Kraft paper packaging

In the production of kraft paper, wood chips are cooked using intense pressure, heat, and a mixture of alkaline chemicals. The cellulose is separated, washed, and screened through large rollers, ready to be rolled, dried, and cut to shape.

Due to its strength and flexibility, kraft paper is incredibly versatile. Here at Primepac, we supply a wide range of kraft paper packaging products, from bags and mailers to void fills and tape. Kraft paper uses are endless, ranging from warehousing to retail to transport.

Sustainable packaging

Kraft is a sustainable paper packaging, offering a variety of alternatives to plastic packaging. Made with natural materials and fewer bleaching chemicals, kraft is fully biodegradable. What’s more, approximately 90% of the pulping chemicals can be recovered and reused economically.

Recyclable and reusable packaging

Kraft paper is 100% recyclable in any home recycling bin or local recycling facility, making it easy for customers to dispose of it responsibly. Additionally, kraft products can often be reused multiple times, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic products.

Strong

Made from wood pulp, kraft is a highly durable material with incredible tear resistance. Originally developed in 1879, engineer Carl F. Dahl invented kraft paper meaning ‘strong paper’ in German. Natural kraft is the strongest type of paper and is commonly used for bagging heavier items like flour, sugar, and vegetables.

Cost-effective

Kraft paper can be made from any tree species, including abundant varieties like pine and bamboo. This means kraft paper, particularly brown paper, is easier to create and fosters a lower material cost. The quality of wood can also be relatively low, making use of substandard trees that aren’t fit for other purposes.

Brown kraft paper retains its natural colour and texture, meaning it doesn’t need to be bleached. This streamlines production and reduces costs, while also reducing chemicals leaching into the environment.

Disclaimer: Prices listed on this page may be subject to change; click on the product link for up-to-date pricing.

Kraft paper is available in various forms, including natural brown, unbleached, heavy duty solid paper, bleached white, or butcher paper. We’ve outlined the key characteristics, benefits, and uses of each of these kraft papers below.

Natural brown paper and unbleached kraft paper

Natural kraft paper, also known as unbleached kraft paper, is typically used for applications where tear resistance is critical, including wrapping packages, carrier bags, and corrugated cardboard. Brown kraft paper can also be printed on, making it a versatile option for businesses to add a logo or branding. 

Natural kraft paper and cardboard will also compost within a few weeks, leaving no harmful traces in the soil.

Heavy duty kraft paper

When kraft paper is produced, the majority of the lignin content is removed from the wood pulp, preventing the breakdown of cellulose. 

This makes kraft paper more robust resistant to punctures. Heavy duty kraft paper is even thicker and consists of multiple layers so it can hold any product, regardless of shape, size, and weight.

Bleached kraft paper

Bleached kraft paper is whitened with oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide to create a crisp, clean look. These chemicals do not produce any toxins or carcinogenic compounds, making it a safe and sustainable paper packaging solution. These chemicals also remove more lignin from the wood pulp, making the paper stronger. 

Bleached kraft paper is ideal for applications in warehouses, offices, e-commerce, and retail and can be printed with logos, colours, and images, making your branding stand out. 

Recycled kraft paper

Recycled kraft paper is made from recycled materials, making it more sustainable and more affordable. It isn’t as durable as natural kraft paper and it will break down more easily but is the ideal solution for bundling items, void filling packages, and dunnage.

Butcher paper

Since kraft paper is so cost effective, variations were developed with a wax coating to create a breathable seal on the paper’s surface. This is known as butcher paper, often used in food packaging for meat and other food products.