If we talk about custom packaging over the years, one thing that has drastically shown a major shift is the trend of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. All B2B or B2C brands that follow this practice are perceived as “responsible”, “authoritative”, and “professional” ones. This is the major reason why custom Kraft boxes are so popular among both consumers and respective brands. Kraft packaging boxes have emerged as a popular choice among both brands and consumers. This is mainly due to the rising concern of people towards the safety of the planet as well as the ever-changing consumer needs. Kraft paper packaging has thus become the top choice of brands looking to reduce carbon footprint.
This guide will take you deep into the most famous benefits, applications, and all the good reasons that make this custom packaging type so popular.
Let’s first take a dig into what Kraft paper is and have a few words on its composition and manufacturing.
Basically, this is a type of paperboard that is produced from chemical pulp acquired via the Kraft process. Coming to the name “Kraft”, it is a German word meaning resilience or strength, and the same reflects in this material’s robust nature.
It is famous as a custom packaging choice for all good reasons, and its natural brown color, rustic appeal, and coarse texture lend it an aesthetic appeal. As compared to other pulping processes, the Kraft method uses chemical treatment to preserve the cellulose fibers that further strengthen it as a material and yields a highly durable and reliable Kraft packaging paper.
Brands across numerous industries make diverse use of Kraft as a packaging material. Here are brief insights into how it is made:
Here are all the reasons to convince you to try Kraft paper as your custom packaging material and leverage maximum benefits:
Unlike plastic which takes years to decompose, Kraft is an easy-to-go option as it is highly biodegradable and compostable, which means it can naturally decompose on its own within a short timeframe. This makes it an excellent alternative for single-use packaging items like wraps, bags, and boxes.
There are many boxes made of Kraft paper that can be reused multiple times. As many manufacturers directly source this material from sustainably managed forests, this ensures the production process doesn’t result in deforestation, and certifications like FSC and PEFC are enough to indicate that the material is obtained from responsibly managed forests. As compared to plastic alternatives, the product of Kraft paper results in a lesser carbon footprint contributing greatly to the safety of the surroundings.
Consumers and brands that are unfamiliar with kraft paper’s physical properties are often amazed to learn about its durability and strength. Due to its durability and elastic nature, kraft paper has become a top-preferred material for ecommerce and food packaging products and is also much more eco-friendly. The entire paper production procedure generates long and robust fibers in the paper, providing it with exceptional tear resistance and tensile strength. This allows Kraft paper to handle different weights, making it the best fit for packing heavy items and provide them with ultimate support that other materials might fail to provide.
Additionally, the paper provides great flexibility to conform to different shapes and sizes without cracking or tearing, thus making it the best choice for cases where a few variations in the packaging are required on the go. Overall, it boasts a high tensile strength as a material that resists tearing and works great for packing heavy to fragile items. Also, when treated for water resistance, it shows great properties and lends great support against moisture.
As the challenges faced by global supply chains become more apparent, kraft paper packaging’s supply chain advantages are garnering more attention. Kraft paper can be manufactured and produced from renewable forest resources around the world, reducing the reliance on petroleum-based materials with high price and supply volatility.
Using kraft paper from diverse suppliers and regions allows for greater procurement flexibility and better risk distribution across the entire supply chain. However, with the advent of new barrier coatings and treatments to enhance the paper’s resistance against grease and moisture as well as other challenging conditions, kraft paper is expanding its geographical range as a packaging offering, creating market opportunities for suppliers in areas where Kraft paper was previously inaccessible.
Kraft paper proves to be a great choice for cost-effectiveness that extends beyond the initial purchase price. Though the upfront cost might be slightly higher or equal to other synthetic alternatives, when factors like brand value, regulatory compliance, and disposal costs are considered, the total cost of ownership favors Kraft paper. Further, the implementation of taxes on synthetic packaging materials makes it a highly attractive option from a regulatory compliance perspective.
As far as branding benefits are concerned, consumers, especially the younger demographics, look up to brands that show a solid commitment to the preservation of the planet. In such cases, Kraft paper packaging serves as a great choice for fostering customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Further, the rustic appearance serves as the cherry on the top and works well, especially for social media where customers are most likely to share the images of their purchases with their respective fan base or followers.
As aforementioned, Kraft paper is highly open and adaptable to custom changes thus allowing for high-quality branding and custom printing. Further, as it can be easily cut and folded into different shapes, and is light in weight as compared to other heavy materials, it highly appeals to all eco-conscious brands and the ones seeking minimal looks.
Over the years, customization options for this material have expanded a lot and brands actively use it to stand out in the market. With modern printing techniques, brands can produce high-quality graphics on Kraft paper which helps them hone their visual identity while deriving maximum benefits from the sustainable nature of the paper. In addition, the use of water-based inks and relevant eco-friendly printing methods in conjunction with Kraft paper ensures the brand’s compliance to eco-friendly norms and utmost professionalism.
