Types of Paper Bags

• The paper bag machine was invented in 1852. Holzhauser Photography/Pixland/Getty Images

  A botanist named Francis Wolle invented the paper bag machine in 1852 so customers could hold items more easily. He and his brother founded the Union Paper Bag Machine Company, and their plant in Savannah is still in operation today. Margaret Knight is credited with inventing the square bottom bag that later led to the paper bag with pleated sides. Today, many types of paper bags exist for differing functions.

Grocery Bag

• The rise of the supermarket increased sales of the self-opening sack or grocery bag. grocery store image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com

  Chas Stilwell received his patent in 1883 for a side pleated and square bottom bag that is recognized as the grocery bag. Easily collapsible and stackable, it was called the S.O.S. or self-opening sack. With the rise of the supermarket in the 1930s, sales of this paper bag skyrocketed.

Sewn Open Mouth

• The sewn open mouth bag is primarily used for seed and feed. Sold with one side pre-sewn, the customer would fill and sew or staple the bag shut. It has good moisture protection and is sift resistant. It is also cost effective.

Shopping Bag

• Walter H. Deubner invented a paper bag with a cord through it that would hold up to 75 lbs. By 1915 he was selling over 1 million of these 5 cent paper bags. Today, different stores print their logos on their shopping bags, and luxury brand shopping bags are collectors items.

Pinch Bottom Open Mouth Bag

• During the Great Depression, feed sacks were reused into clothing, dish towels, aprons and more. After World War II, paper and plastic replaced the fabric bags. A pinch bottom paper bag is airtight and can be folded down at the top after it is opened, and it is commonly used to hold flour.