What is Kraft Paper ?

Kraft Paper is a strong, durable and versatile packaging paper known for its exceptional tear resistance, high tensile strength and flexibility. Manufactured using the kraft pulping process, it is specifically designed for packaging applications that require strength, protection and long-lasting durability.

Kraft paper is typically brown in colour and has a relatively coarse texture. It is also available in white and other colours, as well as various thicknesses and grades to suit different packaging requirements. The grammage of kraft paper commonly ranges from 40 to 135 g/m², although heavier grades are also available.

One of the key characteristics of kraft paper is its combination of strength, elasticity and breathability, making it an excellent choice for wrapping, cushioning and protecting products during handling, storage and transportation.

What is Kraft Paper Used For?

Kraft paper is widely used throughout the packaging industry for a variety of applications, including:

  • Protective Wrapping: Wrapping products to protect them against scratches, scuffs, dust and minor damage during transport.

  • Void Fill: Filling empty spaces inside cartons to prevent products from moving during shipping.

  • Cushioning: Crumpled kraft paper provides protective cushioning for fragile or delicate products.

  • Interleaving: Separating products and materials to prevent surface damage.

  • Paper Bags: Manufacturing strong shopping bags, grocery bags and industrial packaging bags.

  • Cardboard Cartons: Used in the production of corrugated cardboard and other packaging materials requiring strength and durability.

  • Water-Activated Tape: Kraft paper is commonly used as the backing material for water-activated gummed paper tape, which provides a strong seal for cardboard cartons.

  • General Packaging: Wrapping parcels, bundling products and protecting surfaces during storage and transportation.

What Are the Benefits of Kraft Paper?

Kraft paper offers several advantages for packaging applications:

  • High Tear Resistance: Its strong fibres help prevent tearing and damage during handling and shipping.

  • Excellent Tensile Strength: Kraft paper can withstand pulling and stretching forces, making it suitable for demanding packaging applications.

  • Flexible and Versatile: Easily folded, wrapped, crumpled or cut to suit different packaging requirements.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Kraft paper is made from renewable wood fibres and is generally recyclable and biodegradable when untreated and free from incompatible coatings.

  • Cost-Effective: An economical packaging material suitable for both commercial and industrial applications.

  • Breathable Material: Its natural permeability allows air and moisture vapour to pass through, depending on the paper grade and any coatings applied.

Brown Kraft Paper vs White Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is available in both natural brown and bleached white varieties.

Brown Kraft Paper is manufactured from unbleached kraft pulp, retaining its natural brown appearance. It is commonly used for protective wrapping, void fill, paper bags, cartons and general industrial packaging.

White Kraft Paper is produced using bleached kraft pulp to achieve a brighter, cleaner appearance. Fully bleached kraft pulp is often used to manufacture premium paper products where strength, purity, appearance and resistance to yellowing are important.

Both varieties offer good strength and durability, with the preferred option depending on the packaging application and presentation requirements.

Is Kraft Paper Environmentally Friendly?

Kraft paper is considered an environmentally friendly packaging option because it is manufactured from renewable wood fibres and can often be recycled through existing paper recycling systems.

Unlike many plastic-based packaging materials, untreated kraft paper is biodegradable and can be a sustainable alternative for wrapping, cushioning and filling cartons.

However, the environmental performance of kraft paper depends on factors such as fibre sourcing, recycled content, manufacturing processes and whether the paper contains coatings or treatments.

Why Choose Kraft Paper for Packaging?

Kraft paper is a practical and economical packaging material suitable for businesses that require reliable product protection while reducing their reliance on plastic packaging.

Its combination of durability, flexibility, tear resistance and recyclability makes it particularly useful for e-commerce packaging, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and general shipping applications.

Available in rolls, sheets and paper dispensing systems, kraft paper provides a versatile solution for wrapping, cushioning and protecting products during transit.

Whether used as protective wrapping, carton void fill or as a component in paper bags and water-activated tape, kraft paper remains one of the most widely used and dependable materials in the packaging industry.