6 Kraft Bag Types for Bakeries — Real Wholesale Prices

Kraft brown paper bags remain the packaging workhorse of Australian bakeries — trusted for sourdough loaves, croissants, pastries, and everything in between. But "kraft bag" covers a surprisingly wide specification range, and ordering the wrong type at wholesale quantities is an expensive mistake that many small-to-medium bakeries only realise once stock has arrived.

This guide covers every kraft bag type used in Australian bakeries, what the specifications actually mean for your product, real wholesale price expectations, food safety compliance, and how state plastic bag bans have reshaped the buying landscape since 2022. Whether you are placing your first bulk order or renegotiating with a supplier, this is the reference document you will want on hand.

Why Kraft Paper Remains the Gold Standard for Bakery Bags

Kraft paper is produced via the kraft process (from the German word for "strength"), in which wood chips are treated with a sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide solution to break down lignin while preserving long cellulose fibres. Those long fibres give kraft paper its characteristic tear resistance and load-bearing strength — properties that matter enormously when bagging a 900g sourdough loaf or a parcel of croissants.

Unlike bleached white paper, natural brown kraft retains its original fibre strength because it undergoes minimal chemical processing after pulping. Unbleached kraft bags contain no optical brightening agents (OBAs) and are a lower-contamination-risk choice for direct food contact under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Beyond compliance, kraft paper has practical advantages that explain its dominance in Australian bakeries:

• Breathability: Paper allows moisture vapour to escape, preserving the crust quality of artisan and sourdough breads far better than airtight plastic
• Presentation: Natural kraft conveys an artisan, craft quality that aligns with premium bakery branding
• Recyclability: Plain unlined kraft bags are accepted in kerbside paper recycling by all major Australian councils
• Compostability: Uncoated kraft is inherently compostable, making it compatible with commercial and home composting programmes
• Regulatory safety: Kraft paper bags are explicitly compliant with single-use plastic bag bans across all Australian states and territories

GSM: The Specification Most Buyers Underestimate

GSM (grams per square metre) is the single most important specification when buying kraft bags wholesale, yet it is the one most commonly ignored or misunderstood at the buying stage. For bakery applications, the right GSM depends entirely on what goes inside the bag:

• 60–70 GSM: Light sandwich bags and small pastry bags for macarons or biscuits. Acceptable for dry, light items only. Will crush or tear under the weight of a standard loaf.
• 80–90 GSM: The workhorse range for most bakery bags — bread rolls, pastry parcels, cakes in boxes, and general counter service bags with handles.
• 100–120 GSM: Heavy-duty bags for sourdough loaves, multigrain loaves, and large baguettes. Handles significant weight without splitting at the base seam.
• 130 GSM+: Specialty thick bags for premium gift packaging or multi-loaf carry. Used by artisan bakeries for hamper-style presentation.

When comparing wholesale quotes, always confirm GSM in writing. A price that looks attractive at $0.04 per unit may be quoting 60 GSM material that will fail under a standard loaf, while a $0.08 quote for 90 GSM bags may deliver lower cost per use over the course of a week's trading.

The 6 Types of Kraft Bags Used in Australian Bakeries

Not all kraft bags are the same, and the right type depends on your product range, service format, and presentation standards. Here is a breakdown of the six most common types in the Australian bakery market.

1. SOS (Self-Opening Satchel) Bags

SOS bags — also called flat-bottom satchel bags or grocery-style bags — have a square base that allows them to stand upright on the counter. They are the most economical kraft bag option and work well for sliced loaves, bread rolls, and boxed cakes for carry-out.

At wholesale quantities of 1,000 units or more, SOS bags in the 80–90 GSM range typically cost between $0.04 and $0.08 per unit. The flat base improves stability on counters and in delivery boxes, which matters for reducing product damage during delivery runs.

2. Twisted Handle Bags

Twisted handle kraft bags are the classic bakery carry bag — the design most customers associate with an artisan bakery. The handles are formed by rolling and twisting the paper itself, creating a sturdy, comfortable grip. At 80–90 GSM for the bag body, twisted handle bags handle loads up to approximately 1.5 kg reliably.

Wholesale pricing for twisted handle bags ranges from $0.08 to $0.18 per unit for standard sizes, depending on GSM, dimensions, and print specification. Unprinted natural kraft sits at the lower end; custom printed bags or heavier GSM increase the unit price accordingly.

3. Flat Handle Bags

Flat handle bags use a flat, die-cut paper handle integrated into the bag top — a cleaner look than twisted handles and easier to pass across a bakery counter quickly. The flat handle sits flush against the bag when not in use, making these bags easier to stack and store in tight bakery counter spaces.

