuations and significant supply chain interruptions because of factors like inconstancy of high-quality paper raw materials availability can result in cost instability and interfere with retail paper bag demand.
Paper bags lack the strength plastic bags possess and thus are easy to tear when carrying heavy loads. This issue has especially raised concerns about a potential loss of functionality and being cost-ineffective for small enterprises that might not have a large customer base to finance medium and larger-quantity paper bag production.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Materials | Investing in biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable paper bags will minimize plastic waste and abide by green regulations. |
| Strength & Durability Improvements | Creating tear-resistant, moisture-resistant bags with reinforced handles will enhance durability and consumer convenience. |
| Customization & Branding Opportunities | Offering high-quality printing, embossing, and personalized designs will help retailers drive brand visibility and customer engagement. |
| Lightweight & Affordable Production | Material optimization and automated production will minimize costs without compromising quality and durability. |
| Advanced Manufacturing & Smart Packaging | High-speed printing, water-based inks, and QR code integration will enhance efficiency and enable interactive consumer experiences. |
The global retail paper bag market achieved a CAGR of 3.1% in the historical period of 2020 to 2024. Overall, the retail paper bag market performed well since it grew positively and reached USD 1,800million in 2024 from USD 1,593.1 million in 2020.
2020 to 2024 is predicted to be the period of positive change for the retail paper bag industry; growth in demand for sustainable and biodegradable packages has had an overwhelming impact. The imposition by the government of sustainability programs on plastic brings sizeable revenues in the direction of the youth trend to consume less plastic bags. Apart from this, R&D in the fields of long-lasting, recyclable, and personalized paper bag designs has made them even more attractive to the retailers of sectors like food & beverages, fashion, and groceries.
| Market Dimension | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Market Expansion | Growth driven by global plastic bans , increasing sustainability consciousness, and consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging. |
| Material Trends | Dominance of kraft and recycled paper bags in grocery, fashion, and food retail sectors. |
| Regulatory Environment | Compliance with plastic reduction laws, FSC-certified paper sourcing, and food safety standards for paper bags. |
| Consumer Demand | High demand from supermarkets, fashion brands, and take-out food businesses replacing plastic bags. |
| Sustainability Efforts | Greater use of post-consumer recycled materials, reduced energy consumption, and improved recycling systems. |
| Market Dimension | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Market Expansion | Strong expansion due to stricter government regulations, innovations in reusable materials, and growing retail & e-commerce demand. |
| Material Trends | Shift toward high-strength, water-resistant, and biodegradable paper bags with improved durability and branding potential. |
| Regulatory Environment | Stricter regulations on carbon footprint reduction, mandatory recycled content, and compostability labeling. |
| Consumer Demand | Rising preference for premium, reusable, and smart paper bags with QR codes for brand interaction and traceability. |
| Sustainability Efforts | Strong push for fully biodegradable, reusable, and low-waste paper bags with carbon-neutral production. |
| Factor | Consumer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Sustainability |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Durability, Strength, Water Resistance) |
|
| Aesthetics & Branding |
|
| Regulatory Compliance |
|
| Factor | Manufacturer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Sustainability |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Durability, Strength, Water Resistance) |
|
| Aesthetics & Branding |
|
| Regulatory Compliance |
|
Retail paper bag affiliation mentioned above will grow their consumption between 2025 and 2035, particularly given that e-commerce packaging demand will keep rising and that more and more luxury and premium brands would continue further the transition and conversion into retail paper bags.
The market will then grow due to ongoing innovation in water-resistant coatings, strengthened handles, and extremely high strength kraft paper. There will be additional particular market drivers like advancements in customized and branded paper bags essentially for promotional uses but focusing on sustainability, design appeal, and badly needed functional longevity.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 includeInternational Paper Company, WestRock Company, OJI Holding Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in tier 2 includeHood Packaging Corporation Paper Sacks Factory, Novolex, United Bags, Inc., Holmen Group, Georgia-Pacific LLC, DS Smith Plc, Ronpak, B&H Bag Company,Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC, National Paper Products Company.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
| Region | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America | Strong demand due to bans on plastic bags and rising sustainability awareness. |
| Latin America | Moderate growth fueled by retail sector expansion and shifting consumer preferences. |
| Europe | Leading market due to strict EU plastic reduction policies and sustainability initiatives. |
| Middle East & Africa | Growing demand in retail and foodservice sectors due to rising environmental concerns. |
| Asia Pacific | Rapid growth driven by increasing bans on plastic bags in countries like India and China. |
| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America | Increased use of recyclable and biodegradable paper bags, driven by stricter regulations. |
| Latin America | Growth expected due to government policies promoting eco-friendly packaging. |
| Europe | Greater adoption of innovative, reusable, and compostable paper bags. |
| Middle East & Africa | Expansion in durable and cost-effective paper bag production for retail. |
| Asia Pacific | Large-scale investment in manufacturing and advanced printing technologies for paper bags. |
The section below covers the future forecast for the retail paper bag marketin terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 3.2% through 2035. In Europe, Spainis projected to witness a CAGR of 3.9% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.2% |
| Germany | 2.8% |
| China | 5.2% |
| UK | 2.7% |
| Spain | 3.9% |
| India | 5.4% |
| Canada | 3.0% |
In the United States, strict state-level regulations on single-use plastics are strongly driving retail paper bag use. Various states such as California, New York, and New Jersey have prohibited plastic bags to reduce plastic pollution, thus compelling retailers to adopt paper-based alternatives. Most local governments impose charges for plastic bag usage to make consumers opt for reusable or biodegradable paper bags.
