Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market has been segmented by Material, Bag, and Geography, each influencing the growth and demand of foodservice paper bags across different regions. In terms of material, foodservice paper bags are primarily made from kraft paper, coated paper, and recycled paper. Kraft paper is the most widely used material due to its strength, durability, and ability to hold heavy food items. It is commonly used for carrying sandwiches, pastries, and bakery items. Coated paper provides additional protection against moisture and grease, making it ideal for items like takeout orders that require an extra layer of protection. Recycled paper has gained traction due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. It helps reduce environmental impact and supports the growing trend toward eco-friendly alternatives in the foodservice industry.

The bag segmentation covers various types of foodservice paper bags, such as grocery bags, sandwich bags, takeaway bags, and custom-branded paper bags. Grocery bags are commonly used by supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes to carry food items and takeout orders. Sandwich bags are smaller, designed to hold individual servings of food, often used for packaging sandwiches, wraps, and snacks. Takeaway bags are larger and more robust, designed to hold multiple food items in one package for delivery or takeout orders. Custom-branded paper bags have seen a rise in popularity as restaurants and foodservice businesses use them to promote their brand image while offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags. The growing adoption of paper bags in the foodservice industry is further supported by the increasing awareness of sustainability and waste reduction.

Geographically, the North American market dominates the foodservice paper bags segment due to the high demand for takeout and delivery services, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. The preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is also strong in this region, as there is growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic packaging. Europe follows closely, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France focusing on implementing strict regulations on plastic packaging and encouraging the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials like paper. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by expanding urban populations, changing lifestyles, and the rise of food delivery services, particularly in China and India. Latin America and the Middle East are seeing steady demand for paper bags in foodservice applications, driven by a combination of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and increasing awareness of environmental concerns. As the global shift toward sustainable packaging continues, the market for foodservice paper bags is expected to see continued expansion across all regions.

Global Foodservice Paper Bags Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market has been segmented by Material, Bag, and Geography.

Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market, Segmentation by Material

The Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market has been segmented by Material into Brown Kraft and White Kraft.

Brown Kraft paper is the most commonly used material due to its natural, unbleached appearance, which appeals to eco-conscious consumers and businesses. It is made from wood pulp and has a higher strength and durability compared to other paper types, making it ideal for carrying heavier items. Brown Kraft paper is particularly favored in the foodservice industry for packaging takeout food, sandwiches, bakery items, and groceries. Its biodegradable nature aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The uncoated surface also provides a rustic, natural aesthetic that enhances the overall brand image for eco-conscious foodservice businesses.

White Kraft paper, on the other hand, is bleached to give it a cleaner, brighter appearance. It is commonly used when a more polished and refined look is required, especially for high-end foodservice establishments. White Kraft paper is also durable and offers strength comparable to Brown Kraft paper, making it suitable for carrying a variety of food items. The clean, white surface allows for printing and branding, making it an attractive choice for restaurants and cafes looking to promote their brand on their packaging. While it is slightly more expensive than Brown Kraft paper due to the bleaching process, it is still favored for foodservice packaging, particularly in fast-casual dining and retail environments, where presentation and customer experience are prioritized.

Geographically, the use of Brown Kraft and White Kraft paper varies by region. In North America and Europe, there is a strong preference for Brown Kraft paper, driven by the growing focus on sustainability and environmental regulations that discourage plastic use. In contrast, White Kraft paper is popular in regions such as Asia-Pacific, where consumer demand for more visually appealing packaging is high, particularly in the premium foodservice and takeaway sectors. Both materials continue to gain market share as more foodservice businesses adopt eco-friendly and recyclable packaging solutions, further boosting their adoption in global markets.

Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market, Segmentation by Bag

The Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market has been segmented by Bag into Handle Bags and Non-Handle Bags.

Handle Bags, recognized for their convenience and ease of carrying, feature built-in handles that allow customers to transport their purchases comfortably. These bags are particularly popular in establishments offering takeaway or to-go orders, such as cafes, bakeries, and fast-food outlets. The presence of handles enhances the overall customer experience by providing a convenient and secure means of carrying food items, beverages, or other purchases.

In contrast, Non-handle Bags offer a more traditional packaging solution without integrated handles. These bags are commonly used for packaging items such as pastries, sandwiches, and small food items in bakeries, delis, and grocery stores. While they may lack the added convenience of handles, Non-handle Bags are valued for their simplicity and versatility. Their lightweight and compact design make them suitable for a wide range of foodservice applications, allowing businesses to efficiently package and present their products to customers.

While Handle Bags excel in providing convenient carryout solutions for customers on the go, Non-handle Bags offer practical and cost-effective packaging options for various food items. The availability of these two bag types ensures that foodservice establishments can choose the most suitable packaging solution based on their specific requirements, whether it's optimizing convenience, enhancing branding, or minimizing environmental impact.

Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

In North America, the market is characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging solutions, driven by increasing environmental awareness among consumers and stringent regulations promoting recyclability and compostability. Foodservice establishments in this region are increasingly adopting paper bags made from recycled materials and eco-friendly alternatives to meet consumer demand for sustainable packaging options.

Europe represents a mature market for foodservice paper bags, with a focus on quality, aesthetics, and functional design. The region has witnessed a growing preference for premium paper bags with innovative features such as custom printing, reinforced handles, and grease-resistant coatings to enhance brand visibility and customer experience. Additionally, stringent regulations governing single-use plastics have prompted foodservice operators to explore paper-based packaging solutions as alternatives.

In the Asia Pacific region, rapid urbanization, changing consumer lifestyles, and the proliferation of food delivery services have fueled demand for convenient and hygienic packaging solutions. As a result, the market for foodservice paper bags in this region is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expansion of the foodservice industry, particularly in emerging economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asian countries.

The Middle East and Africa region present opportunities for the foodservice paper bags market, propelled by the increasing adoption of Western-style fast-food chains, cafes, and bakeries, coupled with rising consumer disposable incomes and urbanization. Challenges related to infrastructure, logistics, and regulatory compliance may impact market growth in certain countries within the region.

Latin America offers untapped potential for the foodservice paper bags market, supported by the growing foodservice sector, changing consumer preferences, and efforts to combat plastic pollution. Government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging practices and consumer awareness campaigns advocating for eco-friendly alternatives are driving the adoption of paper-based packaging solutions in the region.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Rise in food delivery services
• Adoption of Western fast-food chains
• Consumer shift to paper-based packaging
• Efforts to reduce single-use plastics

• Combatting plastic pollution - Combatting plastic pollution has emerged as a significant driver in the global foodservice paper bags market. With increasing awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment, governments, businesses, and consumers are actively seeking alternatives to reduce plastic usage. Paper bags offer a sustainable solution as they are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

  The growing global movement against single-use plastics has propelled the demand for paper bags in the foodservice industry. Regulations banning or restricting the use of plastic bags in various regions have further accelerated this trend. As a result, foodservice establishments, including restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, and delivery services, are increasingly adopting paper bags as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging.

  Consumer preferences are also driving the demand for paper bags as more individuals choose environmentally sustainable options in their daily lives. The desire to reduce plastic waste and minimize environmental impact has led to a shift towards paper-based packaging solutions. Foodservice businesses are responding to this demand by offering paper bags as part of their packaging options, thereby contributing to the fight against plastic pollution.

Restraints

• Logistical challenges
• Infrastructure limitations
• Costs of eco-friendly solutions
• Resistance from traditional establishments

• Quality concerns with paper bags - Quality concerns with paper bags present a notable restraint in the global foodservice paper bags market. Despite the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging alternatives, some consumers and businesses have raised apprehensions about the durability, strength, and overall quality of paper bags compared to their plastic counterparts.

  The perception that paper bags may be less sturdy or prone to tearing, especially when carrying heavy or moist items, has led to hesitancy among certain segments of the foodservice industry to fully embrace paper-based packaging solutions. Concerns about potential leakage, ripping, or structural integrity issues during transportation and handling have contributed to reservations about relying solely on paper bags for packaging needs.

  Variations in the quality of paper materials and manufacturing processes can impact the performance and reliability of paper bags. Inferior quality paper or inadequate manufacturing techniques may result in inconsistencies in strength, thickness, and overall durability, leading to customer dissatisfaction and operational challenges for foodservice establishments.

Opportunities

• Innovative paper bag designs
• Premium and customized solutions
• Digital technology integration
• Specialized paper bag segments

• Diverse product offerings - Diverse product offerings represent a significant opportunity in the global foodservice paper bags market. With increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, there is a growing need for a variety of paper bag options to cater to diverse preferences, requirements, and applications across the foodservice industry.

  Expanding the range of available paper bag designs, sizes, and styles allows foodservice establishments to meet the unique packaging needs of different food items, serving formats, and customer preferences. By offering a diverse selection of paper bags, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, improve brand perception, and differentiate themselves in the market.

  Catering to diverse product offerings enables foodservice providers to address specific packaging requirements based on factors such as food type, portion size, packaging aesthetics, and functional features. Whether it's traditional brown kraft bags for rustic appeal, sleek white kraft bags for a modern look, or specialized handle bags for added convenience, offering a variety of options allows businesses to tailor packaging solutions to their specific needs.

Key players in Global Foodservice Paper Bags Market include,

• WestRock Company
• Hutamaki Oyj
• Novolex Holdings LLC
• Ronpak Inc.
• Mondi Group
• Amcor Ltd
• International Paper Company
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Welton Bibby And Baron Limited
• ProAmpac LLC
• Gerhard Schürholz GmbH
• Toybe Global Packaging
• AB Group Packaging
• Smith Anderson Group Ltd.
• Milhe & Avons

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis