Are you searching for reliable paper bag manufacturers in the UK for retail, fashion, food, cosmetics or promotional packaging?
Choosing the right supplier is not only about price. UK businesses usually consider:
- Custom printing capability
- Sustainable materials
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- Production capacity
- Delivery reliability
- Packaging design support
This guide introduces the top 10 paper bag manufacturers serving UK customers, including UK-based producers and international manufacturers that supply customized paper bags to British brands.
Among them, Pakoro is a China-based custom paper bag manufacturer specializing in sustainable paper bags, luxury shopping bags and branded packaging solutions for UK businesses, retailers and e-commerce brands.
1 – Pakoro – Sustainable custom paper bags & boxes from China
At Pakoro, we’re proud to be a leading carton manufacturer specialising in eco‑friendly paper bags and boxes.
Our mission is to help businesses like yours present their products beautifully while reducing environmental impact.
According to our website, we focus on innovative and sustainable packaging solutions and are committed to quality, creativity and environmental protection.
We allow you to fully customise your packaging – from size and material to design – and offer fast turnaround times with low minimum order quantities.
Key benefits of choosing Pakoro:
- Flexible customisation. You control the size, materials and artwork on each bag.
- Small‑business friendly. Our low MOQs make it easy for start‑ups to order professional packaging without tying up cash.
- End‑to‑end support. We guide you from initial quotation to delivery, making wholesale ordering hassle free.
- Comprehensive product range. In addition to paper bags, our catalogue includes pizza boxes, mailer boxes, gift boxes, clothing packaging and cosmetic packaging.
- One‑stop printing. We can print your logos on bags, boxes, brochures and other marketing materials.
If you’re ready to elevate your packaging, feel free to contact us. Our team would love to discuss your project and provide a custom quote.
2 – Welton Bibby & Baron – Britain’s largest paper bag maker
Established in 1858, Welton Bibby & Baron is often described as the UK’s largest manufacturer of paper bags.
The company produces everything from bread bags and fashion carrier bags to flour bags and sugar bags.
Besides paper, they also manufacture polythene bags and printed shrink film and operate a large warehouse for storage.
With more than 160 years of experience and billions of impressions supplied each year, Welton Bibby & Baron offers economies of scale.
Why choose them?
- Heritage & scale. Over a century of experience means reliable production.
- Broad product range. The company makes many types of paper bags plus polythene packaging.
- High‑volume capacity. Their large warehouse and high production volumes suit national retailers.
3 – Smith Anderson – 60 million paper bags every week
When you hear the name Smith Anderson, you immediately think of scale.
This Scottish company, founded in 1859, claims to be the UK’s leading paper bag manufacturer and produces over 60 million paper bags per week.
Their product range is broad, with flat & satchel bags, SOS bags, paper tape handle bags, e‑commerce bags and on‑the‑go options.
Smith Anderson also emphasises sustainability; as a local manufacturer they highlight energy savings and reductions in carbon footprint.
Highlights:
- Massive output. The facility in Kirkcaldy produces tens of millions of bags each week.
- Innovative designs. Options include e‑commerce and paper tape handle bags.
- Sustainability. Investments in energy efficiency reduce carbon emissions.
4 – Dempson Ltd – Diverse paper bag specialist
Dempson has been passionate about paper since 1948.
Today the company is a leading UK manufacturer of paper bags, carriers, sheeted paper wrapping, serviettes and paper rolls.
They offer one of the largest and most varied product ranges in the industry, supported by two UK warehouses and more than 1,000 stock lines.
Dempson continues to expand by introducing new products and investing in energy‑efficient innovations.
They hold BRC and ISO 9001 certifications.
Reasons to consider Dempson:
- Wide selection. Bags, carriers, wrapping paper and more.
- Large stock holding. Over 1,000 lines across two warehouses.
- Continuous innovation. Focus on energy‑efficient products and processes.
5 – Oversolve – Customisable carrier bags since 1992
Founded in 1992, Oversolve supplies carrier bags wholesale to businesses throughout the UK.
According to third‑party sources, Oversolve has built an excellent reputation as a UK carrier bag manufacturer.
Their bags are made from high‑quality materials and can be custom printed with your company logo, making them ideal for promoting your brand.
Advantages:
- Experienced wholesaler. More than thirty years of manufacturing and supplying carrier bags.
- Custom printing. They can print your logo to create a promotional tool.
- Quality materials. Durable paper bags suitable for retail or events.
6 – Robins Packaging – Over 90 years of service
With more than ninety years of experience, Robins Packaging specialises in supplying plain or printed carrier bags and paper packaging products.
They offer a wide variety of options to suit different budgets and are committed to delivering high‑quality products with excellent customer service.
