Top 10 Companies in the Commercial Paper Bag Industry (2025): Market Leaders Advancing Sustainable Packaging

In Business Insights
June 26, 2025

The Global Commercial Paper Bag Market was valued at USD 1.23 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.56 Billion by 2030, progressing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This expansion is propelled by stringent plastic regulations, rising eco-conscious consumerism, and the retail sector’s shift toward biodegradable packaging solutions.

As sustainability becomes integral to brand strategies worldwide, paper bag manufacturers are innovating with advanced materials and smart production techniques. This report examines the Top 10 Companies in the Commercial Paper Bag Industry—market leaders setting benchmarks in circular packaging solutions.


🔟 1. Smurfit Kappa Group

Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Key Offering: Retail paper carriers, industrial multi-wall sacks, food-safe packaging

Smurfit Kappa leads Europe’s paper packaging sector with integrated operations across 36 countries. Their PaperBag® line demonstrates industry-leading durability with 100% recyclability, serving multinational retailers and CPG brands.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero waste-to-landfill across all production sites
  • 45% CO₂ reduction since 2005 baseline
  • Closed-loop recycling programs with major supermarkets

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Commercial Paper Bag Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Mondi Group

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Key Offering: Barrier-coated specialty bags, renewable kraft packaging

Mondi’s technical paper solutions combine >90% renewable content with functional barriers for moisture resistance. The company operates 100+ converting facilities globally.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable products by 2025
  • 50% reduced process water intensity since 2015
  • Paper-based alternatives replacing flexible plastics

8️⃣ 3. International Paper Company

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: Grocery sacks, retail merchandising bags, industrial packaging

As North America’s packaging leader, International Paper produces 10+ billion bags annually through its extensive fiber network and converting plants.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 35% average recycled fiber content
  • 75% renewable energy use in operations
  • Zero manufacturing waste commitment by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Commercial Paper Bag Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Novolex Holdings

Headquarters: Hartsville, South Carolina, USA
Key Offering: EcoLogic® recycled content bags, custom retail carriers

Novolex’s paper division serves 90% of U.S. grocery retailers through high-speed converting operations using FSC-certified materials.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 75% PCR content in select product lines
  • 100% WRAP-certified manufacturing facilities
  • How2Recycle® labeling program participation

6️⃣ 5. Essentra

Headquarters: Oxford, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Luxury retail packaging, pharmaceutical-grade paper bags

Essentra specializes in high-end printed paper solutions combining brand aesthetics with sustainability credentials for premium sectors.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% renewable energy in European plants
  • Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® product lines
  • Deforestation-free fiber sourcing

5️⃣ 6. United Bags

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Custom SOS bags, flat-bottom retail carriers

Operating one of North America’s largest paper bag plants, United Bags produces 3+ billion units annually with rapid customization capabilities.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 30% energy reduction through LED retrofits
  • Zero-VOC water-based printing inks
  • Production scrap conversion to energy

4️⃣ 7. El Dorado Packaging

Headquarters: Texarkana, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Agricultural bulk sacks, food service bags

This specialist manufacturer combines craft expertise with automation to serve commodity and food packaging segments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Bio-based barrier coating R&D
  • Solar-powered manufacturing infrastructure
  • Closed-loop pulp recovery systems

3️⃣ 8. Langston Companies

Headquarters: Montclair, California, USA
Key Offering: Boutique retail carriers, event packaging

Langston excels in small-batch, high-design solutions featuring advanced printing techniques for specialty retailers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • FSC-certified paper sourcing
  • Carbon-neutral production certification
  • Plant-based adhesives implementation

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Commercial Paper Bag Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. BillerudKorsnäs

Headquarters: Solna, Sweden
Key Offering: Primary Fibre Form™ moisture-resistant packaging

This Nordic innovator develops high-barrier paper materials challenging plastic applications in food and e-commerce.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% fossil-free production roadmap
  • Full fiber traceability systems
  • Circular design certification

1️⃣ 10. Paperbags Limited

Headquarters: Greenford, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Luxury branded carriers, eco-retail solutions

Europe’s premier converter combines artisanal techniques with digital printing to serve high-end fashion and beauty brands.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • CarbonNeutral® certified operations
  • Industrial composting certification
  • Waterless digital printing technology

Get Full Report Here: Global Commercial Paper Bag Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Market Outlook: The Circular Packaging Revolution

The commercial paper bag sector is transforming through material innovations, smart technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

📈 Key Market Drivers:

  • Global phase-out of single-use plastic bags accelerating adoption
  • Advances in wet-strength and barrier technologies expanding applications
  • Integration of NFC tags and QR codes for smart packaging
  • Localized production reducing carbon footprint

Get Full Report Here: Global Commercial Paper Bag Market – View in Detailed Research Report

These industry leaders are not merely manufacturing packaging—they’re pioneering the future of sustainable retail solutions through material science and circular economy principles.