The double open paper bag is a versatile and practical packaging solution widely used across bakeries, cafés, food trucks, and casual dining establishments. With openings on both the top and bottom, this bag design allows for quick loading, easy handling, and a clean, professional presentation, especially for greasy or handheld food items like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and cookies. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or enhance your brand's takeaway experience, double-open paper bags offer an ideal balance of functionality, food safety, and eco-friendliness. In this guide, we explore their structure, materials, use cases, and how they support both foodservice efficiency and sustainable packaging practices.
What Is a Double Open Paper Bag?
A double open paper bag is a specialty food-grade paper bag designed with openings on both the top and bottom sides. This simple yet effective design allows for effortless insertion and removal of food items ideal for high-speed foodservice environments.
Unlike traditional sandwich bags that are sealed or closed at one end, double open paper bags offer more flexibility when handling hot, greasy, or delicate foods such as burgers, pretzels, sandwiches, or cookies.
How Is It Different from Standard Sandwich or Deli Bags?
Standard paper sandwich bags typically have one open end and a sealed bottom. While sufficient for many uses, they can be less convenient for fast-paced service or foods that need to be served from a basket, tray, or heat lamp.
Double open bags, in contrast:
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Allow food to slide through or be gripped from either end
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Work as both a wrap and liner
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Improve food presentation for dine-in and takeaway
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Reduce handling during service, keeping food more sanitary
Why Choose a Double Open Design for Foodservice or Takeaway?
Double open paper bags are ideal for:
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Quick-service restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and food trucks
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Basket liners for fries, sandwiches, and finger foods
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Hand-held convenience customers can enjoy food without touching it directly
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Eco-conscious packaging when made from recyclable or compostable materials
The design not only enhances customer experience but also improves kitchen efficiency.
Design & Structure of Double Open Bags
What Does “Double Open” Mean in Packaging?
In packaging terms, “double open” refers to a bag that is open at both the top and bottom ends, with sealed side seams. This structure allows food to be placed into the bag from either side, or passed through completely, ideal for items that are served fresh, hot, or on-the-go.
This format functions more like a sleeve or pocket, rather than a traditional closed-end pouch, giving it versatility in both service and presentation.
Flat Bag vs Gusseted Double Open Paper Bag
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Flat double open paper bags are most common. They are compact, stackable, and perfect for flat items like sandwiches or cookies.
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Gusseted double open paper bags (less common) include side folds that expand, offering more volume ideal for larger items like burgers, paninis, or stacked pastries.
Choosing between the two depends on the size and shape of the food being served.
Standard Dimensions
Double open paper bags come in a range of sizes, with popular options including:
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7" x 6.75" – Standard for sandwiches, cookies, and baked goods
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10" x 9" – Great for burgers, pretzels, or snack combos
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5" x 5" – Ideal for small treats or single-serve items
Custom sizes are also available for brands seeking tailored packaging.
Top and Bottom Open for Easy Food Insertion and Removal
The dual openings make these bags especially convenient in commercial kitchens. Staff can:
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Quickly slide items into trays or baskets
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Use the bag as a barrier between hands and food
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Serve with less handling, improving hygiene and speed
Materials Used in Double Open Paper Bags
Kraft Paper: Natural Brown vs Bleached White
Most double open paper bags are made from durable kraft paper, known for its strength, breathability, and recyclability.
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Natural brown kraft: Unbleached, rustic appearance, often preferred for eco-friendly or artisan food brands.
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White kraft paper: Bleached for a cleaner, more premium look, suitable for branding or upscale presentation.
Greaseproof or Dry-Wax Coating
To handle hot or oily foods, many double open bags come with a grease-resistant barrier:
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Greaseproof coating: A water-based, food-safe layer that prevents oil soak-through without affecting recyclability.
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Dry-wax coating: A thin layer of wax that creates a smooth, moisture-resistant surface ideal for fried or grilled items.
These coatings help maintain the bag’s integrity while keeping the customer’s hands clean.
Uncoated Paper for Dry Food Use
For dry foods like cookies, muffins, or packaged snacks, uncoated kraft bags are sufficient. They’re often fully compostable and easily recyclable, making them an eco-forward choice.