Flat handle bags typically range from $0.10 to $0.22 per unit at wholesale. Their streamlined look is preferred by premium and specialty bakeries, and they hold their shape better in display stand holders compared to twisted handle designs.

4. Window Front Kraft Bags

Window front bags combine a kraft paper body with a transparent front panel — usually made from glassine (a biodegradable, greaseproof paper) or PLA (polylactic acid, a compostable bioplastic). These are the go-to option for displaying pastries, macarons, croissants, and artisan biscuits where visual presentation drives the purchase decision.

The window material matters significantly from both a food safety and sustainability perspective. Glassine windows are fully paper-based and can be recycled or composted along with the bag body, provided the bag carries no metallic inks or non-recyclable adhesives. PLA windows are commercially compostable under AS 4736 but should not be placed in kerbside recycling. If you are participating in a council FOGO programme, check with your council whether PLA windows are accepted — acceptance varies by facility contractor.

Window bags range from $0.12 to $0.28 per unit at wholesale, with glassine-window versions commanding a slight premium due to raw material costs.

5. Greaseproof-Lined Kraft Bags

Greaseproof or coated kraft bags have an inner coating that prevents grease, oil, and moisture from soaking through the paper wall. This is essential for croissants, doughnuts, fried pastries, and any high-fat baked goods. Without greaseproofing, the bag degrades within minutes and the customer ends up with a visibly oil-stained bag — which reflects poorly on the bakery regardless of product quality.

The inner lining material is the critical specification for buyers in 2026:

• PE (polyethylene) lining: Traditional but non-compostable and difficult to recycle. Incompatible with the APCO National Packaging Targets 2025 requiring 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging, and banned as a single-use item in several states.
• Wax coating: Neither recyclable nor compostable in most council programmes. Food service-grade wax-coated bags are still used but face increasing scrutiny.
• Water-based aqueous coating: A greaseproof finish that retains recyclability. These bags can typically enter the paper recycling stream if clean and dry.
• Compostable PLA or starch lining: Fully compostable inner linings compatible with AS 4736 (industrial) or AS 5810 (home composting). Preferred for bakeries participating in FOGO programmes or sustainability reporting frameworks.

Greaseproof-lined bags sit at the higher end of the kraft bag price range: $0.10 to $0.25 per unit at wholesale, with compostable-lined versions costing 10–20% more than PE-lined equivalents.

6. Side Gusset (Baguette/Loaf) Bags

Side gusset bags — sometimes called bread bags or baguette bags — are long, narrow bags with expandable side pleats (gussets) that allow them to accommodate full baguettes, ciabattas, and long sourdough loaves. These bags do not typically have handles and are designed to be folded at the top or sealed with a sticker or bread tie.

Standard baguette bags run approximately 100mm wide × 40mm gusset × 650mm long. At wholesale, side gusset bread bags cost between $0.03 and $0.07 per unit for plain kraft — one of the most affordable bakery packaging formats available.

Kraft Bakery Bag Type Comparison

Sizing Guide: Matching the Bag to Your Baked Goods

Getting dimensions right at the ordering stage prevents the common problem of over-sized bags that look sloppy or under-sized bags that force staff to crease or fold the product. The following are common sizing benchmarks used in Australian bakeries. All dimensions are listed as width × gusset × height.

These dimensions are indicative benchmarks. Always request samples from your supplier and test with your actual products before committing to a full wholesale order, as sizing conventions vary between manufacturers.

Australian Plastic Bag Bans: What Bakeries Need to Know in 2026

The single-use plastic bag ban landscape has changed significantly across Australia since 2022, and bakeries are directly affected because they are classified as food service retailers under most state legislation. Here is a current state-by-state summary relevant to bakery packaging decisions.

New South Wales

NSW banned lightweight plastic bags under 35 microns from 1 November 2022 under the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021. From 1 November 2025, heavier single-use plastic bags and plastic produce bags were also banned. Thin plastic bread bags or pastry sleeves previously used at the counter are no longer permissible. Kraft paper bags are explicitly compliant with all NSW provisions.

Queensland

Queensland banned single-use plastic bags under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (amended 2021). Expanded provisions covering additional single-use items took effect from 1 September 2023. Plain kraft paper bags are fully compliant across all Queensland provisions.

Victoria

Victoria's Environment Protection Amendment (Banning Single-use Plastic) Regulations banned lightweight plastic bags, with expanded bans on additional items including expanded polystyrene food containers effective from 1 February 2023. Further categories are under review for 2026–2027. Kraft bags are compliant across all current Victorian provisions.

South Australia

South Australia was Australia's first state to ban lightweight plastic bags, doing so in 2009. SA extended bans to plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers from 1 March 2021. SA has some of the most progressive single-use item bans in Australia, and kraft paper bags remain fully compliant across all SA regulations.

Western Australia

WA banned lightweight single-use plastic shopping bags from 1 July 2023 under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007. Additional categories of single-use items are under ongoing review. Kraft bags are compliant.

ACT

The ACT banned lightweight plastic bags and several additional single-use items under the Environment Protection (Unnecessary Plastic) Legislation Amendment Act 2020, effective 1 April 2021. The ACT has committed to expanding bans in line with broader national sustainability frameworks.

Tasmania

Tasmania banned single-use plastic bags under the Single-use Plastics Act 2023, with provisions taking effect from 1 June 2023. Kraft paper bags are compliant across all Tasmanian provisions.

The national direction is unambiguous: paper bags — particularly unbleached kraft — are the low-risk, universally compliant alternative across all Australian jurisdictions. For bakeries operating across multiple states or supplying wholesale baked goods to retailers, kraft bags eliminate state-specific compliance risk entirely.

Food Safety and Certification for Bakery Kraft Bags

Food Contact Compliance

All packaging in direct contact with food in Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, specifically Standard 1.4.1 (Contaminants and Natural Toxicants) and Standard 3.2.2 (Food Safety Practices and General Requirements). For kraft paper bags, this means the paper itself, any coatings, adhesives, and inks must be food-grade and must meet migration limits for substances that could transfer to food.

When sourcing wholesale kraft bags, always request a food contact certificate or equivalent documentation confirming the product's compliance. Reputable wholesale suppliers in Australia will have this documentation readily available. This is particularly important for greaseproof-lined bags and window bags, where the coating or window material must be verified as food-safe in addition to the kraft paper body.

Compostable Certifications: AS 4736 and AS 5810 Explained

Not all kraft bags marketed as "eco-friendly" or "compostable" are genuinely compliant with Australian composting standards. The two relevant Australian Standards are:

• AS 4736 (Industrial Composting): Certifies that the product will break down in a commercial composting facility within 180 days, leaving no harmful residues. This is the certification required for most council FOGO bin acceptance. Bags carrying the Australian Seedling Logo are certified to this standard.
• AS 5810 (Home Composting): A more demanding standard — the product must break down at the lower temperatures typical of a backyard compost heap within 12 months. Products certified to AS 5810 are also compliant with AS 4736, but not vice versa.

An unlined kraft paper bag made from virgin or recycled kraft paper is inherently compostable under both standards without requiring formal certification, because it is simply paper. Certification matters when the bag has coatings, windows, handles with adhesives, or printed inks — these elements must be tested to confirm the full bag assembly meets the standard. Our compostable bags & pouches range carries the AS 4736 certification needed for council FOGO compliance and commercial composting programmes.

Recyclability: The Practical Reality for Bakery Bags

Plain unlined kraft bags are accepted in kerbside paper recycling by all major Australian councils. The following conditions disqualify a bag from paper recycling:

• PE (polyethylene) or wax coating
• Excessive grease or food soiling (greasy bags go to organics or general waste, not recycling)
• Metallic foil or metallic ink components
• PLA window films (not recyclable in the standard paper stream)

A significant proportion of bakery bags will be soiled by food products. Training front-of-house staff to direct soiled bags to food waste or general waste — and clean bags to recycling — is worthwhile, particularly as council FOGO programmes expand and commercial premises face increased compliance scrutiny.

FOGO Programmes and Bakery Waste Management

Australia's FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) roll-out is accelerating. The National Waste Policy Action Plan targets 80% of Australians having access to a FOGO service by 2030, and over 2.5 million households are already enrolled. For bakeries, this matters because:

1. Certified compostable packaging — including AS 4736-certified kraft bags, paper wrappers, and liners — can go into FOGO bins along with food waste, simplifying waste sorting at the counter
2. Some local councils now audit commercial premises for contamination in recycling bins, with potential fines for non-compliant disposal
3. Council sustainability requirements for event catering permits, food court leases, and market licences increasingly specify compostable or recyclable packaging

FOGO acceptance of compostable bags varies by council and their composting contractor. The key variable is the composting facility's certification and processing temperature — not all facilities can process even AS 4736-certified packaging in a compliant way. Contact your council's waste services team directly to confirm acceptance before switching to certified compostable bags and communicating this to customers.

