Restaurant Paper Bags Versus Plastic Bags Which Is Right for Your Takeout

The best bag for takeout depends on what you care about most. Your choice can change how people see your restaurant paper bags or plastic bags. Restaurants think about things like the environment, cost, strength, brand look, and local laws. Look at the table below to compare restaurant paper bags and plastic bags for takeout and packaging:

Factor	Restaurant Paper Bags	Plastic Bags
Environmental Impact	Breaks down, comes from plants, uses more energy	Does not break down, takes a long time to go away
Cost	Costs more, harder to make	Costs less, easy to buy and use
Durability & Functionality	Paper bags can rip, especially if wet	Strong, keeps water out, holds heavy or wet things
Brand Image	Looks fancy, good for green branding	Looks useful, not as fancy
Local Regulations	Needed where plastic is not allowed	Sometimes not allowed or limited

You want to pick packaging that helps your business. Think about your takeout and what packaging makes you stand out.

Key Takeaways

• Paper bags break down quickly and show your restaurant cares about the earth. This helps your brand look responsible and high-quality. Plastic bags cost less money and need less space to store. They are good for heavy or wet foods. Packing is faster and easier with plastic bags. Paper bags can be strong if they have extra support. But they might rip if they get wet. Plastic bags do not get ruined by water as easily. But they can tear if you put in too much. Many local laws ban or limit plastic bags. Using paper bags can help you avoid fines and follow the rules. Ask your customers what they like best. Think about cost, storage, and the environment to choose the best bag for your restaurant.

Paper vs Plastic

Durability

When you pick bags for takeout, you want them to be strong. Paper bags and plastic bags are strong in different ways. Some paper bags use thick kraft paper or have strong handles. These bags are built to hold more weight. Many restaurant paper bags have extra sides and thick bottoms. These parts help stop the bag from ripping. They work well for medium-weight food.

Plastic bags can bend and stretch. They can hold heavier things than paper bags. But if you put too much in, they might rip. Some paper bags have a plastic layer on them. This makes them even harder to tear.

Feature	Paper Bags	Plastic Bags
Structural Integrity	High (with reinforcement)	Moderate (flexible, can stretch)
Tear Resistance	Superior (with lamination, handles)	Lower (prone to tearing)

Moisture Resistance

Water can be a big problem for takeout food. Plastic bags are better at keeping water out. They protect food from spills and rain. Paper bags soak up water. If you put hot or greasy food inside, paper bags can get weak or rip. Some paper bags have a thin plastic layer inside. This helps with water, but it is not as good for the planet.

Food Protection

You want your food to get home safe. Plastic bags are good for heavy or wet foods. They work well for soup or foods with sauce. Paper bags are best for dry or boxed foods. They can hold some weight, but they are not waterproof. For one-time use, plastic bags protect messy or heavy food better. But picking paper or plastic is not just about strength. You should also think about what looks best for your restaurant and what your customers like.

Sustainability

Biodegradability

When you think about what happens to bags after use, you should check how fast they break down. Paper bags usually break down in one or two months in a landfill. This quick breakdown means less pollution over time. Plastic bags can take 10 to 20 years to break down. Some types can even last up to 1,000 years. Because they break down so slowly, plastic bags cause big problems for the environment. If you want a bag that is better for the earth, paper bags are a good choice because they break down faster.

Recyclability

Recyclability is also important for the environment. Most paper shopping bags and kraft paper bags can go in recycling bins if they are clean and dry. Many composting places also take food-soiled paper and kraft paper bags. In fact, 83% of commercial composting sites take food-soiled paper, and 86 out of 141 sites take kraft paper bags. Certified compostable bioplastic bags are accepted by 66% of these places. This makes paper bags a strong choice for people who care about the environment and want to live in a green way.

Packaging Type	Number of Facilities Accepting	Percentage of Facilities Accepting
Food-soiled paper and pizza boxes	117 out of 141	83%
Kraft paper bags	86 out of 141	N/A
Certified compostable bioplastic liner bags	93 out of 141	66%

Environmental Impact

You should also think about how each bag affects the environment. Paper bags use more water and energy to make. They cause more air and water pollution than plastic bags. For example, making paper bags uses 1,004 gallons of water for each bag, but plastic bags use only 58 gallons. Paper bags are heavier, so more trucks are needed to deliver them. This adds to their effect on the environment. But plastic bags cause more long-term problems because they do not break down easily. Using reusable shopping bags or switching to reusable options can help lower your impact. If you want to help the earth, you should look at both how bags are made and how they are thrown away.

