Are you searching for the best paper bag manufacturers in the UK? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you run a boutique retail shop, a busy takeaway, or a fast-growing e-commerce brand, the right paper bag supplier can make or break your packaging game.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top 10 UK paper bag manufacturers — ranked, reviewed, and broken down for you. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly who to call.
Let’s dive straight in.
Why Paper Bags Matter More Than Ever
Before we get to the list, here’s something worth knowing: paper bags are no longer just packaging. They’re a brand statement. They’re a sustainability pledge. And they’re increasingly a legal necessity.
“30% of UK consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging.” — Industry research, 2025
On top of that, the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax (now at £223.69 per tonne as of April 2024) has pushed businesses of all sizes toward paper alternatives. So if you’re still on the fence about switching, the market has already decided for you.
Now, here are the manufacturers you can trust.
1. Packaza — Best for Custom, Eco-Friendly Paper Bags (Editor’s Pick)
Website: packaza.com
If you’re looking for a one-stop solution for custom paper bags, Packaza is the name that stands out. Packaza specialises in high-quality, eco-friendly packaging solutions designed to help brands make a strong impression — without the environmental guilt.
Here’s what makes Packaza worth your attention:
- Full customisation — You choose the size, material, print, and finish. Your bag, your brand.
- Eco-friendly materials — Packaza prioritises sustainable sourcing, so you can market your packaging as genuinely green.
- Competitive wholesale pricing — Whether you need a small test run or a large bulk order, Packaza works with your budget.
- Fast turnaround — No one wants to wait weeks for their packaging. Packaza understands that speed matters.
- Versatile product range — From kraft paper bags to luxury printed carrier bags, the range covers retail, food service, gifting, and more.
What truly sets Packaza apart is its commitment to making custom packaging accessible to businesses of all sizes. You don’t need to be a major retailer to order professional-grade paper bags. Packaza brings that level of quality to small and growing businesses too.
Best for: Retail brands, boutiques, food businesses, and e-commerce sellers who want custom, branded, eco-friendly paper bags.
👉 Ready to get a quote? Visit packaza.com and start your order today.
2. Welton Bibby & Baron — UK’s Largest Paper Bag Manufacturer
Website: www.welton.co.uk
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire
If sheer scale is what you need, Welton Bibby & Baron is hard to beat. Founded in 1858, it is the UK’s largest manufacturer of paper bags, strip window paper bags, paper carrier bags, wicketed paper bags, can end bags, and printed paper on the roll.
Their product range is enormous. From bread bags and fast food bags to fashion carrier bags and flour bags, they cover virtually every industry. They have the widest product range combined with the largest volume, meaning customers receive market-leading economies of scale and flexibility of service.
Key features:
- Over 160 years of manufacturing experience
- A 30,000-pallet automated warehouse on-site
- European manufacturing sites for global reach
- Billions of impressions supplied annually
Best for: Large retailers, supermarkets, and food manufacturers needing high-volume, consistent supply.
3. Smith Anderson — 60 Million Bags Per Week
Website: smithanderson.com
Location: Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Smith Anderson, a Scottish company founded in 1859, claims to be the UK’s leading paper bag manufacturer and produces over 60 million paper bags per week. That’s not a typo — 60 million, every single week.
Their product range covers flat and satchel bags, SOS bags, paper tape handle bags, e-commerce bags, and on-the-go options. They also put strong emphasis on sustainability, highlighting energy savings and reduced carbon footprint as part of their local manufacturing advantage.
Key features:
- One of the highest output capacities in the UK
- Innovative designs including e-commerce-specific bags
- Strong sustainability focus
Best for: High-volume orders for food service, quick service restaurants, and large retail chains.
4. Dempson Ltd — 75+ Years of Paper Bag Excellence
Location: Maidstone, Kent (with additional sites in Bradford)
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 also holds BRC and ISO 9001 certifications, which means their quality processes are independently verified. That matters when you’re trusting someone with your brand’s packaging.
Key features:
- 75+ years of paper manufacturing experience
- 1,000+ stock lines across two warehouses
- Custom printing available on almost any product
- BRC and ISO 9001 certified
Best for: Businesses needing a wide variety of paper products under one roof, from bags to wrapping paper to serviettes.
5. Bestpac UK Ltd — The Fastest Growing UK Manufacturer
Website: www.bestpacukltd.com
Location: Lancashire, England
Bestpac is currently working towards its long-term goal of becoming one of the UK’s most sustainable paper bag manufacturers, aiming to continuously advance sustainability and leave as small an ecological footprint as possible.
The paper bag factory holds an AA rating from the BRCGS Packaging Materials — the highest grade possible — which reflects dedication to creating a safe, progressive, and quality paper bag manufacturing environment.
What’s impressive about Bestpac is how quickly they’ve built credibility. Since launching in 2020, they’ve become a trusted supplier to major UK supermarkets and foodservice chains.
Key features:
- BRCGS AA-grade food safety certification
- Just-in-time delivery capability
- 100% recyclable paper bags
- Next-day delivery to retailers and distribution centres
Best for: Food businesses and supermarket suppliers who need certified, food-safe paper bags delivered fast.
