World Paper Bag Day 2025: Theme, History, Step to Make Paper Bag

World paper bag day is celebrated annually on July 12. Are you interested in knowing about the importance of paper bags? Do you know when is the world paper bag celebrated? Are you curious to know about world paper bag day? If you are preparing for any of the competitive exams, you need to remember almost all the important days that are celebrated worldwide. Let’s get not know more about world paper bag day 2025. Let’s get started!

World Paper Bag Day 2025 Date –  July 12

In this article readers can get a glimpse on

• History and Objective of World Paper Bag Day
• World Paper Bag Day Theme 2025
• World Paper Bag Day Quiz

History and Objective of World Paper Bag Day

World Paper Bag Day is celebrated every year on July 12 to promote the use of paper bags and encourage people to reduce their dependence on plastic. The day commemorates the invention and adoption of paper bags as a sustainable alternative, tracing back to the late 19th century when Margaret E. Knight designed a machine to mass-produce flat-bottom paper bags. Over time, paper bags became a symbol of eco-friendly packaging, especially as the harmful impact of plastic waste gained global attention. Although the exact origin of the observance is not linked to a specific organization, it has been widely adopted by environmental groups and educational institutions.

The primary objective of World Paper Bag Day is to raise awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic bags and to promote the switch to biodegradable and recyclable paper alternatives. It encourages both consumers and businesses to embrace sustainable packaging solutions. The day serves as a reminder that individual choices—like carrying a paper or cloth bag—can significantly impact the planet. It also inspires action toward protecting natural ecosystems by reducing plastic pollution. Through education, outreach, and community participation, the day aims to build a more conscious and responsible society.

Why Celebrate Paper Bag Day?

World paper bag day 2025 date is July 12. Do human beings need to be anxious about our mother nature? Of course, yes. Human beings are responsible for preserving the environment as we need nature to shelter us. Life on earth may be soon facing mass extinction, due to the exploitation of nature by human beings. The irresponsible management and wastage of natural resources are the major cause of the destruction of nature. Polluting our environment by dumping tons of harmful plastics and chemical materials can create not only environmental issues but can lead to human extinction. The strategies that are not short-sighted or selfish need to be adopted to save our mother earth.

The ecosystem is a significant part of our existence and the youth of the world needs to awaken and realize the urgency of the situation. If you want to pass on the beauty, bliss and bounty of nature to the future generation, you need to preserve nature. The celebration of world paper bag day is yet another mission that aims at the conservation of the environment. Realize, the environment matters!

World Paper Bag Day Theme 2025

World Paper Bag Day, celebrated annually on July 12th, consistently emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to plastic. While a new, distinct “official theme” for 2025 may not be formally announced by a central organizing body far in advance, the overarching message will undoubtedly continue to revolve around environmental responsibility and the promotion of eco-friendly practices, with a specific focus on the benefits of paper bags.

Building on previous years’ sentiments, the implicit theme for World Paper Bag Day 2025 will likely reinforce the idea of “Sustainable Choices for a Greener Future” or similar calls to action. The day serves as a powerful reminder of plastic pollution’s detrimental impact on our planet, highlighting how paper bags offer a biodegradable and recyclable solution.

The observance in 2025 will continue to advocate for:

• Reducing Plastic Dependence: Encouraging individuals, businesses, and governments to phase out single-use plastics and adopt more environmentally conscious choices.
• Highlighting Paper’s Advantages: Showcasing how paper bags, made from renewable resources, are a crucial part of a sustainable circular economy. They are not only recyclable but also decompose naturally, minimizing their environmental footprint.
• Empowering Consumer Choices: Stressing that every small decision, like opting for a paper bag, contributes to a larger collective effort towards a healthier planet.
• Promoting Awareness and Education: Continuing to inform the public about the environmental impact of plastic and the myriad benefits of choosing paper, encouraging a shift in consumption habits.

In essence, World Paper Bag Day 2025 will continue its mission as a global awareness campaign, urging a deeper commitment to sustainability and a conscious move away from plastic towards a more planet-friendly approach to packaging and daily consumption.

World Paper Bag Day Previous Themes 

World Paper Bag Day, observed annually on July 12, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental benefits of using paper bags over plastic bags. It highlights the importance of choosing eco-friendly alternatives to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable living.

