Kraft paper packaging refers to packaging made from kraft paper. It’s widely used due to its long fiber, high strength, durability, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability. We’ve been producing kraft package boxes for a while now, so we’ll show you what kraft paper is made of, its applications, how it’s tested, and how you can customize it for your product.
Last updated: August 2025 | Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
In this article you will learn
- What is kraft paper packaging
- When should you use kraft paper instead of coated board?
- What is a kraft board used for?
- Barrier solutions for food kraft paper packaging
- Customized options for printing, varnishing, lamination and construction
What is kraft paper packaging?
Kraft paper is packaging made from wood pulp. It’s often found in its natural, unbleached, yellowish-brown color; another type is bleached white. Common forms include paper bags, cartons, mailing bags, sleeves, folding cartons, and corrugated boxes with kraft paper as the face paper. The brown face paper is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and highly resilient.
Kraft paper contains a high amount of cellulose and some lignin. It is tear-resistant and resistant to damage. It is 100% eco-friendly. E-flute boxes are commonly used for light cargo; B/EB corrugated boxes are often used for subscription boxes; and BC double-walled cartons are selected for export or heavy cargo.
What is kraft paper made of?
Kraft paper is made from wood fibers such as spruce and pine. Wood chips are digested with white liquor (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) to remove lignin and retain the long fibers. Unbleached paper retains its brown color and offers the highest strength. Bleached paper produces a whiter color and is easier to print, but with a slight decrease in strength. Therefore, the most durable grade is often brown, unbleached kraft paper.
| Kraft Paper Type | Fibers / Treatment | Typical Properties | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbleached Kraft Liner (KLB) | Long fibers, unbleached | High tear/burst resistance | Shipping strength with a natural brown look |
| Recycled / Test Liner | Mixed recycled fibers | Lower strength, more color variation | Lower cost; suitable for light loads |
| Sack Kraft Paper | Extensible, high TEA | Excellent tear resistance | Best for heavy-duty powder/granule bags |
| Bleached Kraft | Bleached treatment | Smoother surface | Cleaner print quality for retail cartons |
| Coated / Laminated Kraft | Coating or PE/aluminum lamination | Better barrier and print performance | Harder to recycle; use only when necessary |
- If you need waterproof performance, you should refer to the Cobb 60 index. The lower the Cobb number, the more water-resistant it is.
- Does it need to be stacked for transportation? Refer to the ECT (Edge Compression Test) to select the one that suits you. If your product has sharp edges, you’ll need to pay attention to the Mullen (burst resistance) rating.
- If your environment is humid, moisture will seep into the carton over time, reducing its protective strength. It is recommended that your paper moisture content be controlled at 6–8%.
Case Study: A US cosmetics brand switched from SBS white cardboard E-flute to unbleached cowhide E-flute. After applying a single-color flexo print and a water-based matte finish, complaints about shipping scratches decreased, and unit prices dropped by approximately 12%.
Click here to learn more about printing methods for cardboard boxes.
What are the benefits of kraft paper packaging?
For cardboard of the same grammage, kraft paper is stronger and more durable, offers a natural appearance, offers a moderate cost, and is recyclable (uncoated). Kraft paper’s unique color and texture allow for a wide range of print effects using water-based inks. Its excellent air permeability and moisture resistance make it suitable for food packaging and document bags.
- High strength/cost-effectiveness: Long fibers provide better tear and burst resistance.
- Printing adaptation: Line drawings, logos, logos, and designs with more white space are better.
- Stable supply: Globally standardized grades ensure on-time delivery without delays to your packaging delivery.
- Low defect rate: Brown surface shows no scratches.
What is a kraft board used for?
Typically refers to the kraft liner used in single, double, or triple corrugated box construction. It’s also used in sleeves, various bags, containers, trays, and folding cartons. Heavy goods require appropriate fluting and gluing. Powdered and granular products are packaged in bags or kraft leather.
- E-flute mailing box: KLB 200gsm / Test 180gsm, E-flute, ECT ≥ 32.
- Subscription Box: EB double tile, uncoated face paper, water-based matte finish.
- Export heavy cargo: BC double tile, ECT ≥ 44, and BCT verification after loading.
What is the difference between kraft paper and ordinary cardboard?
