What Is Kraft Paper? The Complete Guide to Types, Uses and Packaging

Table of Contents

Different types of kraft paper packaging including brown mailer boxes white product boxes and kraft shopping bags

⚡ Quick Take

Kraft paper is a strong, tear resistant paper made from wood pulp using the kraft process. It comes in multiple types (brown, white, black, recycled) and weights (8 pt to 24 pt+), commonly used for packaging, wrapping, crafts and shipping. It is 100% recyclable, biodegradable and one of the most eco friendly packaging materials available.

What Is Kraft Paper?

Kraft paper is a high strength paper made from wood pulp using the kraft process, also known as sulfate pulping. The word "kraft" comes from German, meaning "strength," which perfectly describes this material's defining characteristic. With its natural brown color, excellent tear resistance and eco friendly properties, kraft paper has become one of the most widely used materials in the packaging industry.

Whether you are shipping products to customers, designing retail packaging for your brand, or looking for a sustainable alternative to plastic, kraft paper offers a versatile and reliable solution. This guide covers everything you need to know: how it is made, the different types available, how to pick the right weight for your product, and when to choose kraft over other materials.

How Kraft Paper Is Made (The Kraft Process)

The kraft process was invented in 1879 by Carl Dahl, a German chemist who discovered a way to produce paper that was significantly stronger than anything available at the time.

Here is how it works:

Step 1: Wood Chipping. Softwood trees (typically pine or spruce) are cut into small chips. Unlike traditional papermaking, the kraft process can use resinous woods like pine that other methods cannot handle.

Step 2: Chemical Cooking. The wood chips are placed in a large pressure vessel called a digester, where they are "cooked" in a solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. This chemical bath breaks down the lignin (the rigid cellular glue that holds wood fibers together) while preserving the cellulose fibers that give paper its strength.

Step 3: Pulp Screening. After cooking, the resulting pulp is screened through a mesh to remove oversized particles and impurities. The remaining liquid, called black liquor, is recovered and burned to generate energy for the mill, making the process remarkably self sustaining.

Step 4: Paper Formation. The cleaned pulp is spread onto a moving wire mesh, pressed to remove water, and dried into sheets or rolls of finished kraft paper.

Industrial paper manufacturing machine with large roll of paper being produced

The key difference between kraft paper and regular paper lies in Step 2. The kraft process removes less lignin than other pulping methods. While this leaves the paper with a darker, natural brown color, the retained lignin actually adds strength. This is why kraft paper is significantly more tear resistant and durable than standard white paper.

The brown color is not a dye or coating. It is simply the natural color of wood pulp that has not been bleached. Bleaching would weaken the fibers, which is why unbleached kraft remains the strongest option.

Kraft Paper vs Regular Paper

One of the most common questions is: what makes kraft paper different from the regular white paper you use every day?

Brown kraft cardboard boxes with white labels showing contrast between kraft and regular paper
Property Kraft Paper Regular Paper
Strength High tear resistance Standard, tears easily
Color Natural brown White (bleached)
Chemical process Sulfate (kraft) pulping Sulfite pulping
Lignin content Higher (adds strength) Lower (removed for whiteness)
Surface texture Slightly rough, porous Smooth
Recyclability 100% recyclable, 5+ cycles Recyclable but degrades faster
Raw materials Can use pine, bamboo, spruce Limited wood species
Cost Lower (less processing) Higher (bleaching adds cost)

In short: kraft paper trades the smooth white appearance of regular paper for significantly greater strength, lower cost and better environmental performance. For packaging applications where durability matters more than a bright white surface, kraft is the clear winner.

Kraft Paper vs Butcher Paper

Another common point of confusion is the difference between kraft paper and butcher paper. They look similar and even start their lives as the same material, but they serve very different purposes.

Both kraft paper and butcher paper begin with the same kraft pulping process. The difference comes in the finishing stage:

Butcher paper receives additional treatments to make it suitable for direct food contact. It is treated to resist moisture penetration and meets FDA food safety standards. You will typically find it in butcher shops wrapping meat, or used in BBQ smoking.

Kraft paper is finished for general packaging use. It is optimized for strength and printability rather than food contact. It is the material you see in shipping boxes, shopping bags and product packaging.

If your packaging touches food directly (like a sandwich wrap), you need food grade butcher paper or coated kraft. If you are wrapping a product inside a box or making the box itself, standard kraft paper is the right choice.

Types of Kraft Paper

Not all kraft paper is the same. Different finishing processes create distinct varieties, each suited for specific packaging needs.

1. Unbleached Kraft (Natural Brown)

Natural brown unbleached kraft mailer box on clean background

This is kraft paper in its most natural form. No bleaching, no dyeing, no extra coatings. The result is the classic brown paper you recognize from shipping boxes and grocery bags.

