Wondering What is Kraft Paper Packaging? Read this Blog!

Kraft packaging is one of the most commonly used packaging types that is famous for its countless distinctive features. According to research shared by Fortune Business Insights: 

“The global market volume of kraft packaging was USD 41.19 billion in 2023”

Whether you are a startup or a big enterprise, choose kraft packaging for your products. But, before you pick this packaging option, you should understand what it is and what it can offer to your business. 

In this blog, we will discuss what is kraft packaging, its types, benefits, and uses. Read on to find more!

What is Kraft Packaging?

A brown paper-based packaging solution that is famous for its tensile strength, rustic charm, and biodegradability is kraft packaging. This type of packaging is made from flexible kraft paper allowing you to customize it according to your liking. You can make tailored kraft boxes, bags, and sachets to pack your products.

Kraft is made from wood pulp which is a renewable material. So, using it as your packaging material helps conserve the natural resources of our planet. Kraft packaging also decomposes naturally leaving no carbon footprint. This feature protects our environment from pollution.

When it comes to customizing kraft packaging for your brand, you can go for endless printing options. You can print your brand logos on this packaging with the help of screen, digital, offset, and other options.

Butcher Paper vs. Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is similar to butcher paper, yet different in many ways. Butcher paper is thicker than kraft paper and more resistant to tear. This type of paper is perfect for wrapping meat and such products. On the other hand, kraft paper is a thinner yet durable material mostly used to make bags and boxes for product packaging.

Different Types of Kraft Packaging Materials

Now that you know what is kraft packaging, let’s delve into some of its types. Kraft is originally a wood-based material, however its manufacturing process defines its types. Here are some of the most popular types of kraft that you can use to make timeless packaging for your products:

• Virgin Kraft Paper

A rustic brown paper made from high-quality wood pulp is virgin kraft. This type of material has a high tensile strength allowing you to make durable packaging from it. The natural color of this material is brown, however, you can print it with the color of your liking.

• White Kraft Paper

Virgin or recycled kraft can be bleached to give it a white hue. Bleaching is one of the easiest ways to discolor packaging materials and give a subtle look. However, bleaching reduces the tensile strength of kraft as it damages the cellulose fibers.

• Coated Recycled Kraft Paper

Recycled kraft is a material that is made by recycling old kraft, or corrugated materials. It is also a wood-based material but is less sturdy than virgin kraft. Recycled kraft can be given a timeless appearance with the help of coating. Gloss coating is most commonly used in this regard. This coating not only exudes a shiny look but also protects the printing on recycled kraft packaging.

• Printed or Unbleached Coated Kraft

To print virgin kraft in different colors without bleaching, you can go for various printing and coating options. These techniques not only help you imprint elegant colors on the product packaging but also protect the ink for a longer time.

5 Types of Kraft Paper Packaging

Kraft paper is a strong and flexible material that can be customized to make different types of product packaging. Following are some poplar kraft paper packaging types:

• Kraft Paper Bags

The bags made from kraft paper are the best sustainable alternative to plastic bags. They are mostly used as shopping bags and food takeaway bags. This material can also be used for making kraft mylar bags for long-term food storage.

• Kraft Boxes

Kraft paper is also used to make different types of boxes. These boxes can be customized in various sizes, colors, styles, and shapes. About every product-based business relies on kraft paper boxes for sustainable packaging. Some popular examples of custom kraft boxes are kraft tuck boxes, sliding sleeve boxes, and kraft window boxes.

• Kraft Food Containers 

The food-grade properties of kraft paper packaging make it an ideal choice for food businesses. It is widely used in about every food industry. If you look around, you can find food containers such as cups, clamshell boxes, bowls, and pouches made from kraft paper.

• Kraft Paper Wraps

The lightweight material properties of kraft paper also make it a perfect choice for wrapping products. This paper can be used to wrap gifts aesthetically. Kraft wrapping paper can also be used as sleeves for soaps, food items, and coffee cups. Moreover, with the help of kraft wrapping paper, you can also make envelopes for mailing purposes.

• Kraft Paper Labels and Stickers

Businesses that can not afford customizing boxes and bags can use customized labels and stickers. As kraft paper can be customized, you can get custom kraft labels and stickers that can help enhance your brand identity.

• Durable Kraft Tubes 

Thick and rigid kraft material can be shaped into tubes to make reliable tube packaging for essential oils and cosmetics. However, the interiors of such paper-based packaging are lined with vinyl sheets or other plastic material to make these tubes waterproof.

Types of Kraft by Color

Although the natural color of kraft is rustic brown, it can be customized in various colors to your needs. Here are some types of kraft paper depending upon their colors:

• Brown Kraft Packaging: Brown is the natural color of wood so is kraft. Before bleaching or printing, the rustic brown color of kraft paper exudes a natural feel that impresses eco-aware buyers.

