SOS Paper Bags

SOS paper bags feature a flat, reinforced base that allows them to stand upright on their own. The self-opening sack design makes filling fast and easy, ideal for busy retail counters and takeaway service. From small lolly bags to large grocery bags, SOS bags provide stable, professional packaging that customers...

SOS paper bags feature a flat, reinforced base that allows them to stand upright on their own. The self-opening sack design makes filling fast and easy, ideal for busy retail counters and takeaway service. From small lolly bags to large grocery bags, SOS bags provide stable, professional packaging that customers can carry with confidence.

Sturdy kraft paper construction handles substantial weight. Brown kraft and white options available. All sizes stocked in Sydney for fast delivery across Australia.

8 sizes available from #4 (smallest) to #25 (largest). See the table below for sizes and best uses.

Size Dimensions (H x W + Gusset) Colours Pack Qty Best For
#4 235 x 127 x 77mm Brown, White 2,000 Confectionery, small portions
#6 270 x 150 x 90mm Brown, White 2,000 Small snacks, cookies
#8 310 x 157 x 100mm Brown, White 1,000 Sandwiches, bakery items
#12 330 x 178 x 112mm Brown, White 1,000 Lunch orders, cafe takeaway
#16 390 x 240 x 120mm Brown, White 250 Medium takeaway, retail
#18 390 x 240 x 120mm Brown 500 Restaurant takeaway
#20 430 x 305 x 175mm Brown 250 Large takeaway, grocery
#25 540 x 360 x 165mm Brown 100 Bulk grocery, large orders

Perfect for: Cafes and restaurants needing stand-up bags for takeaway orders, retail stores wanting eco-friendly checkout bags, and food service operations requiring stable bags for easy filling.

 

Product Details
Key Features+
  • Self-opening sack design pops open for fast, easy filling.
  • Flat reinforced base allows bags to stand upright on their own.
  • Sturdy kraft paper handles substantial weight without tearing.
  • Brown kraft and white options to match your brand.
  • 8 sizes available from small confectionery to large grocery bags.
  • High pack quantities up to 2,000 bags per carton.
  • Food-safe paper suitable for direct food contact.
  • Gusseted sides expand to accommodate bulky items.
  • Recyclable paper supports sustainability messaging.
  • Industry standard sizing for easy ordering.
Why This Works for Retail and Food Service+

For Takeaway Staff

  • Bags stand upright during filling, freeing both hands.
  • Self-opening design speeds up service.
  • Flat base keeps contents stable and upright.
  • Multiple sizes suit different order sizes.
  • Professional appearance enhances customer experience.

For Retail Teams

  • Eco-friendly alternative to plastic checkout bags.
  • Stand-up design perfect for counter displays.
  • Brown kraft suits natural and artisan branding.
  • White option provides clean presentation.

For Cafe and Restaurant Operations

  • Holds food containers securely upright.
  • Gusseted sides fit multiple items.
  • Sturdy construction prevents spills and leaks.
  • Quick to fill during busy periods.

For Facility Managers and Procurement

  • High pack counts reduce reordering frequency.
  • Sydney warehouse stock ensures reliable supply.
  • Standardised sizes across locations.
  • Cost-effective bulk purchasing.
Use Cases+

Food Service

  • Cafe and restaurant takeaway orders.
  • Fast food packaging.
  • Bakery goods and pastries.
  • Sandwich and lunch packing.
  • Food delivery service.

Retail

  • Grocery store checkout bags.
  • Health food and bulk goods.
  • Bottle shop purchases.
  • Gift shop and homewares.

Confectionery

  • Lolly shop bags.
  • Pick and mix portions.
  • Chocolate and sweets.
  • Party favours.

Events and Markets

  • Farmers market purchases.
  • Food stall packaging.
  • Festival food service.
  • Pop-up retail.
How SOS Bags Improve Service Speed+

The self-opening sack (SOS) design is engineered for speed. When you pick up the bag and give it a quick snap, the reinforced flat base pops into shape and the bag stands upright ready for filling. This leaves both hands free to pack items, significantly faster than holding a flat bag open with one hand.

The flat base also means bags stay upright on counters while staff assemble orders. Food containers sit level inside, reducing spillage risk. Customers receive bags that stand up in their car or on public transport, keeping contents organised and secure.

Gusseted sides expand to accommodate multiple items or bulky products. A #12 bag can hold a sandwich, drink and snack, while larger sizes fit complete takeaway meals with sides and drinks.

SOS Bags vs Paper Satchels+

The key difference is the base. SOS bags have a reinforced flat bottom that allows them to stand upright independently. Paper satchels have gusseted sides but no flat base, so they cannot stand on their own. Choose SOS bags when you need bags that stand upright for filling or display. Choose satchels for hand-to-hand service where bags are filled and immediately handed to customers.

Technical Specifications
Feature Details
Material Kraft Paper
Style SOS (Self-Opening Sack) with flat base
Size Range #4 to #25 (235mm to 540mm height)
Colours Brown Kraft, White (varies by size)
Base Style Flat reinforced (stands upright)
Food Contact Food-safe certified
Pack Quantities 100 to 2,000 per carton (varies by size)
Recyclability Recyclable paper
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SOS stand for?+

SOS stands for Self-Opening Sack. The bag is manufactured with a reinforced flat base that pops into shape when opened, allowing the bag to stand upright on its own without support.

What do the size numbers mean?+

SOS bag sizes use industry standard numbers where higher numbers indicate larger bags. #4 is the smallest size suitable for confectionery, while #25 is the largest, comparable to a grocery checkout bag. The numbers are traditional sizing codes used across the paper bag industry.

Which size is best for takeaway food?+

For single meal takeaway, #12 or #16 sizes work well. #12 suits sandwiches and single containers. #16 and #18 fit meal containers with sides. #20 handles larger family orders or multiple meals. Choose based on your typical order size.

Are these bags food-safe?+

Yes. These SOS bags are made from food-safe kraft paper suitable for direct contact with dry and packaged food items. For greasy or wet items, ensure food is in appropriate containers before placing in the bag.

Why are larger sizes only available in brown?+

Larger SOS bags (#18, #20, #25) are primarily used for grocery and bulk retail where natural brown kraft is the preferred aesthetic. Smaller sizes are available in both brown and white to suit cafe and food service branding preferences.

Why Zeropac & Related Products

Why Zeropac

  • Australian stock held in our Sydney warehouse for reliable local supply.
  • Fast dispatch with orders shipped in days, not weeks.
  • Consistent quality from established manufacturing partners.
  • 8 sizes available in brown and white options.
  • Bulk quantities up to 2,000 bags per carton.
  • Technical support to help you select the right product for your needs.

Related Products

Browse the full range of SOS paper bags above. All sizes stocked in Sydney for fast delivery to cafes, retailers and food service operations across Australia.

Need help selecting the right size for your business? Contact Zeropac for samples or technical advice. Orders from Sydney warehouse dispatch within 48 hours.