Picking the best bag means thinking about how it affects the earth, if it can be recycled, and how it is thrown away. Many restaurants now use paper bags or biodegradable plastics to help the planet and cut down on problems from single-use packaging.

Cost

Purchase Price

When you choose bags for your restaurant, price matters. Plastic bags usually cost less than paper bags. You can buy a plastic bag for about $0.10 to $0.15 each. Eco-friendly paper bags cost more, usually between $0.20 and $0.30 per bag. This means you pay about twice as much for paper bags as you do for plastic ones.

Packaging Type	Average Purchase Price per Unit
Plastic Bags	$0.10 to $0.15
Paper Bags (Eco-friendly)	$0.20 to $0.30

If you want to save money on takeout, plastic bags help keep your costs low. Paper bags cost more, but they can make your packaging look more premium.

Storage

Storage space can affect your daily operations. Plastic bags take up less room because you can fold or stack them tightly. You can store many plastic bags in a small space. Paper bags need more space because they are thicker and less flexible. If your restaurant has limited storage, plastic bags may fit better. You should also think about how easy it is to grab and use each type of bag during busy times.

Tip: Plan your storage area based on the type of packaging you use most. This helps you stay organized and ready for rush hours.

Operational Use

Handling bags during busy shifts can make a difference in your service. Plastic bags are quick to open and fill. They work well for fast-paced takeout orders. Paper bags take a little more time to open and pack, especially if you use reinforced or eco-friendly options. Some staff find paper bags harder to handle when the line gets long. However, paper bags give you more space for branding and can make your packaging stand out.

Plastic bags cost less and save space, but they may not look as high-end. Paper bags cost more and need more storage, but they can boost your brand image. Think about your budget, storage, and how you want your takeout packaging to look and feel.

Customer Perception

Brand Image

The bag you pick for takeout changes how people see your restaurant. Many customers care about the earth and want to help protect it. If you use restaurant paper bags, you show you care about the planet. Paper bags tell people your brand is responsible and eco-friendly. This can help you get more guests who care about the environment and keep them coming back.

• Customers like brands that use packaging that breaks down or can be recycled.

• Paper bags break down fast and come from things that grow back.

• Using paper shopping bags can make your restaurant look fancy.

• Plastic bags are easy to use, but they can hurt your brand if people care about the earth.

Picking paper bags can help your business stand out. It can give you an advantage in a market where people care about the planet.

Preferences

Customers want packaging that fits what they care about. Many like packaging that is biodegradable or compostable. People also want bags that are easy to open and carry. The zero-waste movement has made reusable bags and containers more popular. Simple designs and clear labels on bags help people trust your restaurant.

Studies show customers want bags that keep food safe and fresh. They also want less waste. If you pick packaging that does these things, customers will be happier. You also show you care about the earth.

Customization

You can use takeout bags to share your brand’s story. Paper bags have more space for your logo or special designs. This helps your restaurant look different and connect with customers. Custom bags can make your takeout orders special and easy to remember.

Plastic bags are harder to make unique. They may not fit a fancy or eco-friendly brand. When you use paper bags with your logo or message, you show you care about details. This can turn a normal takeout order into something customers remember.

Tip: Put custom designs on your bags to help your brand and show you care about the planet.

Regulations

Local Bans

Many cities and states have rules about which bags you can use. More than 500 cities and towns in 28 states have plastic bag rules. States like California, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, and Rhode Island ban single-use plastic bags everywhere. These bans often include grocery stores, shops, and sometimes restaurants. Some places let people use thicker reusable plastic bags. But these bags can make the ban weaker. Lawmakers check and update these rules to fix any problems. You should always look at your local laws before picking bags for your restaurant.

• Most bans are for single-use plastic bags.

• Some cities also limit paper bags to stop extra waste.

• Local rules can change, so check them often.

Fees

Some places do not just ban plastic bags. They also add fees to paper bags. This stops people from using too many paper bags and making more trash. For example, Mountain View, California, saw people use 67% fewer paper bags after a 10-cent fee started. Many stores must charge at least 10 cents for each bag. The money helps pay for bags, follow the rules, or teach people about waste. Some customers, like those with WIC or EBT, do not have to pay these fees. If you sell takeout, you may need to charge these fees and tell your customers why.

Note: Fees on paper bags help cut down on waste and get people to bring their own bags.

