Paper Bag Day in U.S. 2023: Date, History, Uses for Paper Bags

Paper Bag Day, also known as World Paper Bag Day, is observed annually on July 12 to honour the humble paper bag, which does so much more than transport our groceries. The widespread use of plastic and its detrimental effects on the environment raises alarm bells in our collective consciousness, prompting millions of people to transition to paper bags for carrying their shopping. How, then, do paper bags help us combat environmental degradation and climate change? First, paper is biodegradable, making it instantaneously preferable to non-biodegradable plastic. Recyclable paper bags are also made from renewable raw materials, which promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Also, this gives our environment a respite. Surprisingly, paper bags can be quite durable (except when wet), and they now have a more upscale aesthetic allure as a result of luxury brands promoting minimal and eco-friendly packaging. What, then, is not to like about paper bags?

The background of Paper Bag Day

Although the origin of Paper Bag Day is unknown, it was likely created to raise awareness about critical environmental issues such as climate change and to promote a more sustainable lifestyle by introducing paper bags as alternatives to plastic bags.

What is known is the history of the paper bag itself, which can be traced back to Francis Wolle, an American schoolteacher-turned-priest-turned-inventor. After inventing and patenting the first paper bag-making machine in 1852, he co-founded the Union Bag and Paper Company with his brother. They opened a paper mill in Savannah, Georgia, which employed 500 people and became somewhat of a tourist attraction, as people came to see ‘1,000 feet of paper whizzing by every minute.’ The facility remains in its original location.

Margaret E. Knight decided in 1871 to improve Wolle’s design by devising a machine for producing paper bags with flat, boxy bottoms. This innovation earned her the title’mother of the grocery bag,’ as it served as the blueprint for the foldable paper bags we use today. In order to make the paper bag simpler to carry, fold, and store, Charles Stillwell added pleated sides to Knight’s design in 1883. In 1912, Walter Deubener added a cord and handles to the paper bags to make them easier to carry after having invented the machine for producing this design. Consequently, the current paper bag is the result of the combined efforts of all these inventors. Therefore, we have many people to applaud!

5 USES FOR PAPER BAGS YOU’LL THANK US FOR SHARING

Gifting

The minimal appearance of a package enveloped in paper and tied with twine makes for an elegantly wrapped present.

Composting

Since paper bags are 100 percent recyclable and decompose within a month, they make excellent additions to compost.

Ripening fruit

Not only does storing fruit in paper sacks cause them to ripen, but it also maintains their quality.

Crafting

Use paper bags and the billions of available ideas to make them entertaining.

Window-cleaning

On windows, paper sacks perform better than cloth — you’re welcome!

PAPER BAG DAY DATES