Buy cross bottom bags – PE film with a cross bottom, transparent & food-grade

Cross bottom bags are made from LDPE film – despite the colloquial name “paper bag”. The bottom is folded in a cross shape and gives the bag a secure stand when filled. A classic for bread, rolls, loose foods and bakery packaging.

Available as transparent for visible contents and food-grade to EU 10/2011 with a declaration of conformity.

An economical alternative to stand-up pouches, with a classic transparent film look. For a more refined presentation, see block bottom bags.

Printable with a bakery logo. Shipping from our German warehouse with samples before your first order.

Packaging bags & related bakery solutions

Shipping & delivery

We ship promptly from our German warehouse. For large orders, direct shipping by forwarder. Free shipping from 200 € net within Germany.

What are cross bottom bags?

Cross bottom bags are packaging bags made from PE film (polyethylene, usually LDPE) whose bottom is folded in a cross shape. When filled, the bottom unfolds and forms a flat rectangular standing base – so the bag stands upright without a separately constructed bottom as on the stand-up pouch or block bottom bags.

Unlike paper bags (e.g. the cross-bottom variant in kraft paper used in bakeries), our cross bottom bags are made of transparent or food-grade film – tear-resistant, moisture-proof and suitable for contents that should remain visible inside the bag.

They are one of the oldest bag designs, made from a single web of film with no separate base insert. This makes them economical to produce and space-saving to store – folded flat they take up minimal space, yet when filled they stand stably on the shelf or counter.

What are cross bottom bags suitable for?

  • Bakeries: rolls, bread, snacks – the classic at the sales counter
  • Patisseries: take-away pralines, pastry gifts
  • Market days: fresh produce, farmers' market sales
  • Farm shops: eggs, nuts, loose confectionery
  • Take-away: filled rolls, snacks to go

Which cross bottom bag variants are available?

Benefits of cross bottom bags

  • Free-standing thanks to the cross-shaped bottom.
  • Folds flat – space-saving to store.
  • Food-grade available to EU 10/2011.
  • Transparent or printable – to suit your needs.
  • Fast handling at the sales counter (a bakery classic).
  • Private & trade – standard quantities and bulk orders.
  • Fast shipping from our German warehouse.

Material properties of cross bottom bags in detail

Cross bottom bags are characteristically made from paper or a paper/PE laminate. The folded bottom forms a square standing base that sets up when filled — typical for bakeries, patisseries and artisan food packaging.

Kraft paper 35–70 g/m² — the standard variant

Natural or white-bleached kraft paper without a PE coating. Breathable, suitable for baked goods, rolls, croissants. Not grease- or moisture-proof — combined with a PE inner layer where required.

Kraft paper with a PE inner layer — grease-proof

Kraft paper outer, with a 15–25 micron LDPE coating inside. Protects against grease strike-through, suitable for oily baked goods, snacks, chips, pretzels. Food-grade to EU 10/2011.

Parchment substitute / wet-strength

Special paper with wet strength for moist foods: filled rolls, salad bowls, fresh baked goods. Microwave-compatible up to 80 °C.

Food-grade material

All cross bottom bags are certified to EU Regulation 10/2011 and FIC requirements for direct food contact. We supply the declaration of conformity (PIM) with every order on request. Suitable for bread, rolls, confectionery, biscuits, croissants, bagels.

Transparent variant

For presentation packaging with a view of the contents: OPP film with cross-bottom forming, suitable for confectionery, pralines, wedding favours.

All materials are FSC-certifiable on request and comply with the applicable EU migration limits.

Material comparison at a glance

VariantConstructionPropertyTypical application
NaturalKraft paper 35–70 g/m²breathableRolls, croissants, baked goods
Grease-proofKraft paper + 15–25 microns LDPE insidegrease-barrierOily baked goods, snacks, pretzels
Wet-strengthParchment substitutemoisture-proof up to 80 °CFilled rolls, salad bowls
TransparentOPP filmview of contentsPralines, wedding favours

Customisation — printing and special sizes

Cross bottom bags with individual brand printing are an effective marketing tool in bakery and patisserie retail.

