Consumers of the modern-day world are becoming more conscious of the negative environmental effects of packaging on our planet. With this emerging trend, they prefer eco-conscious packaging products and businesses to support environmental sustainability.
Kraft paper has become a star player as one of the most eco-friendly packaging materials. This paper is gaining momentum among consumers with each passing day. Recent studies show the kraft packaging market will likely hit 17.22 billion USD in America by 2032.
When it comes to kraft packaging, many business owners feel overwhelmed by what really is kraft paper and why they should opt for it instead of other regular papers. This blog covers all of these details so you can get the best out of your business by unleashing the potential of kraft packaging.
What is Kraft Paper?
Kraft came from a German word that means “strong,” and this paper literally justifies this meaning. This paper is naturally brown in color with a premium rustic look, exuding a sophisticated appearance. Kraft knocks out all other non-environmental-friendly options because of its manufacturing from wood pulp.
Apart from its appealing look, kraft paper is durable and tear-resistant. Kraft paper board is suitable for creating durable wrapping gift boxes and rigid boxes.
This board is also available in a variety of colors and shades making it highly versatile for classic branded packaging solutions. With its porous and textured surface, kraft paper becomes an ideal choice for high-quality printing and finishes.
What are Types of Kraft Paper in Market?
Talking about types of kraft paper, there are five common types available in the market. Let’s explore these types:
Virgin Kraft Paper
Made from 100% natural brown and fresh wood pulp, virgin kraft paper is clean and durable. It contains sturdy fiber content to resist tear and wear during shipping. Many businesses prefer this natural type due to its low cost, protective layering, and high sustainability packaging.
Recycled Kraft Paper
This type is more eco-friendly as recycled kraft paper is prepared from already produced kraft paper. Recycled kraft papers can be made without cutting down extra trees while contributing to green credentials. However, it is not as strong and tear-resistant as virgin kraft paper.
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)
CUK is also called Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS). This type of kraft paper contains 80% virgin fiber wood pulp or cellulose kraft paper. CUK is the thinnest type among all kraft paper types while providing sturdiness and a high degree of stiffness. Its kaolin clay-titanium dioxide coating enhances smoothness.
Solid Bleached Kraft Paper (SBS)
SBS is not as eco-friendly as the above types because it is prepared from the bleaching process. Small percentages of chemicals like chlorine, caustic soda, and chlorine dioxide are used in this process. Usage of these chemicals can have environmental impacts. Solid bleached kraft paper is usually in white color.
Coated Recycled Board (CRB)
Coated Recycled Board (CRB) is made from 100% recycled fibers that come from paper manufacturing, converting facilities, and post-consumer wastes. With clay coating on its surface, CRB becomes a desirable material for high-quality printing. Many businesses prefer this due to its low cost.
The Manufacturing Process of Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made by going through kraft processing, where wood is converted into wood pulp as a result of chemical conversion. There are two basic structural components in wood: lignin and cellulose. Since lignin doesn’t serve as good paper, so kraft processing keeps lignin and cellulose separate.
For this purpose, wood chips are cooked in “white liquor.” This liquor is made up of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Due to the cooking of wood chips, lignin and cellulose get apart leaving behind solid wood pulp and black liquor.
Then, this solid wood pulp is screened and washed to remove any residual cooking liquors. Afterward, this pulp can be modified into various paper products depending on your choice and need.
Why Kraft Paper is Better Choice Than Regular Paper?
Many people and businesses usually consider kraft paper as regular paper. Well, in reality, both are quite different. And kraft paper is an ideal choice for several reasons which make it a special choice:
- Lignin extraction from kraft paper leaves behind cellulose which makes paper sturdiness and tear-resistant characteristics unlike regular paper.
- Natural kraft paper is more porous than regular paper. With porosity, kraft paper outperforms regular paper because of its suitability for high-quality printing and finishing such as embossing.
