Kraft paper is a durable and versatile material for crafting, industrial, and packaging applications. The eco-friendliness and strength are combined to make it the ideal option for various industries. Raw kraft paper has a brown appearance and tear resistance due to the kraft pulp process. The ample surface allows businesses to use high-quality finishing and printing for a luxurious look.
History of Kraft Paper
The word ‘kraft’ is derived from the German word ‘strong,’ symbolizing the strength of Kraft paper. Carl F. Dahl discovered brown kraft paper in the late 19th century when he invented the kraft pulp process.
This process involved a chemical solution to break down the wood fibers into durable and stronger paper. Kraft Paper Production ensures the ideal versatility and strength as compared to regular paper.
How is Kraft Paper Made?
The Kraft pulping process ensures the smooth manufacturing of Kraft paper for different purposes. You can consider the following steps for making high-quality recycled Kraft paper:
- Wood Selection: The initial step is to choose softwood trees, such as fir, spruce, and pine, due to their stronger and longer fibers, which enhance the durability of kraft paper.
- Wood Processing: The wood is cooked in the presence of chemicals like sulfates (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) in the digesters (larger pressure cookers). It breaks down the lignin and drives the cellulose fibers.
- Kraft Pulping Process: The derived wood pulp from the cooking is purified of chemicals to produce unbleached Kraft paper. You can consider the bleaching process, whether to bleach the pulp or not, based on the desired paper shade.
- Drying and Rolling: Press the pulp into sheets through fluting before drying and rolling into larger rolls to cut into various thicknesses and sizes.
The Kraft paper product process yields brown paper with a rustic and raw appearance, thanks to its natural fibrous characteristics. Moreover, it can be made from kaolin clay, which is an affordable alternative to titanium dioxide. Bleached Kraft paper features a smooth, lighter surface ideal for printing and branding purposes. However, most paper remains brown due to the chemical reaction.
What Makes Kraft Paper Unique?
Different factors make it the ideal packaging material for various paper types.
Strength and Durability
A renewable resource for packaging, popular for its premium strength. The kraft pulping process offers long cellulose fibers that provide tensile strength to paper. Durable and tear-resistant kraft paper is an excellent choice compared to other paper types, offering durability to corrugated boxes for e-commerce. Durability and strength make kraft paper perfect for corrugated packaging, bags, and sacks.
Sustainability
Kraft paper is a recyclable and renewable material for sustainable packaging, carton boxes, and folding cartons. This biodegradable and FSC-certified material is crafted from renewable wood for different applications, including Kraft packaging solutions.
Custom Kraft paper utilizes minimal chemicals, ensuring environmental protection during production. We prefer a sustainable approach to packaging, including FSC-certified recycled packaging.
Versatility
Custom-printed kraft paper is a versatile option for different usage purposes, including branding through kraft packaging. Therefore, you can use this smooth surface for high-quality printing and finishing for products like wrapping, shopping bags, and craft projects. It offers a unique and rustic appearance that can be customized through custom kraft paper printing options.
Affordable
Uncoated and coated Kraft Paper is an affordable packaging material due to its simple production from renewable sources. It has become a cost-effective option as compared to different specialty papers. Therefore, an environmentally friendly packaging option is an ideal choice for businesses seeking affordable materials.
Common Uses of Kraft Paper
There are different use cases for kraft paper, from everyday products to industrial applications.
Packaging Material
It is the most popular material for durable paper packaging, particularly for products that require exceptional safety during shipment. Therefore, you can use this material to craft bags, custom printed boxes, and wrap products. Several fast-food businesses and retailers prefer Kraft paper packaging bags due to their recyclability and strength.
Craft and DIY Projects
Crafters prefer kraft paper because of its natural brown color. The durability and versatility of paper allow you to create different products such as kraft paper cartons, bags, cards, and scrapbooks. The suitability of the ink ensures the ideal kraft paper printing.
Shopping Bags
It is a perfect material for creating premium, sustainable shopping bags to engage eco-conscious customers. These Kraft paper packaging solutions have immense strength in carrying heavier products and can be printed with branding designs and logos.
Industrial Uses
Kraft paper has an ideal role in different industrial applications like filter papers, insulations, gaskets, and coatings. The excellent durability makes it a perfect choice, ensuring ideal resistance against mechanical tear and wear.
Construction and Wrapping
Kraft paper is a protective barrier in construction during different tasks such as plastering and painting. You can also use this material to cover the walls, floors, and furniture, preventing damage from debris or spills.
Types of Kraft Paper
There are various kinds of kraft that are used to craft products like eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Bleached Kraft Paper: A paper combined with the bleach to ensure a smooth surface, and is ideal for printing and packaging.
- Natural Kraft Paper: A classical brown kraft paper retaining the natural texture and color. A sturdier and more durable option for packaging, like kraft paper boxes.
- Recycled Kraft Paper: A sustainable paper made of post-consumer content, maintaining strength while reducing the demand for raw materials and overall cost.
Choose Kraft Paper for Affordable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions
A durable, cost-effective, sustainable, and versatile material for diverse industries and use cases. This material has become a popular choice for crafting and packaging due to its reliability, strength, and environmental benefits. Therefore, kraft paper has become a perfect option for creative projects and sustainable packaging solutions.
Are you looking to use kraft paper in your packaging project? At Need Custom Packaging, we offer high-quality kraft packaging solutions at the most affordable rate to a wide range of businesses.
