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Writer's pictureFarhana Khatoon

Are paper bag strong?

Updated: Feb 15, 2023



Are paper bag strong? We all know the environmental benefits of using a paper bag but the strength and durability of paper bags are often questioned. So, are paper bags durable enough to be trusted with the product we design with all our efforts? The answer to this question lies in the consideration of several factors such as the Bursting Factor, COBB value, GSM value, etc. Hence, today we are going to read all these factors in detail to remove all our doubts. But before getting into the numerical and factual parts, if someone wants to get an answer in one word- the answer is 'yes'. Paper bags are strong; strong enough to hold the load of our company's prestige. It can be trusted for the safe delivery of our product. And for the same reason, it's been used for several years in food packaging and other sectors.


Bursting Factor of Paper

The bursting factor is the maximum pressure the paper can bear till it tears apart. It indicates the strength of kraft paper; so that the maximum weight to be put in the paper bag can be figured out. For day-to-day purposes, a paper bag with a bursting factor of 14 to 40 BF is enough. It is enough to resist all kinds of resistance in storage. Leave alone paper, the bursting factor is used to figure out the strength of all kinds of packaging materials. It decides the material's utility in various packing processes like handling, loading, and unloading. Most of the manufacturers put a quality stamp on the package showing strength so that handlers remain cautious.


GSM Value

Gram per square meter value is the weight of a piece of paper having dimensions of one square meter. It gives the carrier a fair idea of how much weight can be carried. The greater the gsm value of the paper used, the greater its weight-carrying capacity. It doesn't mean we should always go for higher GSM value paper. Instead, it totally depends on the product. If the business is for smaller items, one should go for a lower GSM paper. But one does not need to worry about the suitable GSM value to carry their product. Most manufacturers help you to figure out the right fit for you, if not there is always one place you can rely on- AsEcopack. Generally, GSM of around 80 is sufficient to carry any capacity while that above 100 is having the upper hand.


COBB

COBB value is the measure of the wet strength of paper. As dry strength of paper differs from when it's wet. Here comes the role of COBB value, the greater the COBB value more water it absorbs hence less integrity when in water. Ideally, the COBB value of the kraft paper should be low, so that paper is water-repellent. Paper bags made with such paper is more durable and useful in the rain too. The secret ingredient for increasing COBB value is usually the addition of some harmless chemicals. A COBB value of 20 is enough for most of the bags while slightly lower than 20 can even be used for carrying icecreams and damp materials.

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