Historically, Kraft Paper has been used in the packaging industry for decades, and its popularity is increasing again as eco-friendly packaging is becoming popular.
There is no doubt that kraft packaging has gained popularity in the packaging industry, and is growing rapidly. But the question remains the same: why is that?
Let’s dig deeper to understand what kraft paper is and its significance.
What is Kraft Paper?
Kraft paper was named after the Kraft pulping process developed by Carl F. Dahl in Germany in the 1880s. Kraft sack paper has high tear resistance and elasticity, making it a perfect packaging material for products with high strength and durability requirements.
It is ideal for manufacturing various packaging products, including wrapping papers, folding cartons, sturdy cartons, and even rigid setup boxes. Kraft paper board can be found in various thickness levels depending on the product density and requirements which makes it a highly versatile option for branded packaging solutions.
Kraft Paper Production Process
Typically, paper manufacturing involves grinding wood into a pulp. Dahl discovered that treating the cellulose pulp with chemicals (sulfates) significantly enhanced the strength of kraft paper.
Initially used as wrapping material, kraft paper’s durability and sturdiness soon made it popular for various packaging solutions, including the well-known brown kraft paper cardboard box.
Why is Kraft Paper Better Than Regular Paper?
You might think that thick kraft paper is just “paper,” but that’s not the case. Simply put, kraft paper is more durable than regular paper due to its reduced lignin content and high sulfur ratio. Moreover, it also does not involve the bleaching process.
Kraft paper is more porous as compared to regular paper, which makes it less effective for printing colors, but it is extremely suitable for the finishing process, which includes embossing, debossing, and hot foil stamping.
Significance of Kraft Paper in The Packaging Industry
Kraft paper holds a lot of significance when it comes to packaging as it is primarily used in corrugated boxes and is also becoming popular for carton boxes.
The durability of kraft paper allows e-commerce industries to rest assured that their products will reach their customers in pristine condition.
The rustic and raw appearance of brown kraft boxes also helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals and demonstrate their eco-friendly initiatives. The packaging industry has a wide range of innovative packaging options utilizing Kraft paper.
Types of Kraft Paper
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)
- No bleaching or additional chemicals are needed in the Kraft process.
- Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS).
- Made of 80% virgin fiber wood pulp.
- High tear resistance and durability without being too thick
Solid Bleached Kraft Paper (SBS)
- Preferred for packaging luxury or high-end products due to its smooth surface and bright appearance.
- Enhances printing quality and provides a premium look and feel.
- The bleaching process has environmental impacts.
Coated Recycled Board (CRB)
- Made from 100% recycled kraft paper.
- Specifications are lower than SBS due to the lack of virgin fiber.
- Low-cost, ideal for packaging where durability is not crucial, such as cereal boxes.
- Cost-effective, allowing manufacturers to pass savings to consumers and gain a market advantage.
For folding cartons, the above materials are common. For corrugated boxes, additional strength is achieved by layering kraft paper, a process known as ‘fluting’.
Benefits of Kraft Paper
- Superior Strength and Protection: Offers excellent durability.
- Eco-Friendly: 100% biodegradable, decomposing naturally within a few weeks.
- Recyclable: Can be recycled for new packaging.
- Environmental Impact: Leaves no lasting impact on the environment.
- Market Advantage: Using eco-friendly and recycled packaging can boost sales as consumers increasingly value environmental responsibility.
Environmental Impact of Kraft Paper
Kraft paper’s environmental impact is a key consideration when selecting it as a packaging material. Made from wood pulp, kraft paper is more sustainable than many other packaging options.
Key environmental benefits of kraft paper include:
- Biodegradability: It naturally decomposes, reducing long-term environmental impact.
- Recyclability: Kraft paper can be recycled, lowering its environmental footprint compared to any other packaging.
However, the kraft manufacturing process uses chemicals to break down wood chips, which can harm the environment if not managed correctly. To mitigate this, many manufacturers adopt sustainable practices, such as:
- Using renewable energy sources.
- Minimizing chemical waste.
Overall, kraft paper has become an environmentally friendly packaging option that has become an alternative to cardboard packaging available on the market today.
