9 SKUs · From $14.54 – $19.71 per case
· Freight quoted separately
SOS (Self-Opening Sack) Paper Bags for Takeout
SOS bags (Self-Opening Sack) are the standard takeout paper bag — square bottom, no handles, opens flat on the counter for fast packing. Made from natural kraft or bleached white paper, sized by capacity from #4 (small) up to #20 (grocery-format). The right bag for restaurant counter takeout, delicatessen orders, and any application where the customer carries the bag a short distance.
Size selection by ticket type
Bag size
Typical capacity
Use case
#4
1 sandwich
Bakery items, single sandwich
#6
Lunch combo
Most common quick-service takeout
#8
Multi-item lunch
Sandwich + side + drink (small)
#12
Hearty dinner
Family-meal takeout, multiple entrées
#20
Bulk / grocery format
Catering pickup, retail produce
Specifications at a glance
Property
Kraft SOS paper bag
Material
Natural kraft or bleached white paper
Basis weight
30# to 65# (heavier = stronger, more expensive)
Recyclable
Yes (paper stream)
Compostable
Yes (in any program accepting paper)
Heat-resistant for grease/hot food
Yes (kraft handles temperature well; grease shows through)
SOS = Self-Opening Sack. The bag has a square bottom that pops open into shape on its own when filled, without manual squaring. SOS is the dominant takeout-bag format for restaurants and delicatessens because it stands upright on the counter while orders are packed.
How do I pick the right SOS bag size?+
SOS bags are sized by capacity (#4, #6, #8, #12, #20). #4 is small (single sandwich), #6 is the lunch standard, #12 is a hearty single-meal takeout, #20 is family-meal or grocery-style. Match bag size to your average ticket size — oversize bags waste material and look sloppy; undersize bags require double-bagging.
Are SOS bags kraft or white?+
Both. Natural kraft (brown) is the traditional and lowest-cost option, also the preferred eco-positioned look. Bleached white is used by brands targeting a cleaner, more upscale aesthetic. Recycled-content kraft is increasingly common.
Can SOS bags be custom printed?+
Yes. Logo print on natural kraft is the most common — 1-color or 2-color flexo print runs at ~50,000 unit minimums with 6–8 week lead times. White bags accept more vivid printing but cost ~20% more per bag.
Are SOS bags recyclable or compostable?+
Both. Unbleached kraft paper is recyclable in any paper stream and compostable in any program that accepts uncoated paper. Watch for grease saturation — heavily oily food can contaminate the paper for recycling, but compost-grade saturation is fine.
What's the difference between SOS and twisted-handle bags?+
SOS bags have no handles — they're carried by holding the top edge. Twisted-handle bags have rope-style handles attached for customer carrying comfort. Use SOS for in-store pickup (counter to door); use twisted-handle for delivery, catering, or boutique retail where the customer carries the bag further.