The invention of paper bags has been an important milestone for humans. In 1871, Margaret Knight created a machine that could make flat-paper bags. During the 19th century, the paper began to be used as a packaging material to wrap things and send them across the shores.
Shining a light on the evolution of paper bags with their historical reference
The invention of paper bags
Moving on, the brown material that is used to make paper bags comes from a kraft material. The process of krafting encapsulates the use of wood chips that are heated to form a pulp. Then the kraft paper is cleaned and bleached several times to give it that brown look. Being resistible and less prone to wear and tear, these paper bags have revolutionised the global market in no time.
In 1850, Francis Wolle invented the paper bag machine. The custom paper bag was small in size and had less space to store things. With an envelope shape, it was less durable and underwent a drastic transformation in the coming decades.
Charles Stilwell thought of having pleated sides in the paper bags to make them sturdy and less cumbersome to carry. Also, these made them look sophisticated.
Moreover, Walter Deubener came up with the idea of attaching cords and handles to these bags so that they can be carried easily. In America, when the supply of cotton was stopped because of the repercussions of the civil war, people began to use paper bags. The Egyptians were the first group of people to use papyrus and wood and invented paper by mashing them together.
With the proliferation of e-commerce agencies and online shopping stores, businesses have started advocating custom paper bags. These lead to a minimal carbon footprint and do not sabotage the environment.
The custom paper bags were manufactured commercially in Bristol in England. These were used for numerous purposes and helped people send letters and postcards to people living in far-flung areas.
A Brooklyn printer, Robert Gair invented the carton when he accidentally cut a bag while printing the order. By cutting and creasing the paperboard, he developed the concept of semi-flexible packaging.
Over the course of time, paper bags became biodegradable and their shelf life improved. High-quality reams of paper were used to manufacture humungous paper bags. As these were made of fibrous substances that were blended with papyrus or mashed paper, these could be reused.
The availability of paper bags has brought out the sensitive side of the masses. They are doing away with plastic bags as these cause a plethora of environmental concerns.
Summing it up, the evolution of paper bags has made it possible for everyone to carry things easily. Earlier, people had to carry everything on their own and the concept of using paper to carry things transformed human civilization. Wrapping things such as letters, groceries, clothes and technological gizmos in paper bags keep them safe.
0 Comments