Who Invented the Paper Bag

The invention of paper bags was not completed by a single person at a specific point in time, but was a gradual process of development and evolution, which embodied the wisdom and innovation of many inventors. This process is closely linked to the development of social productivity, the growth of commercial demand and technological innovation, and is a vivid manifestation of the progress of human civilization in the field of daily necessities. ​

The Industrial Revolution gave birth to the prototype of paper bags

In the early 19th century, traditional packaging methods could not meet the rapidly developing commercial needs, and people urgently needed a more convenient and efficient packaging form. In 1844, Scottish inventor James Chalmers keenly captured this market demand and successfully obtained a patent for a paper bag manufacturing machine after unremitting efforts. The machine he invented was able to produce simple flat paper bags, which was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. His invention greatly improved the production efficiency of paper bags and made mass production of paper bags possible.

Crease design improves the practicality of paper bags

In 1852, Francis Wolle, a printer in Philadelphia, USA, observed the inconveniences people encountered when using paper bags and decided to improve the paper bag manufacturing technology. After a long period of research and repeated experiments, Wolfe successfully invented the first paper bag making machine. The paper bags produced by this machine have creases on both sides. This unique design makes the paper bags smoother when opened and can better carry items, which is significantly improved in practicality compared to the flat paper bags invented by Chalmers.

“Paper Bag Queen” brings revolutionary breakthrough

In 1867, American Margaret Knight stepped onto the historical stage of paper bag invention, bringing a revolutionary breakthrough to the development of paper bags. Knight spent a lot of time studying the structure and usage scenarios of paper bags in depth. After countless design modifications and experiments, he finally invented a machine that can produce paper bags with flat bottoms and square corners. This new type of paper bag has many advantages. It can not only stand independently and be convenient for placing items, but also can carry more heavy items than previous paper bags, greatly improving the practicality and convenience of paper bags.

However, Knight encountered infringement disputes when applying for patents. But Knight successfully defended her invention with firm beliefs and sufficient evidence, becoming the first woman to obtain a patent related to paper bag manufacturing. Her invention has been widely used in various fields, and she has won the reputation of “Paper Bag Queen”. ​

Technology innovation optimizes paper bag design​

In 1889, Charles Stilwell invented a shopping bag with side pleats that can be folded and stood up. Its bag structure is very similar to the paper bags we use in daily life today. This design further optimizes the storage and use experience of paper bags, allowing paper bags to be easily folded up when not in use to save space, and can be quickly unfolded and stably stood up when in use.

In 1908, Walter H. Deubner, an American grocery store owner, began to work on developing a new type of shopping bag in order to increase the amount of customers’ shopping. After many attempts, he finally chose kraft paper as the material of the bag. Kraft paper is made from coniferous trees with long wood fibers. The fibers are tightly connected, the paper is tough, and can withstand greater tension and pressure without breaking.

Four years later, the first kraft paper bag with a rectangular bottom and a larger volume was born. A rope runs through its bottom and both sides to increase its load-bearing capacity, and two pull rings are formed at the top of the paper bag for people to carry. Deubner named this shopping bag after himself and applied for a patent in 1915.

Expansion and sublimation of paper bag functions

In the 1950s, with the acceleration of industrialization, the production cost of paper handbags was greatly reduced, and retailers began to provide retail paper bags to customers for free. At the same time, department stores were keenly aware of the huge potential of paper bags as an advertising medium and began to print company names, trademarks and various exquisite patterns on paper bags. Paper bags gradually became a powerful tool to enhance brand awareness.

Summary

From simple flat paper bags to convenient and practical square paper bags, from ordinary shopping bags to brand paper bags with advertising functions, the efforts of many inventors have promoted the development and popularization of paper bags. The invention and evolution of paper bags have not only changed people’s shopping methods and living habits, but also promoted the prosperity and development of commerce to a certain extent, becoming an indispensable part of the development of human civilization.