6. Paper Bag Co — Specialist Wholesale Supplier
Website: www.paperbagco.co.uk
Location: South West England
Paper Bag Company are market leaders in supplying quality retail and promotional paper bags. They design and produce custom printed paper bags so you can add your own branding or marketing message. They are committed to protecting the environment and are able to supply FSC® certified products where possible.
Paper Bag Co holds a large stock of wholesale paper bags ready for immediate dispatch. Their range covers everything from large shopping bags to small gift bags, in both standard and custom formats.
Key features:
- FSC® certified products available
- Large stock for immediate dispatch
- Custom printing with branding options
- Wide range of sizes and colours
Best for: Retailers, boutiques, and promotional businesses needing fast delivery and reliable wholesale supply.
7. Oversolve Paper Bag Company — Eco Champions Since 1992
Website: www.oversolve.co.uk
Location: United Kingdom
Oversolve is a leading UK carrier bag manufacturer committed to environmental sustainability, having sequestered 10 tonnes of CO2 and planted 215 trees in partnership with Ecologi.
Founded in 1992, Oversolve has built a strong reputation in the UK carrier bag market. If your brand makes eco-claims to customers, Oversolve’s environmental credentials can actually back those claims up.
Key features:
- Active carbon offsetting partnership with Ecologi
- Strong focus on sustainable materials
- Carrier bag specialists
- Custom printed options available
Best for: Eco-conscious brands that want suppliers with verified sustainability credentials.
8. AB Group Packaging — High-Volume, Multi-Country Operations
Website: www.epgroup.co.uk
Location: UK, Ireland, and Spain
AB Group Packaging is a multinational high-volume manufacturer of paper bags and flexible packaging with facilities in the UK, Ireland, and Spain. Established in the 1990s, they supply leading retailers and brands, offering a wide range of paper bag products and flexible packaging solutions.
AB Group Packaging is a smart choice if you’re operating at scale across multiple markets. Their multi-site operations mean consistent supply, even when demand spikes.
Key features:
- Multi-country production facilities
- High-volume manufacturing capacity
- Serves leading UK and international retailers
- Flexible packaging alongside paper bags
Best for: Mid-to-large businesses needing reliable, high-volume paper bag supply across multiple markets.
9. Big Brown Carrier Bag — Stylish & Sustainable
Website: bigbrowncarrierbag.co.uk
Location: Hertfordshire, England
Big Brown Carrier Bag is a supplier of stylish, eco-friendly paper bags made from recycled or recyclable materials, based in Hertfordshire. Since its founding, the company has developed in-house bespoke printing facilities capable of producing full-colour logos and intricate designs.
What makes Big Brown Carrier Bag worth considering is their in-house printing capability. You don’t have to go elsewhere for the print — they handle it all under one roof.
Key features:
- Full-colour in-house bespoke printing
- Eco-friendly and recycled materials
- Stylish, retail-focused designs
- UK-based operations
Best for: Boutique retailers and lifestyle brands looking for beautifully printed, eco-friendly carrier bags.
10. Carrier Bag Shop — The Nation’s Leading Online Supplier
Website: www.carrierbagshop.co.uk
Location: East Barnet, London
After launching in February 2006, Carrier Bag Shop has gone from strength to strength to become the nation’s leading online website supplying carrier bags, tissue paper, gift packaging, and a wide range of other products. They specialise in paper bags, paper carrier bags, cotton bags, jute bags, tissue paper, and a wide range of other packaging items.
Carrier Bag Shop is particularly useful if you need small-to-medium orders delivered fast. Their large warehousing and nationwide distribution mean hundreds of orders go out within 24 hours every day.
Key features:
- 24-hour dispatch on many items
- Wide range of paper and alternative bag types
- Strong online ordering experience
- Nationwide delivery across the UK
Best for: Small businesses, startups, and event planners who need reliable, fast delivery with low minimum orders.
How to Choose the Right Paper Bag Manufacturer for Your Business
Still not sure which one is right for you? Here are the key questions to ask yourself:
1. What type of paper bag do you need? Kraft, laminated, greaseproof, luxury, or food-safe? Different manufacturers specialise in different types.
2. How many do you need? For small runs, suppliers like Carrier Bag Shop and Packaza work well. For millions of units, Welton Bibby & Baron or Smith Anderson are better fits.
3. Do you need custom printing? Most manufacturers on this list offer custom printing, but turnaround times and minimum order quantities vary. Always ask upfront.
4. How important is sustainability to your brand? If eco credentials matter to your customers, look for FSC® certification, recycled materials, and active carbon offsetting. Packaza, Oversolve, and Bestpac all tick these boxes well.
5. What’s your delivery timeline? Some manufacturers offer next-day dispatch. Others need 2–4 weeks for custom orders. Plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Step
Choosing a paper bag manufacturer is a real business decision — not just a quick Google search. The right partner will protect your brand, meet your sustainability goals, and keep your shelves (or fulfilment centre) stocked without stress.
If you’re looking for custom, eco-friendly paper bags with competitive pricing and genuine flexibility, Packaza is the place to start. You get full customisation, sustainable materials, and a team that treats your order — big or small — as a priority.
👉 Visit packaza.com today to get your custom quote.
Have questions about choosing the right paper bag supplier? Drop a comment below or get in touch — we’re always happy to help you find the best packaging solution for your business.