Therefore, the USA Green packaging initiatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and corporate sustainability programs of the big retailers encourage the utilization of green packaging. The big supermarket chains have now made the transition to paper bags that are recyclable to adhere to government regulations and customer demand.
Plastic substitution by paper bags in the retail industry will thus be further enhanced by growing awareness among the public and government support, which will in turn enhance market growth in the coming years.
Corporate sustainability goals and green branding drive army the retail paper bag market in the UK. A vast majority of the UK-based retailers and supermarket brands such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Marks & Spencer also have some grave sustainability targets in place to reduce their carbon footprint on the planet.
Thus, the British government has imposed stiff levies on plastic bags and even hard-line rules on single-use plastic packaging, which compelled business houses to switch to the paper route. UK shoppers also care about the environment and wish to identify with brands that promote sustainability and ethical sourcing.
They now use quality paper bags with custom designs to present that image directed at green consumers. Growing demand for recyclable and biodegradable packaging and business sustainability objectives are now likely to witness the retail paper bag industry in the UK record high growth in the near future.
The Retail Paper Bag Market is witnessing significant growth due to the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Governments worldwide are imposing strict regulations on plastic bags, leading to increased adoption of paper bags in retail, food service, and grocery sectors. Rising consumer awareness regarding environmental sustainability, coupled with the shift toward biodegradable and recyclable materials, is fueling market expansion.
Retailers are investing in customized and branded paper bags to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. The demand for durable, reusable, and recyclable paper bags is particularly strong in luxury retail, fashion, foodservice, and supermarkets. However, challenges such as higher production costs compared to plastic bags, limited water resistance, and supply chain disruptions affecting raw materials could hinder market growth.
Key Developments in Retail Paper Bag Market
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Mondi Group | 15 to 20% |
| WestRock Company | 12-18% |
| Smurfit Kappa | 10-15% |
| International Paper Company | 8-12% |
| Novolex | 6-10% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Mondi Group | A global leader in sustainable paper bag solutions, focusing on lightweight, durable, and customizable designs for retail and foodservice. |
| WestRock Company | Provides high-quality retail paper bags with recyclable and compostable materials, catering to supermarkets, fashion, and e-commerce brands. |
| Smurfit Kappa | Offers luxury paper bags, grocery bags, and foodservice packaging, integrating sustainable fiber-based materials. |
| International Paper Company | Specializes in kraft paper bags, with a strong presence in retail, food, and industrial packaging sectors. |
| Novolex | Focuses on custom-printed paper bags, offering high-strength and water-resistant solutions for retail and QSR (Quick Service Restaurants). |
Key Company Insights
Mondi Group (15% to 20%)
Mondi is a market leader, offering eco-friendly, high-performance paper bags tailored for retail, luxury, and food packaging applications. Their focus on lightweight, recyclable materials aligns with global sustainability goals.
WestRock Company (12%-18%)
WestRock specializes in paper-based packaging solutions, supplying recyclable and compostable retail bags to major supermarket chains and fashion brands.
Smurfit Kappa (10%-15%)
The company provides premium kraft paper bags with a strong emphasis on customization, sustainability, and innovative design.
International Paper Company (8%-12%)
International Paper is known for its kraft paper-based retail bags, serving grocery stores, food delivery services, and retail chains.
Novolex (6%-10%)
Novolex offers high-strength and moisture-resistant paper bags, particularly for quick-service restaurants and retail stores. Their focus on custom branding and sustainable solutions enhances their competitive position.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
Several smaller but impactful players contribute to the Retail Paper Bag Market, focusing on regional supply chains, innovative printing technologies, and sustainable material sourcing:
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 1,877.4 million |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 2,860.2 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD million for value and million units for volume |
| Product Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Sewn Open Mouth, Pinched Bottom Open Mouth, Pasted Valve, Pasted Open Mouth, Flat Bottom, Others |
| Material Types Analyzed (Segment 2) | Brown Kraft Paper, White Kraft Paper |
| Thickness Types Analyzed (Segment 3) | 1 Ply, 2 Ply, 3 Ply, More Than 3 Ply |
| End Use Industries Analyzed (Segment 4) | Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Apparel, Consumer Electronics, Construction, Others |
| Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, South Korea, ANZ, GCC Countries, South Africa |
| Key Players influencing the Retail Paper Bag Market | Hood Packaging Corporation, Paper Sacks Factory, Novolex, United Bags, Inc., Holmen Group, Georgia-Pacific LLC, OJI Holding Corporation, WestRock Company, DS Smith Plc, Ronpak, B&H Bag Company, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, International Paper Company, Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC, National Paper Products Company |
| Additional Attributes | Dollar sales by product type (flat bottom, pasted valve), Dollar sales by material type (brown kraft, white kraft), Sustainability trends in paper packaging, Growth of food and fashion retail sectors, Regulatory mandates for plastic alternatives, Regional demand in environmentally-conscious retail practices |
| Customization and Pricing | Customization and Pricing Available on Request |
The retail paper bag market is categorized by product type, including sewn open mouth, pinched bottom open mouth, pasted valve, pasted open mouth, flat bottom, and others.
The market is segmented based on material type into brown kraft and white kraft.
Retail paper bags are classified by thickness, including 1 ply, 2 ply, 3 ply, and more than 3 ply.
The market serves various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, apparel, consumer electronics, construction, and others.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
The global retail paper bag industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.3% between 2025 and 2035.
The global retail paper bag industry stood at 1,800 million in 2024.
Global retail paper bag industry is anticipated to reach USD 2,860.2 million by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 5.4% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global retail paper bag industry include International Paper Company, WestRock Company, OJI Holding Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC.
Explore Packaging Formats Insights
Retail Paper Bag Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
