What is Kraft Paper and why is it so popular for packaging?

Kraft paper has made an important contribution to satisfying the growing demand for a more sustainable approach to packaging. 

There is no doubt that kraft paper packaging solutions have grown in popularity in the packaging business, and the material's capabilities continue to expand. 

But why is this so? 

Let's go straight into what kraft paper is and why it's become so popular! 

What exactly is Kraft Paper? 

Kraft is derived from the German word for "strong," and kraft paper is just that! 

Because of the kraft pulp process, raw kraft is sturdy, tear resistant, and brown in color. 

Kraft paper board is ideal for constructing durable wrapping kraft paper and sturdy carton and rigid boxes, and it is also available in a variety of colors and hues, making it incredibly versatile for branded packaging solutions. 

The rough and porous surface of raw kraft paper allows for high quality printing and finishing for a premium rustic aesthetic.

The Kraft Paper Manufacturing Process

Kraft paper is a type of packaging material named after the Kraft pulping technique developed by Carl F. Dahl of Germany in the 1880s.

Normally, wood is 'pulped' (ground to a pulp) first in the papermaking process, but Dahl discovered that treating the cellulose pulp with particular chemicals (sulfates) boosted the strength of the kraft paper. 

Initially employed as a wrapping material, kraft paper's resilient and sturdy character made it popular for generating packaging solutions such as the traditional brown kraft paper cardboard box we all know today. 

Kraft Paper vs. Regular Paper

Some may argue, "It's just paper; what makes it so special?" 

Simply said, kraft paper is more durable. 

Because of the kraft process, more lignin is extracted from kraft wood pulp, leaving more cellulose, which provides paper its tear resistance and durability.

Raw kraft paper is also more porous than conventional paper, making it less effective for printing but very receptive to particular finishing treatments like:

Embossing/debossing

Stamping with foil

What is the purpose of Kraft paper in packaging?

Today, kraft paper is mostly used for corrugated boxes, but it has recently gained popularity for carton boxes as well!

Because of the durability of kraft paper, the e-commerce business uses corrugated boxes to safeguard products and ensure they resist tough shipping circumstances. 

Businesses also utilize brown kraft paper carton boxes to meet sustainability goals and visibly display eco-friendly initiatives due to the rustic and raw appearance of brown kraft paper. 

In today's packaging sector, kraft paper is incredibly adaptable and enables for a wide choice of unique packaging alternatives. 

Kraft Product Types Unbleached Paper Coated Kraft (CUK)

This is the most basic version of the material. 

There is no 'bleaching' or any chemical additions other than those patented by the kraft process. 

As a result, it is also known as Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS) and is made up of 80% virgin fiber wood pulp/cellulose kraft pulp.

This offers excellent tear resistance and rigidity without being overly thick. 

In fact, it is the thinnest kraft paper-based packaging substrate available. 

Its surfaces have a naturally occurring kaolin clay-titanium dioxide layer that improves smoothness and makes printing easier.

SBS (Solid Bleached Kraft Paper)

While unbleached Kraft paper is generally more environmentally friendly due to its natural color and absence of chemical processing, it may not always be the best option for certain uses, such as luxury or high-end product packaging.

Bleached Kraft paper may be recommended in certain circumstances because it has a smoother surface and a brighter appearance, which can improve printing quality and create a more premium look and feel.

It is crucial to highlight, however, that the bleaching process has environmental consequences, and businesses should carefully assess the trade-offs between aesthetics and sustainability when deciding between bleached and unbleached Kraft paper.

Finally, the decision will be influenced by the unique demands of the company and the product being packaged, as well as its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

CRB (Coated Recycled Board)

CRB is made entirely of recycled kraft paper. 

Its specifications/tolerances are lower than those of SBS because it is not manufactured from virgin fiber. 

However, recycled kraft paper is a low-cost packaging substrate that is appropriate for applications where great tear resistance/strength is not required, such as cereal boxes. 

This also makes it easier for product makers to pass on cost savings to their customers and acquire a market edge.

The materials mentioned above are typically known as folding cartons. 

Adding layers of kraft paper to corrugated boxes adds robustness.

This is known as 'fluting'.

Learn more about corrugated packaging here. 

The Advantages of Kraft Paper

Aside from great strength and safety, it is completely eco-friendly. 

It dissolves spontaneously within a few weeks, decaying similarly to tree leaves. 

It has no environmental impact, but no one should have to wait that long. 

Kraft paper, in fact, may be recycled and reused in new packaging.

Being eco-friendly and using FSC certified recycled packaging might help your product sell more since the world is becoming more aware of the importance of the environment and why it must be maintained.

Kraft Paper Customization Options

Kraft paper customization possibilities are numerous, and they may lend a personal touch to your packaging while also promoting your business.

Many printing companies provide custom kraft paper printing services, allowing you to incorporate your branding or design into your packaging.

This includes incorporating your company logo, motto, or other artwork into your kraft paper packaging. You can also select from a variety of finishes, such as matte or gloss, to give your box a distinct appearance and feel.

You can also experiment with different colors and patterns to develop a packaging design that expresses the personality of your brand.

You can create a memorable unwrapping experience for your customers by designing your kraft paper packaging, which can help enhance brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Kraft Paper's Environmental Impact

When selecting kraft paper as a packaging material, it is critical to consider its environmental impact.

Kraft paper is derived from wood pulp, a renewable resource, making it more environmentally friendly than alternative packaging materials.

Furthermore, kraft paper is biodegradable and recyclable, which means it has a smaller environmental impact than plastic or Styrofoam packaging.

When examining the environmental impact of kraft paper, the manufacturing process must also be considered.

The kraft process requires the use of a chemical mixture to break down wood chips, which can have significant environmental consequences if not controlled appropriately.

However, many kraft paper mills have incorporated environmentally friendly methods, such as employing renewable energy sources and reducing chemical waste.

Overall, kraft paper is a more eco-friendly packaging material than many other materials on the market today.

A Brief Examination of Sonhab Chocolate

Sonhab Chocolate, a small-batch chocolatier, was faced with the difficulty of remaining sustainable while providing customers with a uniform branded experience.

They wanted to make sure that their packaging reflected company beliefs, commitment to sustainability, and operational requirements.

PakFactory suggested Kraft paper packaging as a solution to this problem.Sonhab Chocolate was able to develop a dependable and sturdy box that could house their hand-crafted chocolates while also allowing for an absorbent kraft paper surface for handwritten notes by employing Kraft paper.

The Kraft paper, along with foil stamped accents, created a rustic aesthetic that was consistent with their image and devotion to sustainability.

Sonhab Chocolate was able to create a consistent branding experience while staying true to its beliefs and dedication to sustainability by using Kraft paper.

The usage of Kraft paper not only improved the client experience, but it also helped them reduce their carbon footprint and waste, making it a win-win situation for both the business and the environment.