Properties: Highest strength among all kraft types. Rough texture. Excellent for structural packaging.

Best for: Mailer boxes, shipping cartons, paper bags, void fill, wrapping.

Why brands choose it: The raw, natural look communicates authenticity and eco consciousness. It also costs less than bleached or coated alternatives.

2. Bleached Kraft (White Kraft)

White bleached kraft product box for packaging on clean background

Unbleached kraft is treated with a bleaching agent to produce a smooth, white surface. This process removes some lignin, which means bleached kraft is slightly less strong than its brown counterpart, but still far stronger than regular paper.

Properties: Bright white surface. Better print quality (colors appear more vibrant). Slightly lower tear resistance.

Best for: Premium product boxes, cosmetic packaging, high end retail, any application where print quality and visual appeal are priorities.

Why brands choose it: When your packaging design requires vivid colors or a clean, polished look, white kraft delivers without sacrificing too much durability.

3. Recycled Kraft

Made from 100% post consumer recycled fibers rather than virgin wood pulp. Recycled kraft has a slightly mottled, speckled appearance that many brands find appealing.

Properties: Lower strength than virgin kraft. Variable color (grayish brown). Most environmentally friendly option.

Best for: Lightweight product packaging, inner wrapping, tissue paper, brands with strong sustainability messaging.

Why brands choose it: Maximum environmental credibility. Some consumers actively prefer the "imperfect" look of recycled material because it signals genuine commitment to sustainability.

4. Coated Kraft

Standard kraft paper with an added surface coating, typically polyethylene (PE), clay or a water based barrier. The coating improves moisture resistance, printability and surface smoothness.

Properties: Water and grease resistant. Excellent print surface. Slightly harder to recycle (depending on coating type).

Best for: Food packaging, coffee bags, products that need moisture protection, retail packaging requiring photo quality printing.

Why brands choose it: When you need kraft's strength but also require a barrier against moisture, oil or grease. Common in food and beverage brands.

5. Black Kraft

Black kraft rigid gift box with gold bow for luxury brand packaging

Kraft paper that has been dyed black throughout (not just surface colored). It creates a striking, premium appearance that stands out on shelves and in unboxing experiences.

Properties: Deep, consistent black color. Same strength as standard kraft. Higher cost due to dyeing process.

Best for: Luxury brand packaging, gift boxes, fashion and lifestyle products, limited edition releases.

Why brands choose it: Instant premium perception. Black kraft paired with gold or silver foil stamping creates a high end unboxing experience at a fraction of the cost of rigid luxury packaging.

Kraft Paper Weight Guide

In the United States, paper and board thickness is measured in points (pt), where 1 point equals 0.001 inches. You will also see board types referred to by their coating structure: SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), C1S (Coated One Side) and C2S (Coated Two Sides). GSM (grams per square meter) is the international standard and is still used by many overseas suppliers, so both are included here for reference.

Stack of paper sheets showing different thicknesses and weights
US Standard GSM Equivalent How It Feels Common Packaging Uses Example Products
8 pt to 10 pt 40 to 80 Thin, flexible Inner wrapping, tissue paper, liners Tissue paper wrapping inside a shoe box
10 pt to 14 pt (SBS 12) 80 to 120 Smooth, bendable Pouches, envelopes, lightweight bags Stand up pouches for snacks or coffee
14 pt to 18 pt (SBS 18) 120 to 180 Sturdy, holds shape Shopping bags, folding cartons, labels Retail shopping bags with handles
18 pt to 24 pt (C1S/C2S) 180 to 300 Thick, rigid feel Mailer boxes, heavy duty bags, product boxes E commerce mailer boxes
24 pt and above 300+ Board like, very stiff Rigid boxes, displays, premium packaging Premium cosmetic packaging

Quick selection tips:

If your product weighs under 500g and needs a flexible package, look at 10 pt to 14 pt (SBS 12) for pouches and bags.

If you are shipping products and need the box to survive transit, 18 pt to 24 pt (or corrugated kraft) is your range.

If you are building premium retail packaging that sits on a shelf, 24 pt and above gives the rigid, substantial feel customers expect.

When in doubt, request samples at two or three different thicknesses. The difference between SBS 12 and SBS 18 is immediately obvious when you hold them side by side.

Common Uses of Kraft Paper in Packaging

Kraft paper is everywhere in modern packaging. Here are the most common applications, organized by use case.

Brown paper shopping bag with handles for retail packaging

E Commerce Shipping

Mailer boxes, shipping cartons and padded mailers all rely on kraft paper (usually in corrugated form) to protect products during transit. The combination of light weight and high strength keeps shipping costs low while ensuring products arrive safely. Custom printed kraft mailer boxes have become especially popular with direct to consumer brands looking to create a memorable unboxing experience.

