Paper Bags with Handles: Twisted or Flat Handles
Comparing paper bags with twisted and flat handles: durability, appearance, sizes and prices from €0.13/pc at 100 pieces.
We offer paper bags with handles in two versions: twisted (round, spun) paper handles and flat paper ribbon handles. In practice, the difference comes down to three things: twisted handles hold more weight and are more comfortable for a heavier shopping bag, flat handles look cleaner and keep their shape better on a thin, gift-type bag, but the price for both in the same size is practically identical – from €0.15/pc at 100 pcs for the 25×11×32 cm size (excl. VAT, excl. printing).
What technically sets the handles apart
A twisted handle is made from spun paper cord glued to a paper reinforcement strip on the inside of the bag. This is the most common construction used in shops and at events, because the cord doesn't deform when the bag is carried full and holds comfortably even with 3–4 kg inside.
A flat handle is made from a flat paper ribbon, glued in the same way but with a larger bonding area. At the top edge of the bag it looks like a continuous ribbon, sits flat against the bag and doesn't form a round loop – which is why these bags look neater on a table, on a shop shelf or at an event reception desk. The lower load rating is usually because the ribbon tends to fold under weight rather than tear.
Comparison
| Criterion | Twisted handles | Flat handles |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate load | around 3–5 kg (depending on paper thickness) | around 2–3 kg |
| Comfort when full | better, cord doesn't dig into the hand | acceptable, but the ribbon tends to fold |
| Appearance | classic retail style | cleaner, "boutique" style |
| Flat storage | handles stick up above the edge | bags stack flatter in a pile |
| Size range | from 18×8×21 to 54×14×44 cm | currently 25×11×32 cm |
| Price at 100 pcs | from €0.13/pc | from €0.15/pc |
Which to choose for your situation
- Shop, florist, bakery, take-away – twisted handles. The customer carries the bag longer and often with more weight.
- Clothing shop, cosmetics, gift packaging – flat handles or twisted handles in a smaller size; weight is low, appearance matters.
- Conference, seminar materials, promotional product sets – 32×12×40 cm or 34×18×35 cm with twisted handles, so an A4 folder, notebook and bottle fit inside.
- Books, wine bottles, heavy sample boxes – twisted handles only, with the thickest paper (90–100 g/m²).
- Large, flat items (posters, textiles, cushions) – 45×16×48, 49.5×14×44 or 54×14×44 cm.
About paper thickness
The bags are made from recyclable kraft paper, 70–100 g/m². The smallest sizes are fine with 70–80 g/m², medium sizes are best at 80–90 g/m², and for larger ones (45 cm and wider) we use 90–100 g/m², otherwise the bottom of the bag starts to buckle. Two base colours are available – brown kraft and white; white gives a cleaner background if your logo is thin-lined or multicoloured.
Examples from our catalogue
- Paper bag with twisted handles 18×8×21 cm – kraft paper 70/80 g/m², 2 colours, suited for small purchases and gifts, from €0.13/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with twisted handles 25×11×32 cm – kraft 70/80/90 g/m², 2 colours, the most universal retail size, from €0.15/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with flat handles 25×11×32 cm – same size and material, but with a flat paper ribbon handle, from €0.15/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with twisted handles 32×12×40 cm – kraft 80/90 g/m², fits A4 materials comfortably, from €0.22/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with twisted handles 34×20×35 cm – kraft 80/90 g/m² with a wide 20 cm base, good for boxes and textiles, from €0.26/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with twisted handles 45×16×48 cm – kraft 90/100 g/m², for larger and heavier purchases, from €0.29/pc at 100 pcs.
- Paper bag with twisted handles 54×14×44 cm – kraft 90/100 g/m², the widest option for flat items, from €0.32/pc at 100 pcs.
