Case study: Ingredients Store – luxury paper bags

Context

Ingredients Store had long used various gift bag solutions, but each one had some downside. For a brand built on detail, thoughtful minimalist design, and premium materials, that was in direct conflict with its overall positioning.
It was clear the brand needed a bag that would be functional, structurally well-designed, visually clean, and as representative as the brand’s other touchpoints – from packaging design to the interior.

Project

We were recommended by a client from Potten & Pannen, for whom we delivered a similar premium bag project with a strong focus on craftsmanship and detail. Ingredients Store approached us at the beginning of 2024 with a clear vision: to create a minimalist bag that aligns with the brand’s philosophy, meets the expectations of demanding customers, and fulfills high requirements for production quality.

Brief

From the start, the client had a very specific idea. They provided reference samples as well as an outline of the final proportions.
Requirements included:

• Top-tier machine gluing, with no glue overflow
• High-GSM paper, smooth surface, matte finish
• Strength – load capacity above 8 kg without shape deformation
• Precise bottom construction, with an emphasis on stability when unfolded
• Handles had to be firmly attached, comfortable to the touch, and visually resemble textile (cotton), while remaining fully recyclable
• Three bag sizes, each format optimized for a specific product type

Total production volume: tens of thousands of units

Execution

We chose smooth, high-GSM kraft paper (250 g/m²), offering excellent shape stability and a pleasant tactile feel.
A Japanese bottom – a one-piece bottom without traditional folding – gives the bag a clean look and a reinforced base. This construction also minimizes the risk of deformation under load.

We used flat paper handles with a cotton-like effect that feel good in the hand, do not deform, and hold their shape well. The material is fully recyclable, yet both in touch and appearance it resembles natural textile.

The design was clean, with no printing. The logo is applied via foil stamping, without varnish – subtle, minimalist, and aligned with the brand’s character.

Every structural element went through a thorough approval process. Our client placed extreme emphasis on precision in attachment points, straight gluing, edge alignment, and bond strength. We produced multiple samples and prototypes before reaching the final version.

The entire delivery, including production and logistics, was completed within two months.

Result

The outcome was a series of three size-optimized premium paper bags featuring a Japanese bottom, flat paper handles with a textile look, and a minimalist logo.

The final product combines high load capacity, a representative look, full recyclability, and an exceptional tactile impression.
Thanks to the focus on detail and production quality, the bag strengthens the customer experience and acts as a direct carrier of the brand’s values: quality, aesthetics, minimalism.

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