For shops
Printed carrier bags
We print carrier bags for shops in two kinds: paper bags, which we quote by hand, and cotton bags for life, which you can price and order online. Paper suits a till where every sale gets a bag. Cotton suits shops that sell or give away a bag customers keep.
Paper or cotton?
Most shops end up with one of each: paper for everyday sales, and a cotton bag to sell or give with bigger purchases.
| Paper carrier bags | Cotton carrier bags | |
|---|---|---|
| Styles | Twisted handle, flat handle, luxury kraft and laminated | Flat totes, gusseted totes, mini bags and contrast handles |
| How long it lasts | A handful of trips | Made to be reused again and again |
| Printing | Your logo, quoted by hand | Screen printed in 1 to 4 colours, with live prices online |
| Minimum order | No fixed minimum | No fixed minimum; prices shown from 25 |
| How to order | Ask for a quote at the bottom of this page | Choose a bag and order online |
| Best for | Every sale at the till, gifts, boutiques | A bag for life to sell or to give with bigger purchases |
| Uses to match a single-use plastic bag on climate impact | 3 | 131 |
Figures from the Environment Agency (2011). Either way, the greener bag is the one that gets reused.
Paper carrier bags we print
Every paper bag is quoted by hand. Pick a style to see what it suits, or ask for a quote below. All paper bags.
Paper bags
Twisted handle bags
The everyday paper carrier bag, in brown or white kraft, printed with your logo.
Paper bags
Flat handle bags
Practical paper bags that stack flat, for takeaway, bakeries and busy counters.
Paper bags
Luxury rope handle bags
Heavier paper, rope handles and a reinforced top, for boutiques, beauty and gifts.
Cotton carrier bags you can order now
Cotton bags for life with live prices. The Mini Cotton Tote Bag suits small items like jewellery, cards and cosmetics.
Recycled Cotton Tote Bag
Printed from £1.22 +VAT
Sample £0.60 +VAT
Available colours
BlackNaturalOrangePurpleWhiteNavyplus 6 more colours
Cotton Tote Bag Long Handle
Printed from £1.42 +VAT
Sample £0.77 +VAT
Available colours
BlackBottle GreenBurgundyCornflower BlueCranberryKelly Greenplus 42 more colours
Cotton Tote Bag Short Handle
Printed from £1.38 +VAT
Sample £0.73 +VAT
Available colours
BlackNaturalWhiteFrench NavyGraphite Grey
Cotton Tote Bag Contrast Handle
Printed from £1.54 +VAT
Sample £0.87 +VAT
Available colours
Natural-BlackNatural-FuchsiaNatural-Lime GreenNatural-French NavyNatural-Classic Red
Recycled Cotton Marl Tote Bag
Printed from £1.28 +VAT
Sample £1.50 +VAT
Available colours
NaturalGreen MarlOrange MarlRoyal MarlRed MarlSky Blue Marlplus 2 more colours
Mini Cotton Tote Bag
Printed from £1.20 +VAT
Sample £0.58 +VAT
Available colours
BlackNaturalOrangeWhiteFrench Navy
Should you charge for them?
In England the carrier bag charge has been 10p since May 2021, and carrier bag sales at the main retailers have fallen by more than 97% since 2015 (gov.uk). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own charges. What applies depends on the kind of bag and where your shop is, so check the current rules for your nation. Our carrier bag charge guide explains them.
Some shops sell a printed cotton bag for life at the till instead. The customer pays for a bag they'll keep, and your logo goes home with them. See retail shopping bags for more ideas.
Choosing a carrier bag for your shop
- Size it to what you sell. Too big and it looks empty; too small and it won't close over the goods. Measure your bulkiest regular item. The bag sizes guide helps.
- Think about weight. Wine, books and homeware need a sturdier bag than cards and jewellery. Tell us what goes in it and we'll suggest one.
- Keep the print simple. One or two colours on kraft or natural cotton looks smart and keeps the price down.
- Order for your busiest weeks. Christmas and the sales use far more bags than an average month, so count the busy weeks, not the quiet ones.
- Match your brand. Give us Pantone references and we'll match your colours.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between a carrier bag and a tote bag?
A carrier bag is any bag a shop gives you to carry your shopping home. A tote is a fabric bag with two handles, open at the top. Our cotton totes work as both.
Is there a minimum order for printed paper carrier bags?
No fixed minimum. Paper bags are quoted by hand, so tell us how many you need and we'll price them.
How long do printed paper bags take?
It depends on the style and quantity, so we give you a date with your quote. If you have a deadline, put it in the form below.
Can I order printed cotton carrier bags online?
Yes. Choose a bag, your print colours and quantity, and you'll see the price. Standard turnaround is 7 to 10 working days from approved artwork, and our express range can be printed from the next working day.
Are paper carrier bags better for the environment than plastic?
Only if they're reused. The Environment Agency (2011) found a paper bag needs 3 uses to match the climate impact of a single-use plastic carrier bag used once. A strong paper bag with good handles is more likely to get those uses.
Get a quote for paper carrier bags
Tell us the style, size and quantity, and add your logo if you have it. We'll email you a price.
- A written price by email, with no obligation
- A free check of your artwork
- A proof to approve before anything is printed