Study Quantified Carbon Footprint of Paper Bags
Researchers determined fossil emissions for paper carrier bags based on 2024 industry data.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Environmental
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A 2024 study conducted by the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden quantified the cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprint of paper carrier bags. The findings provide a standardized assessment of emissions for small, medium, and large bag formats.
Why it matters
This research provides retailers and brand owners with a verified basis for making packaging decisions. It highlights the specific environmental impact of paper material production within the current European market landscape.
The cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprint ranges from 16.6 g CO₂e for a 20 g takeaway bag to 82.9 g CO₂e for a 100 g large shopping bag. Paper production accounts for approximately 67% of the total footprint across the studied bag types.
The players
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
An independent, state-owned research institute that performs industrial testing and life cycle assessments.
The Paper Bag
An industry platform promoting the use and sustainability of paper-based packaging solutions.
The details
Researchers calculated the fossil carbon footprint by tracking emissions from raw material extraction through manufacturing to the factory gate. The study assessed machine-glazed and machine-finished kraft paper—a strong, chemically pulped paper resistant to tearing. These figures represent the total carbon intensity of three distinct sizes, including small takeaway bags and medium or large shopping bags.
Timeline
2024: The research reflects the market and technology situation for bag production.
18 October 2026: The Paper Bag platform will hold the ninth European Paper Bag Day.
The Tech Race
This study extends the environmental impact methodology previously established by the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. It provides updated performance figures that allow stakeholders to compare the sustainability of paper packaging against other materials in a competitive market.
Retailers and consumers can use these figures to understand the emissions profile of common packaging choices. The study indicates that a small bag carries an emission equivalent to roughly 100 metres of car travel, while a large bag matches the footprint of 500 metres of travel.
The takeaway
Retailers should utilize these cradle-to-gate figures to accurately report their Scope 3 emissions related to packaging procurement. Watch for the next update from The Paper Bag platform, scheduled for the European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2026.
Further reading
For more research on industrial sustainability benchmarks, visit the /science/environmental/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PaperFIRST.
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