In light of the above discussion, the benefits of Kraft paper are pretty evident. Let’s now check out where Kraft paper boxes are mostly used:
Kraft paper is mostly used in the food and restaurant industry in the form of sandwich wraps, bakery bags or fast-food containers. It is naturally dusted with cornstarch, making it safe for direct food contact and also strong enough to handle the weight of food without tearing.
There’s a myriad of reasons why many retailers choose kraft paper bags and boxes to present their products. The authentic look of kraft paper well aligns with the consumers’ hunt for eco-friendly options. The printability of kraft paper also allows brands to put up their logo and other branding details and customize the packaging their own way.
In the construction and agriculture sector, Kraft paper is utilized to pack certain materials like cement, fertilizers, and animal feed. The strength of Kraft paper keeps these items safe at all times during transit.
The rustic appeal of kraft paper is the reason why it's frequently used for gift wrapping and stationery. Its texture offers a unique sense of touch and tactile experience, which can be further adorned by stamps, ribbons, and other accessories to make an exquisite gift.
DIY Projects - Suitable for scrapbooking, handmade cards, and craft items.
Office Supplies - Used for notebooks, book covers, and art paper.
There are several factors that stand still behind the trend of Kraft packaging in the market, described as follows:
With time, consumers as well as brands have started following green practices. Therefore, brands that want to showcase their commitment to the planet’s safety depict it via the use of ethical practices and eco-friendly materials like Kraft paper.
Governments all across the world are trying their best to either limit or give up on plastic usage so as to minimize waste generation. Even there are some regions that have fully banned or introduced taxes on single-use plastic bags, thus prompting brands to look for eco-friendly alternatives. Kraft being the affordable and strong one immediately becomes the centre of their attention and serves as an ideal substitute, bringing both biodegradable and recyclable.
Via the use of Kraft paper packaging, brands can earn the best chance to gain a notable competitive edge in the market. Further, its natural look conveys a message of simplicity and the brand’s adherence to eco-responsibility, that resonates well with the needs of the target audience as well as fosters brand loyalty.
Advancements in technology have further resulted in the better functionality of Kraft paper, making it more aesthetic and purposeful than ever. For instance, brands are now creating water-resistant and grease-proof coatings that further enhance the usage of Kraft paper in different industrial sectors such as food packaging.
The raw and rustic look of Kraft entices those who prefer simple looks and authenticity. This also lends a handmade feel and a message of quality, thus adding to the product’s fine appeal.
Rising awareness of eco-friendly products has resulted in an increase in the Kraft paper market size, which surpassed USD 16.57 billion in 2023 and is estimated to exhibit around 3.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This explosive growth not only mirrors the current demand but also future growth as sustainability becomes even more central in buying decisions.
The wider market size offers more background and context to kraft paper and its growth prospects. As we have gone halfway through 2025, the race towards green packaging is stronger than ever. From paper-based solutions to reusable designs, new designs are redefining the packaging landscape.
Though the advantages of Kraft paper are endless, there are a few aspects to consider as well, given below:
Naturally, Kraft paper is porous which makes it much open to moisture therefore, a number of coats or finishes are required in combination with Kraft paper to boost its moisture-resistant properties.
There are many regions where sourcing or producing Kraft paper that is best in terms of quality can be a bit more expensive as compared to the plastic alternatives. However, with the growing demand for eco-safety and the increase in Kraft production in such areas, the costs are likely to decrease to a great extent.
The presence of dyes and coats on Kraft paper can make the recycling process a little complex and therefore, all manufacturers and suppliers need to use recyclable inks only to ensure the paper remains easy to discard and recycle at the end of its lifecycle. Also, there are times when brands laminate their Kraft paper with plastic films and this reduces its recyclability. Thus, such brands need to look up for better, recyclable, and compostable alternatives.
The future of Kraft packaging looks quite promising with the ongoing innovations and more inclination towards the safety of the environment. Brands are now exploring new ways to further enhance its functionality such as the use of additional coatings without compromising on the eco-friendliness of the material. Further, the shift of consumers towards green packaging indicates that brands should instantly adopt Kraft display boxes to gain a competitive edge in the market. With such an approach, brands can not only manage to build deeper connections with consumers but also contribute towards a brighter future. The fusion of eco-benefits of the material as well as its diverse usage, strong performance characteristics, and rising market trends makes it not just an ethically professional choice, but a smart business decision that can further play a pivotal role in your brand’s long-term success and help achieve its eco-green goals.
The innovations that they should consider include:
All in all, Kraft paper packaging boasts a perfect fusion of usage, benefits, and tactile appeal. Its biodegradable nature, aesthetic looks, customization flexibility, and natural strength make it a top contender for best custom packaging materials. From food boxes to e-commerce shipping, its applications are vast and its benefits are endless. As the world shifts towards more sustainable custom solutions, Kraft paper has emerged as a great innovation. Thus, gearing towards its usage can not only contribute to the planet’s safety but also help portray your brand as a responsible entity in the marketplace.
Want to get your hands on the best Kraft paper boxes that adds to your brand’s market hype? Turn to Packaging Mania now!
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