Printing processes

Printing by flexo printing on paper with up to 4 colours. For premium patisserie versions, gravure printing with up to 8 colours including metallic foil. Printing on both sides of the bag is possible.

Special sizes

Format adjustments in width (60–250 mm), height (100–400 mm) and bottom fold depth (40–100 mm). A window on the front with transparent OPP film is possible, ideal for patisserie presentation.

We clarify the minimum quantity and lead time individually following your enquiry, from print approval. Submit an enquiry.

Sustainability — cross bottom bags in the paper recycling stream

Cross bottom bags made of pure kraft paper are fully recyclable in the paper recycling stream and are among the most ecologically advantageous packaging forms.

Paper recycling

Pure paper cross bottom bags are recycled via the paper collection system (blue bin). Up to 90% recycled fibre can be recovered per tonne of waste paper — one of the highest material recovery rates of all packaging materials.

PE-coated variants

Cross bottom bags with a thin PE inner coating (15–25 microns) can still be processed in the paper recycling stream, provided the PE content is below 5% of the total mass. With a thicker PE coating, disposal is via the yellow bag.

FSC certification

On request we supply cross bottom bags made of FSC-certified paper — proof of sustainable forestry, important for organic brands and sustainability-oriented bakeries.

PPWR compliance from 2030

Paper cross bottom bags already meet the EU Packaging Regulation today. For PE-coated variants we advise on the gradual switch to bio-based coatings (PLA) that do not impair paper recycling.

Frequently asked questions about cross bottom bags

Are cross bottom bags made of paper?

No – despite the name “paper bag”. Cross bottom bags are made from LDPE film. The bottom is folded in a cross shape and gives the bag its stability.

What is the difference from stand-up pouches?

Cross bottom bags: PE film with a cross-shaped bottom fold. Stand-up pouches: laminate film with a bottom gusset. The cross bottom is cheaper, while stand-up pouches have a higher functional look for the POS.

Are cross bottom bags food-grade?

Yes – the food-grade variant is certified to EU 10/2011. Declaration of conformity on request. Standard for bakeries and direct marketing.

Which foods are they suitable for?

Bread (transparent or food-grade), rolls, biscuits, dried fruit, loose foods. The stability makes filling easier.

Which sizes are common?

For bread 250×100×400 mm. For quantities of rolls 170×80×250 mm. For standard quantities 130×70×200 mm. Special sizes on request.

How do I close cross bottom bags?

Twist closure (roll the top), heat sealing, a bag clip or tape. For longer storage choose sealed edge bags.

Can they be printed with a logo?

Yes – flexo or gravure printing. Popular for bakeries: logo + address on the visible side, transparent for visibility. → custom production.

Which film thickness?

Standard 40–80 microns. For longer standing times (bread over 24 h) better 60–100 microns.

Suitable for sand and granulate?

With a thicker wall (80–150 microns) also for bulk goods. For regular granulate packaging better block bottom bags for bulk goods – more robust.

Suitable for farm shop sales?

Yes – transparent or food-grade. The classic bakery packaging for farm shops, manufactories and direct marketing.

Recyclable?

Yes – pure LDPE is single-material recyclable (recycling code 04). Belongs in the yellow bag / yellow bin.

Which variant for bread and bread slices?

Transparent cross bottom bags for visible contents. The standard size 250×100×400 mm fits common bread formats.

What is the exterior look compared with paper bags?

The transparent film gives cross bottom bags a modern, more industrial look. Classic paper bags/cone bags look rustic and handmade. Choose according to your brand identity.

Are special sizes possible?

Yes – in almost any desired size combination. For special bread formats, gourmet manufactories or industrial packaging → request custom production.