Why Robins might suit you:
- Long history. Nearly a century of packaging expertise.
- Plain & printed options. Suitable for both simple and branded requirements.
- Customer‑focused. Their commitment to service helps ensure satisfaction.
7 – GM Packaging (UK) Ltd – Recyclable paper bags from Newcastle
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, GM Packaging has supplied high‑quality paper bags for over 25 years.
Their products are made from 100 % recyclable materials and come in various sizes, colours and styles.
The company also manufactures plastic bags, reusable shopping bags and biodegradable options.
Reasons to work with GM Packaging:
- Eco‑friendly materials. Paper bags are fully recyclable.
- Varied product range. Choose from different sizes, colours and styles.
- Additional products. They also supply reusable and biodegradable bags.
8 – Big Brown Carrier Bag – Affordable and sustainable
Launched in 2005, Big Brown Carrier Bag sources paper from sustainably managed forests and uses recycled materials wherever possible.
The company aims to reduce environmental impact while offering high‑quality, durable and affordable bags.
Their products are accessible to a wide range of customers, from small boutiques to larger stores.
What sets them apart:
- Sustainable sourcing. Paper is sourced responsibly and recycled materials are used.
- Affordability. Competitive pricing makes eco‑friendly bags accessible.
- Durability. Bags are designed to hold up under daily use.
9 – Paper Bag Co – Bespoke paper bag supplier in the South West
Paper Bag Co is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high‑quality paper bags and has been serving customers for more than ten years.
Their bags are made from 100 % recycled paper and are fully recyclable.
The company offers a wide range of sizes and styles with custom printing options and emphasises both quality and environmental responsibility.
Why Paper Bag Co appeals to customers:
- Recycled & recyclable. Every bag is made from 100 % recycled paper.
- Customisable sizes. Choose from many sizes and styles for bespoke projects.
- Environmentally conscious. Their commitment to sustainability is clear.
10 – AB Group Packaging – Multinational high‑volume manufacturer
Finishing our list is AB Group Packaging, a multinational company with production facilities in the UK, Ireland and Spain.
Established in the 1990s, AB Group supplies leading retailers and supermarket chains across Europe and has turnover exceeding £100 million.
They specialise in high‑volume paper bags and flexible packaging and are known for supplying big brands.
Why AB Group might suit large buyers:
- Multiple facilities. Manufacturing sites across three countries enable high capacity.
- Trusted by major retailers. They supply supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and more.
- High‑volume focus. Ideal for large orders and national chains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Bag Manufacturers UK
- 1. What is the MOQ for custom paper bags?
The MOQ depends on the manufacturer, material and printing requirements.
Many traditional manufacturers require large production quantities.
For small businesses and startups, suppliers like Pakoro can support customized orders starting from approximately 500 pieces.
- 2. Can UK companies import custom paper bags from China?
Yes.
Many UK brands source paper bags from China because Chinese manufacturers provide:
- Competitive production costs
- More customization options
- Flexible MOQ
- Export experience
A reliable supplier should provide samples, production information and shipping solutions.
- 3. Which paper bag manufacturer is best for small businesses?
Small businesses usually need:
- Low MOQ
- Custom printing
- Flexible design support
- Reasonable production costs
Manufacturers specializing in customized packaging, such as Pakoro, are often more suitable than large industrial suppliers.
- 4. What materials are commonly used for paper bags?
Common materials include:
- Kraft paper
- Coated paper
- Recycled paper
- FSC-certified paper
The right choice depends on:
- Product weight
- Brand positioning
- Sustainability requirements
- Budget
- 5. How long does custom paper bag production take?
Production time depends on design complexity and quantity.
Typical custom paper bag production usually takes around:
- Sample: 5–7 working days
- Mass production: 10–20 working days
Conclusion – Choosing the right UK paper bag partner
Selecting a paper bag manufacturer is about more than just price – you need a partner who understands your brand values, can meet your volumes and cares about the environment.
In this guide we ranked the top ten paper bag manufacturers serving the UK, starting with Pakoro, which combines sustainable materials, flexible customisation and low MOQs.
Other long‑established companies like Welton Bibby & Baron and Smith Anderson offer enormous scale, while Dempson, Oversolve and Robins Packaging provide diverse options and decades of expertise. GM Packaging, Big Brown Carrier Bag and Paper Bag Co emphasise recyclable materials and competitive pricing, whereas AB Group Packaging excels at high‑volume production.
Ultimately the best choice depends on your priorities – whether you value bespoke design, sustainability, volume capacity or a balance of all three. Whichever partner you select, make sure they align with your brand values and support the journey towards greener packaging. Feel free to reach out to me at Pakoro if you’d like personalised advice; we’re always happy to help!
