When it comes to a sustainable approach to packaging, kraft paper comes on the top, making it an everyday household essential. It gained popularity in the packaging industry for its impactful contribution to meeting the demands of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Kraft is a brown paper which is made of wood pulp. It is durable, lightweight, and tear-resistant, ideal for shopping bags, shipping containers, packaging boxes, wrapping paper, and even as a construction material in projects like insulation and roofing.
How is Kraft Manufactured?
Kraft is manufactured by using a chemical process of converting wood into wood pulp. In this process, softwood chips are cooked using heat and intense pressure in a mixture of strong alkaline chemicals. Treating the cellulose pulp with a certain chemical such as sulphates increases the strength of kraft paper.
In some cases, bleaching can be done to get the desired color. The last 3 steps are pressing, drying, and cutting in various sizes and formats for an intended use.
What are the Types of Kraft Paper?
Kraft paper has different types based on its manufacturing and usage. The list is mentioned below:
1. Viring Natural Kraft Paper
Virgin natural kraft paper is made from wood pulp with 5% recycled paper. It is used for heavy-duty products because it is tear-resistant, clean, durable, and affordable. Its textured surface allows printing, and its porous nature allows foil stamping and embossing, which makes it a perfect choice for branding.
Due to its brown color and natural outlook, kraft is perfect for box packaging, writing, book covers, carrier sheets, paint masking, and floor protection liners. Its exceptional strength makes it suitable for transportation and rough handling without compromising the safety of products packed inside.
2. Recycled kraft paper
Recycled kraft paper is made from recycled materials like old newspapers and cardboard boxes that are broken down and turned into pulp. It is more economical and offer beneficiary qualities. This type of kraft material is more sustainable than its virgin counterpart and it reduces the waste and need for raw materials.
This type of paper is perfect for building and stuffing, dust covers, floor protection liners, career sheets, paint masking, and tray liners. It is an eco-friendly choice used for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon and environmental footprints.
3. Black Kraft Paper
Black kraft paper made of recycled material is in deep black color. It is a popular choice for consumers and businesses providing a sleek and sophisticated look that stand out in the market of traditional packaging. They are versatile and favor the retailers to provide a memorable experience for customers.
For personal use, black kraft boxes make ideal containers of jewelry, watches, and handmade goods. It is also used as a backing for photo frames. Its robust nature makes it a perfect choice for transportation and presentation. Black kraft paper is both functional and fashionable.
4. Colored Kraft Paper
Colored kraft paper is manufactured by adding different dyes to the natural kraft. These are available in different colors like white, yellow, red, and green. Its strong texture and vibrant tones make it a popular choice for gift wrapping and decorative items that stand out and align with the brand’s aesthetics.
This type of paper is great for classroom decorations, party decorations, and board displays. It attracts the students and encourages them to do writing practices on colored pages. It is used in crafts and luxury packaging.
5. White or Bleached Kraft Paper
White and Bleached Kraft paper undergoes a process of bleaching and chemical treatments to whiten and purify the natural kraft. It is stronger than traditional brown kraft which makes it an ideal choice for wrapping and packaging. It is eco-friendly, recyclable, non-toxic, pollution-free, and aesthetically pleasing.
This type of paper is perfect for food packaging, shopping bags, reel wrappings, and adhesive medical applications. It offers a smooth surface and brighter appearance to provide a premium look and feel.
6. Printed Kraft Paper
Printed kraft paper is made from recycled material and is a cute, creative, custom paper wrapping. It makes a positive and long-lasting impression. It builds your company and sets you apart from competitors. It is versatile and is used in many companies for branded packaging, wrapping, and in-store displays.
This type of paper is perfect for wrapping food items such as sandwiches, and burgers. It is also used by retailers to pack garments and shoes.
Benefits Of Kraft Paper
Kraft paper has various benefits like providing superior protection and durability. Some common advantages of kraft paper are:
1. Strength
One of the benefits of using kraft paper is its flexibility, making it appropriate for wrapping, packaging, and crafting. Kraft paper has unmatched strength and reliability which ensure that it can handle the load of heavy items and industrial products. Its high tensile strength and resistance to tearing are suitable for handling and shipping.
2. Cost-effective
Kraft is cost-effective as compared to other packaging materials as its production process is efficient and uses fewer chemicals, keeping costs low. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble, reducing shipping costs and making it an economical choice for businesses and retailers. Its reusability and recyclability are an economical preference for corporations who try to stabilize high-quality packaging with budget considerations.
3. Eco Friendly
One of the significant benefits of kraft paper is its eco-friendly nature. It is made from wood pulp sourced from bamboo trees, pine, and agr-residues. It is recyclable, making it a sustainable option. Kraft paper is biodegradable and can be reused leaving zero to minimum landfills, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious customers.
4. Chemical-free
Kraft paper is a chemical-free material as it uses fewer chemicals in its making and rely on natural resources. It often skips the bleaching process making it a food-safe option. Kraft boxes use natural starch-based adhesives, reducing the resilience of synthetic chemicals. If printed, it uses either water-based or soy-based inks.
5. Breathability
Kraft is porous having natural breathability, allowing material to pass moisture and air. It is suitable for certain packaging applications where products need ventilation such as fresh and fast food items. It allows moisture to escape, preventing the build-up of consideration that can damage the product. Some varieties of kraft come with improved moisture resistance for added protection.
Why Choose Kraft Paper for Packaging Boxes?
Kraft paper is the right choice for packaging boxes due to its versatility and eco-friendliness. It provides excellent strength and durability due to its sturdy nature and unbleached material made from wood pulp. Kraft boxes can resist moisture, and tolerate heat and rough handling. It is reliable and flexible and additional lamination can increase its strength for rough handling and shipping.
How is Kraft Paper Eco-Friendly?
Kraft paper is Eco-friendly packaging materials as it is made from natural resources such as wood pulp of bamboo and hemp trees. It is compostable and recyclable, reducing the need of new raw materials and reducing waste and landfills. It reduces the environmental impacts compared to paper made from non-renewable resources.
How is Kraft Paper Better than Regular Paper?
Kraft paper is better than regular paper in terms of sustainability, quality, and strength. It is durable, solid, and tear-resistant which makes it perfect for the packaging of heavy items. Regular paper is white and bleached whereas kraft is brown and unbleached, providing a rustic, natural, and textured appearance making it attractive for eco-conscious customers. Kraft is porous as compared to regular paper which makes it convenient for finishing and moisture-resistant preventing the sogginess of food items.
What are the Design Options for Kraft Paper Boxes?
The design options for kraft are vast and you can add a touch of personalization. It allows custom printing and finishing for a trendy and unique look. Kraft paper boxes can add company logos, taglines, and artwork for personal branding and boosting of business. You can choose different shapes, sizes, and colors that go with your brand’s theme and reflect your personality.
