Today’s consumers are more drawn towards products packaged in eco-friendly packaging. Kraft paper has emerged as a leading player in this movement, offering a powerful alternative to traditional packaging materials. Its popularity in the industry is undeniable.
The global kraft paper market is expected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2025, growing at a steady CAGR of 3.0%. But what exactly makes kraft paper so remarkable?
In this blog, we will give you comprehensive information on what kraft paper is, its types, and its significance for your business. Let’s begin straight away!
What is Kraft Paper?
Also known as “kraft”, kraft paper is a strong paperboard material crafted through the kraft process, utilizing chemical pulp. This specific process allows kraft paper to offer impressive durability and elasticity.
It has become a go-to choice for many industries due to its vast applications and eco-friendly benefits.
Brief History of Kraft Paper
In the 1880s, Carl F. Dahl in Germany laid the foundation of the Kraft pulping process. Kraft paper, which is a packaging material, got its name from this pulping process that Carl pioneered.
Traditionally, the paper manufacturing process involves pulping wood, breaking it down into a pulp before forming it into sheets. However, Dahl's strategy involved treating cellulose pulp with specific chemicals, notably sulfates, to enhance the strength and durability of the resulting paper.
Originally, the paper was used as a wrapping material. With time, its versatility extended in the
custom kraft packaging industry. Now, you can see a lot of boxes featuring durable kraft paper materials in their construction.
Kraft vs Regular Paper
You might wonder if it’s just a paper, then what is so special about it? Well, it is not your ordinary regular paper. It offers exceptional strength than a normal paper.
The key differentiator is the kraft process itself. During this process, a higher percentage of lignin, (a natural polymer found in wood fibers), is removed from the wood pulp. This results in a pulp with a higher concentration of cellulose, the primary structural component of paper. As a consequence, kraft paper inherits remarkable tear-resistant and durable properties.
Major Types of Kraft Paper
So far, you have learned what is kraft paper and a brief information on its origin. Let’s get to know a few popular types of kraft paper that businesses can utilize. The strength of each type of kraft paper depends on their individual manufacturing process as well as the source of wood.
1. Virgin Kraft Paper
This paper is directly derived from raw wood pulp. It is harvested from trees and transformed into brown paper without undergoing any recycling processes.
Although it is relatively lightweight and thin in appearance, virgin kraft paper offers exceptional tear resistance and stiffness. This makes it an optimal choice for heavy-duty packaging applications.
2. Recycled Kraft Paper
It is another popular type and is crafted from a blend of recycled materials. Recycled kraft may not possess the same level of sturdiness and tear resistance. However, this does not diminish its utility. It still remains an excellent choice for packaging applications that do not require high tear resistance. You can find its usage in cereal boxes, paper bags, and paper cans.
3. Mixed Kraft Paper
Mixed Kraft Paper offers a versatile and eco-friendly packaging solution ideal for postage boxes and cardboard envelopes. It has a unique composition of recycled and virgin pulp. This blend combines the strength and durability of virgin pulp with the sustainability benefits of recycled materials. Since it contains recyclable materials, it is a more affordable option.
Transform Your Business With Kraft Paper Packaging
With the increasing popularity of kraft paper packaging, many businesses are switching to it. Here are some of the compelling reasons why using them can drive success and add value to your brand:
1. Durable Material
You might think that kraft paper is lightweight so it might not be durable. But that’s the wrong perception. The process that is used to manufacture it results in a paper that offers exceptional strength and resilience. This makes kraft paper packaging an ideal choice for packaging products safely.
On top of that, you can use this
kraft packaging for shipping products to longer distances. The resilient nature of the paper will withstand any harsh conditions during transit and handling. This lets brands leave a positive impression on their potential customers.
2. Eco-friendly Nature
Today’s era is all about sustainability. Kraft paper, derived from renewable wood pulp, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials. The paper swiftly decomposes in a matter of weeks, leaving behind no harmful residues or environmental impact.
It seamlessly integrates into the natural ecosystem, minimizing carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner, greener planet. By utilizing kraft packaging for products, you can easily win the trust of eco-conscious customers. This creates a recognizable positive brand identity in no time.
3. Fully Customizable
Kraft boxes are entirely customizable and can be manufactured in custom shapes, colors, sizes, prints, and designs. Many packaging companies offer customization features for kraft boxes as per the brand’s needs.
You can get a lot of attractive finishes for the boxes such as matt finish and gloss finish to make them look appealing on shelves. Also, you can add your brand’s name, logo, and other branding artwork to give the boxes a professional touch.
Sum Up!
We hope this blog was helpful and now you know what is kraft paper and how can it bring value to your business. They are a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials that are not eco-friendly.
If you want to leave a positive impression on your customers, the kraft paper boxes can give you a competitive edge. You should try them for the packaging and transportation of your products to leave a lasting impact.
