Custom SOS Shopping Bags

Paper Bag Styles

Custom SOS Shopping Bags

Self-Opening Square bags that snap open one-handed and stand up on the counter. The takeaway and quick-service standard, in food-grade kraft, greaseproof, or white board.

Why Custom SOS Shopping Bags

Designed around counter speed, not looks

SOS stands for Self-Opening Square (also called self-opening sack). The gusset and base are pre-creased so the bag pops from flat to standing with one hand — which matters when staff are bagging fifty orders an hour. That single ergonomic detail is why SOS dominates bakery, deli, pharmacy, and takeaway counters.

Because the format is machine-made end to end, SOS is also the cheapest custom printed bag per unit at volume. The compromise is finishing: SOS runs flexo, so complex CMYK photography is not realistic. Design for 1-3 strong spot colours and the format works beautifully.

Specifications

Standard Sizes, Materials & Order Info

Popular sizes

Small 150×90×230mm · Medium 200×120×280mm · Large 260×150×330mm · XL 320×180×390mm

Material

60-120gsm food-grade kraft, greaseproof kraft, or bleached white kraft

Handles

Usually handle-free; twisted paper handles available on 100gsm+

Printing

Flexographic, 1-3 spot colours, water-based food-safe inks

Coating

Uncoated, greaseproof, PE-lined, or PLA compostable lining

MOQ

1,000 pcs per size/design (higher than other styles because flexo plates run long)

Lead time

8-12 working days

Certification

FDA / food-contact grade available on request

Built-In Advantages

What Makes Our Custom SOS Shopping Bags Stand Out

One-handed opening

Pre-creased side gussets and a square base mean the bag opens and stands without being shaken out — measurably faster at a busy counter.

Stands upright when loaded

The square bottom holds shape, so hot food and drinks stay level and the bag can be filled while it sits on the counter.

Greaseproof and compostable options

Greaseproof kraft handles pastries and fried food without wicking. PLA lining gives a compostable barrier for wetter items.

Lowest unit cost at volume

Fully machine-produced with no hand finishing, so at 10,000+ pieces SOS is the most economical printed bag we make.

Customization

Materials & Finishing Options

Every option below is configurable per order. Tell us your priority and we will spec the right combination.

Food-grade natural kraft

Uncoated virgin kraft, FDA-compliant. The default for bakery and dry goods.

Greaseproof kraft

Fibre treated to resist oil migration. Essential for pastries, fried chicken, and buttered items.

PE-lined kraft

Thin polyethylene barrier for wet or hot food. Not curbside recyclable — choose PLA if that matters to you.

PLA compostable lining

Plant-based barrier film that is industrially compostable. Costs more than PE but keeps the bag in the compost stream.

Window patch

A die-cut window with glassine or PLA film so the product is visible. Very effective for bakery.

Twisted paper handles

Available from 100gsm upward if customers need to carry the bag rather than just take it from the counter.

Common Uses

Where Custom SOS Shopping Bags Are Used

Bakeries and patisseries Delis and sandwich bars Fried and fast food takeaway Pharmacies and dispensaries Grocery produce and bulk bins Coffee shops and food halls

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