• Black Kraft Packaging: Black color can be printed on kraft paper to give it an elegant look. A wide range of dyeing services are out there to give black color to your kraft paper packaging.

• White Kraft Packaging: The white color of kraft paper packaging is easy to attain. All you need to do is bleach the natural kraft. Doing so will make it leave its brown color and turn it into white paper packaging.

Benefits of Using Kraft Paper Packaging

The remarkable features of kraft paper make it a perfect material for various product packaging. Here are some undeniable benefits you can enjoy if you choose kraft paper packaging for your products.

• Durability

You can choose protective kraft boxes for retail and shipping. The reason is that their packaging material is famous for its ultimate tensile strength. The cellulose fiber in these packaging options helps withstand the weight of the items packed inside.

Also, these packaging materials resist the bumps and knocks of shipping helping you deliver your items to your customers in pristine condition.

• Sustainability

The importance of sustainable packaging solutions is increasing. The reason is that people have become aware of pollution’s harm and they want to get rid of drastic climate changes. According to a report shared by PR Newswire:

“82% of buyers prefer to pay extra for items in sustainable packaging.”

Kraft is one of the most sustainable packaging materials you can choose for your product packaging. It is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Leaving no carbon footprints and saving natural resources, sustainable kraft packaging says a big hello to the greener future of our planet.

• Alternative to Plastic

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest concerns that is jeopardizing the habitat on Earth. Considering the harms of pollution caused by plastic, consumers prefer to buy products that come in non-plastic packaging solutions.

Kraft is considered to be an excellent alternative to plastic packaging. The reason is that packaging made from kraft paper contains no toxins and pollutants, yet bears enough strength to safeguard your products.

• Aesthetic Appeal

Customizability and uniform surface of kraft allow you to make aesthetically appealing boxes for your products. You can alter them in any shape of your choice. For instance, you can tailor gable-style kraft packaging to a perfect for packaging gifts and treats.

Also, you can print whatever you want on these packaging boxes. With the help of offset, rotogravure, flexography, and other printing techniques, you can personalize your boxes to resonate with your brand.

• Cost-effective Packaging

One of the best benefits you can enjoy by choosing kraft packaging is budget-saving. Even if you customize kraft boxes or bags, you can get quality packaging at a reasonable rate. The reason is that the manufacturing material and process of this packaging is inexpensive and easily available.

Printing of Kraft Paper Packaging

Printing kraft paper packaging helps businesses boost their brand and showcase product information with a breeze. Here are some printing techniques that are mostly used to print kraft paper packaging:

• Flexography
• Screen Printing
• Digital Printing
• Offset Printing

Inks for Kraft Printing

Difficult-to-soak inks and oil-based inks are considered to be ideal for printing kraft paper. The reason is that liquid readily soaks in the porous surface of kraft paper. When printing kraft paper packaging, choose a color that doesn’t go dull after a portion of ink is soaked in the paper.

FSC-Certified Kraft Paper to Save Forests

The Forest Stewardship Council is responsible for making sure that products it certifies are taken from appropriately managed forests. This North American council makes and implements regulations meant to reduce deforestation.

Kraft paper and other products that come with FSC labels are derived from responsibly managed forests. So, investing in such kraft paper may cost you a bit high, yet helps you make a statement by contributing to the greener future of our planet.

What to Pack in Kraft Paper Packaging?

Now you know the benefits of choosing kraft packaging for your products; let’s discuss which items you can pack in this packaging. Here are some common types of products you can pack in kraft paper packaging:

• Food Products: Grains, vegetables, fruits, fast foods, and others can be packed in kraft boxes and bags. With no toxic elements, kraft paper packaging keeps your products healthy and tasty.

• Retail Display Packaging: Get kraft display packaging boxes to showcase your retail products persuasively to your customers.
• Small-Sized Crockery: Lightweight and small-sized crockery items like glasses, plates, etc. can be packed in durable kraft boxes
• Lightweight Electronics: Bulbs, switches, and similar lightweight electronics can be conveniently packed, stored, and shipped in kraft box packaging.

• Mailer Packaging: To ship e-commerce products safely and conveniently to customers, durable kraft mailer boxes can be used.

Where to Source Durable And Reliable Kraft Packaging?

Finding a reputable supplier is paramount when it comes to buying kraft product packaging. You can reach out to Custom Boxes Lane if you are looking for a reliable custom packaging company in the US. With endless facilities like customization, design support, timely delivery, and no compromise on the quality of your packaging, you can rely on us.

Conclusion

We hope you now know what is kraft packaging and how it can benefit your business, whether it’s a startup or an enterprise. If you still have any questions or want to place an order for exclusive kraft paper packaging, get in touch today!