Compliance

You must follow all city and state rules about bags. In California, cities and counties make sure people follow the rules, not the state recycling group. If you break the rules, you can get big fines. Fines start at $1,000 each day for the first time and can go up to $5,000 each day if you keep breaking the rules. Some cities have even more rules, so check both city and state laws. If you do not follow the rules, you could get fined and hurt your restaurant’s good name. Always teach your staff about the newest rules for takeout packaging.

Violation	Fine (per day)
First violation	$1,000
Second violation	$2,000
Later violations	$5,000

Following the rules keeps your business safe. It also shows customers you care about your community and the earth.

Choosing Takeout Bags

Restaurant Paper Bags Pros

If you pick restaurant paper bags for takeout, you get many good things. Experts in the food business talk about these points:

• You help the earth. Paper bags break down fast and can be recycled. They do not stay in landfills for a long time. This helps keep the planet clean.

• You keep your customers safe. Paper bags do not have bad chemicals. They help keep food safe and lower the chance of germs.

• You get strong bags. New paper bags use better materials and have water-resistant layers. These things help stop leaks and keep food safe while moving.

• You make your brand look better. Many people like eco-friendly packaging. Using paper bags shows you care about the earth. This can make customers want to come back.

• You can add your logo or message. Paper bags have lots of space for designs. Custom bags help your restaurant stand out and teach people how to throw them away.

• You follow the rules. Many places do not allow plastic bags. Paper bags help you obey the law and avoid getting fined.

• You can store and use them well. If you keep paper bags in the right way, they stay strong and work well.

Tip: Adding your own design to paper bags can help your brand and show you care about the earth.

Plastic Bags Pros

Plastic bags also have some good points for takeout. Many people who work in restaurants pick them for these reasons:

• You spend less money. Plastic bags cost less than paper bags. This helps you save money, especially if you have lots of takeout orders.

• You need less space to store them. Plastic bags are light and small. You can keep many in a tiny spot, which is good for busy kitchens.

• You use fewer things to make them. Making plastic bags uses less water and energy than making paper bags.

• You get tough and useful bags. Plastic bags keep food safe when you move it. They work for heavy or wet foods.

• You can use them again. Some thick plastic bags can be used for other things later.

• You make packing faster. Plastic bags are easy to open and fill, which helps your team when it gets busy.

Note: Plastic bags are easy and cheap, but you should think about how they affect the earth in the long run.

Decision Tips

Picking the best takeout bags depends on what matters most to you. If you want to help the earth, paper bags or other green choices may be best. The Green Restaurant Checklist says to use reusable containers instead of bags you throw away. Some cities do not let you recycle or compost takeout bags, even if they say they are compostable.

You can learn from real stories. Some restaurants, like Tikal in Central America, switched from plastic to paper bags. They saved a lot of money and made less trash. Programs like ReThink Disposable helped restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area use fewer throwaway items and save money. These stories show that using better packaging can help the earth and save you money.

When you choose, ask yourself these questions:

• Do your customers care more about price, ease, or helping the earth?

• What do your local rules say about takeout bags?

• How much room do you have to store bags?

• Do you want to use bags to show off your brand or teach customers?

• Can you use containers that can be used again?

Remember: The best choice is one that fits your budget, your customers’ needs, and helps the earth.

Picking paper or plastic bags depends on what your restaurant wants. You need to think about things like helping the earth, how much money you spend, what customers think, and local laws. Look at what you do now and pay attention to what customers say in surveys or online.

Key Factor	Paper Bags	Plastic Bags
Sustainability	Biodegradable, recyclable, eco-friendly	Less recyclable, can harm nature
Cost	Higher price, more storage needed	Lower price, easy to store
Customer Perception	Seen as premium, supports green branding	Seen as cheap, less premium

Tip: Always ask your customers what they like and change your packaging so it fits what they want and care about.

FAQ

Are paper bags strong enough for heavy takeout orders?

You can use reinforced paper bags for heavier items. These bags have strong handles and thick bottoms. For very heavy or wet foods, you may want to double-bag or use a plastic liner.

Can you recycle greasy or food-stained paper bags?

Most recycling centers do not accept greasy or food-stained paper bags. You can compost them if your local facility allows it. Always check your city’s rules before tossing them in the recycling bin.

Do plastic bags keep food warmer than paper bags?

Plastic bags trap heat better than paper bags. You may notice your food stays warmer for longer in plastic. Paper bags allow more air to flow, so food cools down faster.

What should you do if your city bans plastic bags?

• Switch to paper bags or reusable containers.

• Check local laws for approved bag types.

• Train your staff on new rules.

• Tell your customers about the change.

Staying informed helps you avoid fines and keeps your business running smoothly.