Types of Handles for Paper Bags – Our Client Favourites

Most people focus on their paper bag’s design, color, or material. But one subtle detail often makes the biggest impact – the handle.

Think about it. The handle is the first thing your customer touches. It’s the part they hold onto as they walk out of your store or gift your product to someone special. It’s not just functional. It’s branding in motion.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of handles for paper bags. You’ll learn what works best for your budget, product, and brand image, as well as what your handle says about you.

Why Paper Bag Handles Deserve Attention?

A paper bag without a well-matched handle is like a car without good tires—it might look great, but it won’t perform well. Your handle choice affects:

How comfortable it is to carry
How much weight it can handle
The overall style and feel of your packaging
Whether your customer keeps the bag or tosses it

Let’s explore the available handle options and how you can match them to your goals.

1. Rope Handles

Rope handles are among the most widely used. Strong, comfortable, and highly customizable, they work across many industries—from fashion to electronics.

At Veesham, we offer two main types of rope handles:

a. Cotton Rope Handles

These feel soft to the touch and lend a premium, tactile quality to your bag. Cotton ropes are available in standard sizes and a broad color range. Need something unique? We can custom-dye the rope to match your exact brand tone.

b. PP (Polypropylene) Rope Handles

Slightly glossier and firmer than cotton, PP ropes are made from synthetic fiber. They’re strong, affordable, and available in many shades.

Customization Tip:

Both cotton and PP ropes can be sourced in white and dyed to any custom shade—even Pantone matches

2. Ribbon Handles

Ribbon handles are a favorite for luxury packaging. They’re soft, stylish, and ideal for gifting and premium retail.

At Veesham, we offer a variety of ribbon handle options:

a. Satin Ribbons

Smooth, shiny, and elegant. Perfect for cosmetics, jewellery, and high-end boutiques.

b. Grosgrain Ribbons

Textured and sturdy, with a ribbed feel. These add a tactile layer to your packaging.

c. Cotton & Canvas Ribbons

For brands leaning toward sustainability or a handmade aesthetic, cotton and canvas ribbons offer a rustic yet refined look.

Customization Tips:

Sizes & Colors: Ribbon handles can range from 1 cm to 5 cm in width and come in a variety of stock colors. Like ropes, we also offer custom dyeing.
Pro Feature: Want to take it up a notch? We can screen print your logo directly onto the ribbon handles.

3. Paper Handles

If you’re looking for 100% recyclable solutions, paper handles are your best bet. These are often used with kraft paper bags and align well with eco-conscious branding. They are best for cafés, takeaway restaurants, sustainable product brands, and bulk retail. We offer two major types:

a. Twisted Paper Handles

These are twisted from narrow strips of paper and glued inside the bag. Simple and strong, they’re widely used for food delivery, pharmacies, and retail.

b. Folded Paper Handles

Also known as flat handles, these are made from paperboard folded into a flat band. They’re easy to hold and great for moderate loads.

4. Die-Cut Handles

Sometimes, the best handle is no handle at all. That’s where die-cut handles come in.

Instead of adding an external handle, a cutout is made directly into the paper bag itself—usually in the form of an oval, circle, or U-shape. The edges can be reinforced with an extra layer or fold-over for durability.

Why Choose Die-Cut?

Sleek and minimalistic
No additional materials required
Fully recyclable
Unique visual appeal

Customization Option:

The die-cut can be shaped as per your brand aesthetic—just ensure it remains comfortable to hold.

Choosing the Right Handle for Your Brand

Feature	Look and Feel	Strength	Customization	Eco-Friendly	Best For
Cotton Rope	Soft & premium	High	Yes (color)	Yes (natural)	Fashion, gifting
PP Rope	Glossy & firm	High	Yes (color)	No	Retail, electronics
Satin Ribbon	Smooth & luxe	Medium	Yes (color and print)	Varies	Perfume, chocolates
Grosgrain Ribbon	Textured & strong	Medium	Yes	Varies	Boutiques, cosmetics
Cotton/Canvas Ribbon	Rustic & soft	Medium	Yes	Yes	Handmade, eco-friendly
Twisted Paper	Simple & classic	Medium	Limited	Yes	Takeaway, supermarkets
Folded Paper	Flat & functional	Medium	Limited	Yes	Pharmacies, delivery
Die-Cut Handle	Sleek & minimal	Medium	Shape-based	Yes	Events, brochures, sampling

Customizing Your Handle at Veesham

At Veesham Printing Press, we don’t just offer ready-made solutions. If your brand needs something more customized, we’ve got you covered.

Custom Colors

All rope and ribbon handles can be dyed to your brand’s Pantone color. This ensures consistency across all your collaterals.

Logo on Handle

You can get your brand name or tagline screen printed directly onto ribbon handles.

Sourcing Flexibility

Need standard sizes in bulk or a custom size for your new product launch? We’ll handle it (pun intended).

Still Confused? Let’s Talk

Every handle has its own story, feel, and function. What you pick should align with what your brand wants to say.

Want strength and comfort? Go for cotton or PP rope.
Want style and softness? Ribbon it up.
Going green? Choose paper handles or die-cut.

Not sure what’s right? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us today and let our team help you choose the perfect paper bag handle to elevate your brand.