Bakeries establishing or upgrading their premises to accommodate FOGO waste stations, commercial cool rooms for food waste holding, or other infrastructure upgrades requiring electrical work should use licensed commercial electricians. APX Trade Group — licensed electricians in Sydney can advise on compliant commercial kitchen and waste infrastructure installation.

Wholesale Ordering: What to Know Before You Commit

Minimum Order Quantities and Pricing Tiers

For stock-standard (unprinted) kraft bakery bags, most Australian wholesale suppliers have minimum order quantities starting at 250–500 units per SKU for small bags and 100–250 units for large or specialty bags. For custom-printed bags, MOQs are typically 500–1,000 units minimum due to printing setup costs.

The economics typically break as follows:

• Under 500 units: Retail or small-batch pricing — typically 20–40% above wholesale per unit
• 500–1,000 units: Entry wholesale pricing. Most single-location bakeries buying for the counter fall into this bracket.
• 1,000–5,000 units: Volume wholesale pricing. Per-unit cost drops materially — typically 15–25% below entry wholesale.
• 5,000+ units: Commercial pricing. At this scale, negotiating directly with the importer or manufacturer becomes viable and worthwhile.

Lead Times

For stock-standard kraft bags from an Australian wholesaler, lead times are typically 1–5 business days for in-stock lines. Custom-printed bags ordered from an Australian print supplier take 2–4 weeks; bags sourced directly from an overseas manufacturer typically require 8–14 weeks plus shipping. For bakeries running seasonal promotions or Christmas/Easter packaging, ordering custom-printed bags at least 10–12 weeks in advance is essential.

Storage Requirements

Kraft paper is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the environment. Store kraft bags in a dry, ventilated location, away from direct sunlight, and off the floor. Excess humidity causes bags to soften, lose structural integrity, and in extreme cases develop surface mould. In Sydney, Queensland, and other high-humidity markets, air-conditioned storage is worth considering for large stock holdings.

Key Questions to Ask Your Supplier Before Ordering

1. What is the GSM of the paper? (Get this in writing, not just verbal confirmation)
2. Is the bag food-contact certified? Can you provide the documentation?
3. What is the inner lining material? (Critical for greaseproof and window bags)
4. Is the product certified compostable? To AS 4736, AS 5810, or both?
5. What is the maximum weight load rating per bag?
6. Are handles tested for load bearing? (Twisted and flat handle bags should have a handle pull test rating)
7. What are the exact dimensions? Can samples be provided before full order commitment?

Branding Your Kraft Bags: Options at Every Budget

Custom-printed kraft bags are one of the highest-ROI marketing investments an artisan bakery can make. The bag travels with the customer, appears in social media photographs, and reinforces brand identity every time it is reused or photographed. For bakeries building their online presence, a well-photographed custom bag becomes a content asset — and a professional website through a service like weauto — professional websites for Australian businesses from $99 can showcase your packaging and product photography effectively to customers before they ever visit the counter.

Three practical branding options at different price points:

• Pre-printed stock bags: Some wholesalers offer kraft bags with generic "bakery" or "artisan" design elements. Lowest-cost but no brand differentiation.
• Custom sticker on stock bags: Ordering plain stock bags and applying a custom sticker with your logo and bakery name is a low-MOQ, low-cost option. A well-designed sticker on a quality plain bag looks professional and costs a fraction of full custom printing.
• Fully custom printed bags: Screen or flexographic printing directly onto the kraft bag in 1–4 colour spot printing. The premium option that maximises brand impact and justifies premium positioning on baked goods.

What 2026–2027 Looks Like for Bakery Kraft Bag Procurement

Several trends are reshaping the kraft bag market over the next 12–24 months that bakery buyers should factor into procurement planning now.

Expanded Plastic Bans and PE-Lined Bag Phase-Out

All Australian states and territories are on a trajectory toward broader single-use plastics bans, with the Northern Territory and several jurisdictions reviewing expanded categories for 2026–2027. For bakery buyers, PE-lined kraft bags will progressively lose their compliant status across more markets, making the switch to water-based aqueous coatings or compostable linings not merely an ethical choice but a regulatory inevitability. Bakeries that make this transition now avoid a forced, rushed changeover later.

Council FOGO Expansion and Certification Pressure

As FOGO services reach more Australian households and businesses, councils are progressively refining which packaging they accept. The trend is toward requiring AS 4736 certification as a minimum — not just unverified "compostable" claims. Bakeries buying certified compostable kraft bags today are ahead of a compliance requirement that is likely to become standard within two to three years. Reviewing our full range of compostable bags & pouches is a practical first step in future-proofing your packaging programme.