Food and Beverage

Stand up pouches, flat bottom bags, coffee bags and food wraps all use kraft paper, typically with a food safe coating or lining. Kraft's natural look communicates "organic" and "artisanal" to consumers, making it a favorite for specialty food brands, bakeries and coffee roasters.

Retail and Gift

Kraft shopping bags, gift bags and tissue paper are retail staples. The natural brown kraft bag has become synonymous with boutique shopping and eco conscious brands. Custom printing on kraft bags (your logo, a simple pattern) is one of the most cost effective ways to elevate the retail experience.

Product Protection

Inside the box, kraft paper serves as void fill, wrapping material and cushioning. Crumpled kraft paper is a sustainable alternative to plastic bubble wrap and foam peanuts. It is biodegradable, recyclable and customers appreciate receiving it instead of plastic.

PR Packages and Brand Kits

Influencer PR packages and brand sample kits increasingly use custom kraft boxes. The material photographs well on camera, communicates sustainability and provides a tactile "craft" quality that resonates with social media audiences.

Is Kraft Paper Eco Friendly?

Yes. Kraft paper is one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials available, and here is why:

100% recyclable. Kraft paper can be recycled 5 to 7 times before the fibers become too short for reuse. Even after that, it biodegrades naturally.

Biodegradable. Untreated kraft paper decomposes in a matter of weeks under composting conditions, similar to fallen leaves.

Self sustaining production. The chemicals used in the kraft process (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) are recovered and reused in a closed loop. The leftover black liquor is burned to generate energy for the mill, meaning kraft paper mills often produce more energy than they consume.

Flexible raw materials. The kraft process can use fast growing softwoods like pine and bamboo that traditional papermaking cannot. This reduces pressure on slow growing hardwood forests.

FSC certification available. Many kraft paper suppliers offer FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified options, ensuring the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.

The one caveat: coated kraft paper (especially PE coated) is harder to recycle because the plastic coating must be separated from the paper fibers. If recyclability is your top priority, unbleached or recycled kraft without coating is the best choice.

How to Choose the Right Kraft Paper for Your Product

With so many types and weights available, how do you decide? Here is a simple decision framework:

Does your packaging directly touch food?
Yes → Use coated kraft with a food safe barrier, or FDA grade kraft.
No → Standard kraft works fine.

Is premium visual appearance a priority?
Yes → Consider bleached (white) kraft or black kraft for luxury appeal.
Not critical → Unbleached natural brown kraft is the most cost effective.

Is sustainability your primary brand message?
Yes → Recycled kraft or FSC certified unbleached kraft.
Important but not primary → Any kraft type is already a strong environmental choice.

How heavy is your product?
Under 200g → 10 pt to 14 pt / SBS 12 (pouches, bags)
200g to 1kg → 14 pt to 24 pt / SBS 18 (folding cartons, mailer boxes)
Over 1kg → Corrugated kraft or 24 pt+ rigid stock

What is your order volume?
Testing a new product → Start with 100 to 500 units to validate before scaling.
Established product → Bulk orders reduce per unit cost significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kraft paper?

Kraft paper is a strong, durable paper made from wood pulp using the kraft (sulfate) pulping process. It is known for its natural brown color, high tear resistance and eco friendly properties. The kraft process retains more lignin in the fibers than other papermaking methods, which gives the paper its signature strength. Kraft paper is widely used in packaging including mailer boxes, shopping bags, stand up pouches and shipping cartons.

What does "kraft" mean?

Kraft is the German word for "strength." The name refers to the kraft pulping process that produces paper with superior tear resistance and durability compared to other papermaking methods.

Is kraft paper the same as cardboard?

No. Cardboard (corrugated board) is made from multiple layers of kraft paper. The outer flat layers are called linerboard, and the wavy middle layer is called fluting. All three layers are made from kraft paper, but kraft paper itself is a single sheet material.

Can you print on kraft paper?

Yes. Kraft paper accepts both flexographic and digital printing. Keep in mind that the brown surface affects color appearance: light colors and pastels will look different on brown kraft compared to white paper. Many brands use white ink on brown kraft, or choose bleached kraft when color accuracy matters.

Is kraft paper waterproof?

Standard kraft paper is not waterproof. It will absorb moisture and weaken if it gets wet. However, PE coated kraft and wax coated kraft provide water resistance for applications like food packaging or outdoor use.

What is the difference between kraft paper and craft paper?

"Kraft" refers to the specific paper material made via the kraft pulping process. "Craft" refers to the activity of making things by hand. They share a linguistic root but are not the same thing. When you see "craft paper" in a store, it is usually kraft paper being sold for arts and crafts projects.

How long does kraft paper take to decompose?

Uncoated kraft paper decomposes in 2 to 6 weeks under composting conditions. In a landfill, decomposition takes longer (several months) due to lack of oxygen and moisture. Coated kraft takes longer depending on the type of coating.