Common Uses of Double Open Paper Bags
Double open paper bags are designed to serve a wide range of foodservice applications. Thanks to their two-sided open structure and grease-resistant materials, they’re ideal for both dine-in and takeaway formats across cafés, bakeries, food trucks, and restaurants.
Most popular uses include:
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Sandwiches, paninis, burgers, and pretzels: These bags offer easy wrapping and handling for hot, hand-held items, helping maintain presentation while protecting customers’ hands from grease and heat.
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Bakery goods like cookies, muffins, and croissants: Perfect for packaging delicate baked items. The breathable paper helps reduce moisture buildup and keeps the pastry’s texture intact.
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Fried snacks like French fries, onion rings, empanadas: The greaseproof coating prevents oil from seeping through, making them an excellent choice for high-fat fried foods.
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Basket liners for dine-in service or catering: Use them as disposable liners for trays, baskets, or food boxes. They enhance food presentation while minimizing cleanup time.
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Snack packaging for food trucks and grab-and-go counters: Their compact and easy-to-handle format makes them a favorite for high-volume, quick-serve environments. Customers can eat directly from the bag or basket without the need for extra packaging.
These bags not only improve operational speed but also elevate customer experience through neat, hygienic food presentation.
Types and Sizes of Double Open Paper Bags
To accommodate different food types and serving formats, double open paper bags are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
Standard Sizes
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Small (5" x 5"): Ideal for cookies, single muffins, baked goods, or small snacks. Compact and cost-effective.
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Medium (7" x 6.75"): A versatile size commonly used for sandwiches, croissants, paninis, and moderate-sized burgers.
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Large (10" x 9"): Designed for oversized food items such as soft pretzels, gourmet burgers, or meal combos with fries.
Specialty Shapes & Finishes
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Cone-style or triangular liners: Great for serving fries, wedges, or nachos in a unique format.
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Square flat liners – For tray and basket use in catering setups or dine-in service.
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Wide-format bags – For sharing portions or oversized bakery items.
Color and Coating Options
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Kraft brown: Natural and rustic, perfect for eco-conscious brands and casual foodservice settings.
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White paper: Clean, professional look ideal for cafés, delis, or branded packaging.
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Black greaseproof: A premium look often used for upscale presentation or contrast with colorful food items.
Each size and color serves a distinct branding and functional purpose, allowing you to align packaging with your service style and sustainability goals.
Where to Order Double Open Paper Sandwich Bags
When sourcing double open paper sandwich bags for your café, bakery, or restaurant, it’s essential to choose a supplier that prioritizes food-safe standards and sustainable packaging solutions.
At KimEcopak.ca, we offer a curated selection of greaseproof, recyclable double open paper bags designed for sandwiches, baked goods, fries, and other hot snacks. Our bags deliver both functionality and environmental responsibility.
Key features of our double open greaseproof bags:
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Made from certified food-grade kraft paper
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Available in standard industry sizes (including 7" x 6.75" and 10" x 9")
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Coated with eco-friendly grease-resistant lining
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Designed for speed, hygiene, and efficiency in foodservice
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Custom printing available to showcase your brand
Whether you need bulk wholesale quantities or a branded packaging solution, KimEcopak proudly supports Canadian food businesses with fast nationwide shipping, competitive pricing, and deep expertise in sustainable packaging.
Explore our range or request a quote here
FAQs About Double Open Sandwich Paper Bags
What is a double open paper bag used for?
For sandwiches, fries, cookies, and as basket liners in foodservice.
Are double open paper bags greaseproof?
Yes, many come with grease-resistant or dry-wax coatings for oily food.
Can you microwave a double open paper bag?
Yes, up to 2 minutes if labeled microwave-safe and greaseproof.
Are double open paper bags recyclable?
Yes, if uncoated or lined with recyclable greaseproof layers. Check local rules.
Can I customize double open paper bags with my logo?
Yes, most suppliers offer custom printing for bulk orders.
Conclusion
Double open paper bags are more than just food carriers they’re a functional, flexible, and environmentally conscious choice for modern food businesses. Their dual-opening design speeds up service, while grease-resistant paper protects hands and keeps food fresh. Whether you're wrapping a gourmet burger or lining a basket of fries, this style of paper bag brings efficiency, hygiene, and aesthetic value to your operation. With recyclable and compostable options now widely available, switching to double open paper bags is a smart move for brands that care about both performance and sustainability.