Benefits of Using Kraft Paper for Businesses
Every business should know the benefits of kraft paper to fully utilize the potential of this sustainable packaging:
Flexible and Durable Packaging
Kraft paper is highly flexible, capable of being folded, sewn, and used for products that require protection against knocks and bumps during shipping. As we have discussed above kraft paper manufactured from cellulose makes them highly tear-resistant.
Branding and Positive Environmental Impact
Build a unique brand identity in a competitive market by choosing eco-friendly kraft paper such as business cards. By customizing these business cards, eco-aware customers will appreciate your environmentally conscious stance and view it as a credit to your character.
Lightweight and Low Shipping Costs
The best thing about kraft paper is that it is lightweight and comes with high cost-saving advantages. Shipping products in heavier packaging materials such as heavy-duty cardboard costs higher shipping charges due to heavy weight. However,kraft packaging boxes and bags save cost by being lightweight.
Uses of Kraft Paper
Kraft paper has many uses in different industries. Get a glimpse of common industries that use kraft paper to outshine competitive market:
Food industry
Kraft boxes are commonly used to pack food items like dried fruits, flour, sugar, and vegetables.
Gift Packaging
Luxurious brands use gable-style kraft boxes to pack premium gifts and special presents.
Art and Craft
Kraft paper has versatile applications in arts and crafts as it can be used for writing, drawing and painting.
E-commerce
E-com brands use kraft corrugated boxes for ease of use and sturdiness during shipping.
Cosmetics
Gable, cube, and pillow-style kraft boxes are famous for packing cosmetic products such as lip balm.
Retail
White and brown kraft papers are ideal for packing retail items such as soap and sugar.
Ideas for Using Kraft Paper
From small businesses to established brands, here are a few ideas for you to consider to attract a diverse range of customers:
Wrapping Gifts
Kraft paper is very suitable for wrapping gifts. It is sturdy and easy to write messages on.
Event Decoration
Businesses can make menus, name cards, and decorative banners in a cost-effective kraft paper.
Wrapping Food
Use an environmentally friendly option, brown kraft paper like parchment paper to wrap food as a plastic alternative.
Entertain Children
Entice children to express their creativity by allowing them to draw on a blank canvas (Kraft paper on a roller).
Alternative Options of Kraft Paper
However, kraft paper is a famous choice for packaging and crafting, there are alternative materials available in the market that brands can also fulfill product and customer needs. Some of these alternatives are:
- Tissue Paper
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Glassine
Each of these alternative materials has unique properties and you can choose based on different factors such as appearance, strength, and environmental sustainability.
Tips to Use Kraft Paper
When it comes to using kraft paper for packaging, it is very crucial to consider certain factors. Keeping in consideration these factors and packing products accordingly can make or break your brand’s identity. To boost brand awareness and make a memorable unboxing experience for customers, you should:
- Consider the weight and fragility of the products being wrapped to ensure durability.
- Embellish paper with stamps, stickers, and ribbons to add a personalized touch.
- Customize kraft paper to any shape and style with decorated elements.
How Businesses Can Use Kraft Paper in Packaging?
In a rapidly evolving market, the use of kraft paper packaging is very versatile. Each type of kraft paper serves a unique purpose. Many businesses have started using kraft papers for making corrugated boxes and carton boxes.
The E-commerce industry leverages the durable nature of kraft paper by using it in corrugated boxes. These boxes protect products and ensure they withstand harsh shipping conditions.
Some businesses also use brown kraft paper carton boxes to achieve sustainability goals and vividly portray eco-friendly initiatives through rustic and natural appearance.
However, your business can use kraft paper depending on your business needs as it is very versatile. Kraft paper allows you massive innovative packaging solutions in the modern packaging industry.
Customize Kraft Paper to Upscale Your Business
The good thing about kraft paper is it can be customized in vast style and shape to complement your product and business needs. Add a personal touch to your packaging while also promoting your brand with customized kraft boxes.
Create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers by designing persuasive kraft papers. Contact us today and customize kraft boxes with desired colors and patterns to create a packaging design that reflects your brand personality.