While not a UN-designated day, various organizations and educational institutions promote specific messages each year. Here are the themes and primary focuses from recent years, as widely adopted and reported:

• 2015: General focus on promoting paper bags as a sustainable alternative and reducing plastic waste.
• 2016: Emphasis on responsible consumption and the harmful effects of plastic.
• 2017: Broad focus on making eco-friendly choices and understanding the impact of plastic on the environment.
• 2018: The launch of “European Paper Bag Day” by “The Paper Bag” platform, with a focus on paper bags as “Future in your hands!” and highlighting their strength and sustainability. (Note: World Paper Bag Day itself gained wider traction around this period).
• 2019: General focus on the benefits of paper bags, such as being biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly.
• 2020: “Happiness is making your own paper bag!” (This was a popular theme for school activities, encouraging creativity and awareness).
• 2021: “Eradicate Plastic and Safeguard the Earth.” (Also widely associated with “Shopping Sustainably”).
• 2022: “Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Recycle Plastic Bags. Instead, Renew, Reuse, and Recycle Paper Bags!!!”
• 2023: “If You’re Fantastic, Do Something ‘Dramatic’ to Cut the ‘Plastic’, Use ‘Paper Bags’.” (This was a widely cited theme for the year).
• 2024: “Sustainable Choices for a Greener Future.”

Do you Know the History of the Paper Bag?

Knowing the history of the paper bags is very important for people who are curious to dig into the general knowledge areas. It should be considered as the duty of each citizen to realize the value of paper bags which can replace plastic bags.

Let us discuss the history of paper bags. Keep reading to know the origin of this day!

In 1852, American inventor Francis Wolle had invented the first paper bag machine. The invention goes the paper bag is the most remarkable achievement that the world has ever witnessed. In 1871, the designer Margaret E. knight introduced the second machine which can produce flat-bottom paper bags which can be pasted together. These paper bags are also known as the mother of the grocery bag. As the name suggests, this is considered as one of the finest movements to save the earth and bring it back to greenery.

In 1883, the machine which can produce the square bottom paper bags are invented by Charles Stilwell. They are having pleaded sides. The specialty of those paper bags is they are easy to fold and store comfortably. Followed by this, Walter Deubener 1912 used a cord to reinforce paper bags. He added carrying handles to the paper bags they have invented. Later, several other inventors tried other methods to make more innovative paper bags and succeeded. The current paper bags came into being after such long experimentation. Improved versions of the paper bag production were a long process.

18 Reasons to Choose Paper Bags!

1. Eco-friendly paper bags can reduce pollution
2. The classy nature of packing in paper bags are preferred by the customers
3. Paper bags are considered upmarket
4. Paper bags are simple and handy
5. It can be made into attractive printed bags according to the individual choices
6. It is biodegradable
7. Offers no health hazards
8. The product can be attractive by using paper bags of different texture
9. Made of renewable resources
10. Recyclable and reusable
11. Avoid toxicity on the earth surface.
12. Never leave traces of its use once thrown out
13. Careful handling in inevitable
14. It can be used again and again
15. Easy to be composted in the home composer
16. It is inexpensive
17. Practical to use and reuse
18. Many people prefer using paper bags as it is environmentally friendly

Do you know? Here is a Secret!

Paper bags are toxic as they are made of wood. This is the only reason why they are regarded as reusable and recyclable. They resemble books, magazines or newspapers, they are easy to handle and comfortable for reuse. The only disadvantage of paper bags is that they are too porous. It is difficult to carry the cold products in paper bags. The paper bag is having poor wet strength. Paper bags will help to save the environment. Save the paper bags because to generate more paper bags we need to risk the life of the many trees.

Interesting Facts about Paper Bags

• Paper bags are almost 100% recyclable
• Paper bags can decompose within a month.
• A paper bag can hold around 10-14 items
• Paper bags are quite sturdy.
• It takes less energy to manufacture a paper bag
• Eco friendly when compared to plastic bags.
• Affordable lost cost product
• Paper bags are safer for birds and animals.
• Paper bags can be reused at home
• Paper bags can be used to make compost.
• Paper bags are user friendly
• Paper bags can help to make the planet healthier

How to Make Paper Bags?

Items needed

• Old newspaper
• Ballpoint pen
• scissors
• glue
• cardboard
• Ropes
• handles from old bags.
• Poster colours
• origami crafts

Method of preparation

• First, Spread a two-sheet newspaper.
• Then Pour glue on one side of the paper.
• Stick both of the sides together.
• Now, Fold the newspaper horizontally.
• Edges should be bound together. Give time for it to dry.
• Now you can Cut a piece of cardboard in a rectangular shape.
• You can Insert the piece in the bag from one side now. Leave a gap of one inch on all sides.
• You can now add glue to the base of the bag. Fold the corners of the paper bag
• The shape of the paper bag should be triangular shape.
• The edges should be tightly shut. Press the edges of the bag
• Now you can fold it in the middle.
• Use a ballpoint pen to make holes at the top of the paper bag.
• Cut two pieces of rope
• You can insert it in the holes.
• Knot the finished paper bags at the end.
• Decorate your bag according to your wish and use it happily.

World Paper Bag Day Quiz 2025

1. Approximately how many years does it take for a plastic bag to decompose?

A) 10 years
B) 100 years
C) 500+ years