Sizes and indicative prices
| Size (W×D×H) | Paper | Price at 100 pcs |
|---|---|---|
| 18×8×21 cm | 70/80 g/m² | from €0.13 |
| 25×11×32 cm | 70/80/90 g/m² | from €0.15 |
| 25×15×32 cm | 70/80/90 g/m² | from €0.16 |
| 30×17×35 cm | 80/90 g/m² | from €0.22 |
| 32×12×40 cm | 80/90 g/m² | from €0.22 |
| 32×17×39 cm | 80/90 g/m² | from €0.24 |
| 34×18×35 cm | 80/90 g/m² | from €0.25 |
| 49.5×14×44 cm | 90/100 g/m² | from €0.30 |
Prices are indicative, excl. VAT and excl. printing, at 100 pcs. For larger quantities the price per piece drops – the difference between 100 and 1000 pcs is usually noticeable. Logo printing is quoted separately: it depends on the number of colours, print area size and quantity, so we include the exact amount in the quote for each item along with the setup fee.
Printing and artwork requirements
On kraft paper, a one- or two-colour logo and simple graphics work best. Fine photographs and light colours become dull on brown paper – in such cases we recommend a white bag or a larger, simplified logo. Please send artwork in vector format (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg), CMYK; raster files need 300 dpi. Before production we send the artwork for approval by email.
If you need bags together with other event materials, they can be combined in one order with promotional products with a logo or with business cards and flyers, so the whole campaign is in one style and one invoice. You can view examples of previous work in our portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Which handle type is more durable?
Twisted. The spun paper cord distributes the load more evenly and holds roughly 3–5 kg depending on paper thickness, while the flat ribbon comfortably carries around 2–3 kg. If you're packing bottles, books or food packaging, choose twisted handles and 90–100 g/m² paper.
Are flat handles more expensive?
No. At the 25×11×32 cm size, both options start from €0.15/pc at 100 pcs. The difference is only in the size range – twisted handles are available from 18×8×21 to 54×14×44 cm, while flat handles are currently only 25×11×32 cm.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Catalogue prices start from 100 pcs. A smaller quantity is possible by separate arrangement, but then the price per piece is considerably higher, since setup costs are spread over a smaller run.
How long does it take to get bags with a logo?
Printed bags usually take 6–10 business days: production 4–7 business days depending on quantity, plus delivery 2–3 days. We review urgent jobs separately. Our own printing – stickers, business cards, posters – is ready in 1–3 business days.
Are the bags recyclable?
Yes, they're made from recyclable kraft paper, 70–100 g/m², and the handles are paper too, not synthetic, so the bag can go into paper recycling without separating anything.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the largest item you'll be putting inside and add 2–3 cm on each side. A4 materials need at least 32 cm of width, textiles and boxes need a base depth from 17 cm. If you're not sure, send us the dimensions of your items and we'll suggest a suitable option from the catalogue.
Email us at info@attaprint.lv, call, or message us on WhatsApp at +371 25776699 with the size, quantity and number of logo colours – we'll prepare a quote with the price, print area and timeline within one business day.
FAQ
Which handle type is more durable?
Twisted. The spun paper cord distributes the load more evenly and holds roughly 3–5 kg depending on paper thickness, while the flat ribbon comfortably carries around 2–3 kg. For heavier contents, choose twisted handles and 90–100 g/m² paper.
Are flat handles more expensive?
No. At the 25×11×32 cm size, both options start from €0.15/pc at 100 pcs. The difference is in the size range: twisted handles are available from 18×8×21 to 54×14×44 cm, while flat handles are currently only 25×11×32 cm.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Catalogue prices start from 100 pcs. A smaller quantity is possible by separate arrangement, but then the price per piece is higher, since setup costs are spread over a smaller run.
How long does it take to get bags with a logo?
Usually 6–10 business days: production 4–7 business days depending on quantity, plus delivery 2–3 days. We review urgent jobs separately.
Are the bags recyclable?
Yes. They're made from recyclable kraft paper, 70–100 g/m², and the handles are paper too, so the bag can go into paper recycling without separating anything.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the largest item and add 2–3 cm on each side. A4 materials need at least 32 cm of width, textiles and boxes need a base depth from 17 cm. Send us the dimensions of your items and we'll suggest the best option.