APCO National Packaging Targets 2025

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) National Packaging Targets require that by 2025, 100% of Australian packaging be reusable, recyclable, or compostable. While enforcement at the small business level is not yet rigorous, brands and hospitality groups with sustainability reporting obligations are cascading these requirements to their suppliers. Bakeries supplying wholesale baked goods to grocery chains, hotels, or institutions should expect procurement teams to request packaging compliance documentation in 2026 and beyond.

Pulp Cost Volatility

Global virgin kraft paper pricing has been volatile since 2021, driven by supply chain disruptions, energy cost increases affecting pulping operations, and increased demand from e-commerce packaging. Prices have stabilised from their 2022 peaks but remain above pre-pandemic levels. For bakeries with predictable volume needs, locking in pricing via forward supply agreements or larger pre-committed orders provides meaningful protection against future price movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are brown kraft paper bags food safe in Australia?

Yes, provided they are manufactured specifically for food contact use. Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, all packaging in direct contact with food must comply with migration limits for contaminants. Food-grade kraft bags are made from paper and inks that meet these requirements. Always request food contact certification from your supplier — particularly for lined, coated, or printed bags where the additional materials must also be verified as food-safe.

Can kraft paper bags go in the FOGO bin?

Plain, unlined kraft paper bags can typically go in FOGO bins because paper is a compostable material. However, acceptance varies by council and their composting facility contractor. Bags with PLA windows, greaseproof coatings, or metallic components should only be placed in FOGO bins if they carry an AS 4736 compostable certification and your council explicitly accepts certified compostable packaging. Contact your council's waste services team to confirm before switching.

What is the difference between AS 4736 and AS 5810 compostable certification?

AS 4736 certifies industrial composting — the product breaks down in a commercial composting facility within 180 days under high-temperature, controlled conditions. AS 5810 certifies home composting — the product must break down at lower backyard temperatures within 12 months. Products certified to AS 5810 are also compliant with AS 4736, but not vice versa. For council FOGO bin acceptance, AS 4736 is typically the minimum requirement.

What GSM kraft bag should I use for sourdough bread?

For a standard 750g–900g sourdough round, 100 GSM is the recommended minimum. At 80 GSM, there is a meaningful risk of the bag splitting at the base seam under the weight of a full loaf, particularly if carried by handles. The extra cost of 100 GSM material — typically $0.01–$0.03 more per unit at wholesale — is recovered in reduced product damage and customer complaints within days of trading.

Are kraft bags banned in Australia?

No. Kraft paper bags are not banned under any Australian state or territory legislation. All current and announced plastic bag bans specifically target single-use plastic bags. Kraft paper bags are explicitly compliant across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. Many councils and sustainability programmes actively encourage paper bags as a preferred alternative to plastic.

How many kraft bags do I need to order for wholesale pricing?

Most Australian wholesale suppliers begin wholesale pricing at 500 units per SKU for standard kraft bags. Volume pricing steps typically occur at 500, 1,000, and 5,000 units, with meaningful per-unit reductions at each step. For custom-printed bags, minimum order quantities are usually 500–1,000 units to cover printing setup costs. Some suppliers offer mixed-carton options allowing bakeries to reach wholesale MOQs across multiple sizes.

What is the best kraft bag for displaying croissants?

A glassine-window kraft bag is the optimal choice for croissant display — it allows customers to see the product before purchase while the glassine panel provides natural greaseproof protection for the high-butter content. Glassine is fully paper-based and compostable, unlike PLA window alternatives. For single croissants, a bag in approximately 130mm × 50mm × 280mm accommodates the product without excessive space, preventing it from sliding around inside.

Can I recycle kraft paper bags if they are greasy?

No. Heavily greasy or food-soiled kraft bags contaminate the paper recycling stream and should not be placed in kerbside recycling bins. Soiled bags should go to food waste (FOGO bin if appropriate certification is confirmed) or general waste. Clean, dry, uncoated kraft bags without metallic inks or plastic films are accepted in paper recycling by all major Australian councils. Clear staff disposal instructions make a meaningful difference to actual waste diversion rates.

ZenPacks supplies compostable bags & pouches in wholesale quantities to bakeries, cafés, and food service businesses across Australia — including kraft bags certified to AS 4736, food-contact compliant across all state legislation, and available in bulk from 500 units. If you are reviewing your bakery's packaging programme ahead of expanded state plastic bans or FOGO compliance requirements, our wholesale team can recommend the right specification for each product in your range, with competitive pricing and fast Sydney warehouse dispatch.