Kraft is primarily made from softwood sulfate pulp, which has long fibers. “Regular paperboard” may be mixed with recycled pulp or impurities, which has short fibers. It may refer to corrugated paper, SBS white cardboard, or any other hard paper. You need to specify the specific material, such as corrugated paper, liner, or white cardboard (SBS/gray base).
- For high stacking strength, ECT>40 or above is recommended.
- For exquisite and strong folding boxes, SBS/double-coated sheets are recommended.
- Focus on high tear/burst strength? Consider kraft paper.
Customization options for kraft paper
Printing: 1-3 color printing is supported, with flexo printing offering the best value. Avoid 100% large color blocks. Use textures/patterns to break up solid backgrounds. Bright colors can be achieved with a spot color white background. If you need to print QR codes or SKU codes, we recommend first preparing a proof to avoid display errors.
Coating/Surface treatment: Water-based matte/light gloss for enhanced wear resistance. Lamination is not necessary.
Barrier: For food or grease, place a food-grade inner bag first. For oil resistance, consider a PFAS-free oil barrier or a spot PE coating. Keep the plastic content to less than 5% to facilitate recycling.
Structure: mailing bags, sleeves, flap boxes, E/B/EB, double corrugated boxes for export of heavy goods.
Coating/Surface treatment: Water-based matte/light gloss for enhanced wear resistance. Lamination is not necessary.
Barrier: For food or grease, place a food-grade inner bag first. For oil resistance, consider a PFAS-free oil barrier or a spot PE coating. Keep the plastic content to less than 5% to facilitate recycling.
Structure: mailing bags, sleeves, flap boxes, E/B/EB, double corrugated boxes for export of heavy goods.
Self-assessment checklist: is kraft paper right for you?
- The product is dry, non-oily → suitable.
- Brand accepts natural brown style → suitable.
- Suitable for transport in non-cold chain and non-high humidity environments → or after adding inner bags or light barriers.
Laboratory recommendations: Cobb, ECT/Mullen, BCT, and drop tests are required. Arrange small batch orders under normal production conditions before mass production.
Kraft paper packaging trends in 2025
Water-based, fluorine-free barrier kraft paper is increasingly available, suitable for covering dry goods and providing light oil resistance. High-TEA bags made from kraft leather continue to improve filling efficiency and tear resistance. Brands are increasingly favoring recyclable single-material solutions, with FSC/PEFC certification and recycling guidelines marked on packaging. Compostability claims are also on the rise.
- Better barrier paper: Try barrier paper with cowhide first, then consider lamination.
- Stronger heavy bag paper: High TEA reduces bag breaks during filling.
- Clearer environmental labeling: FSC/PEFC and recycling instructions are more standardized.
FAQs
Is kraft paper eco friendly?
Uncoated kraft paper is widely recyclable, its fiber is renewable and it is biodegradable. You can ask your supplier to provide FSC/PEFC reports.
What types of kraft paper are there?
Original kraft paper, recycled kraft paper, bag kraft (with wet strength/high TEA), white kraft paper, coated/laminated kraft.
What is kraft paper made of？
Wood pulp paper made using the Kraft process. White liquor is delignified, retaining long fibers, resulting in high strength.
Conclusion
Kraft paper strikes a balance between strength, cost, and environmental friendliness. Uncoated paper is preferred, with barrier films added only when necessary. Quality can be verified through Cobb, ECT/Mullen, BCT, and drop tests. If color or texture requirements are extremely critical, add an inner bag or switch to coated paper.
Next step (quick):
1) Determine the form (mailing bag/folding box/corrugated).
2) Determine the face paper and fluting according to BCT.
3) Print proofs including barcodes.
4) Conduct humidity and drop tests.
5) Reduce costs by customizing sizes and reducing bulk.
2) Determine the face paper and fluting according to BCT.
3) Print proofs including barcodes.
4) Conduct humidity and drop tests.
5) Reduce costs by customizing sizes and reducing bulk.
About XiangGe Package
We provide customized kraft paper packaging for global brands. We can match the face paper/fluting profile to your specific needs, perform ECT/BCT/Cobb testing, and optimize printing performance on brown substrates. We also offer FSC sourcing and water-based coating solutions.
Want to get a kraft paper box sample quickly? Send us your drawings and requirements. We’ll provide 2-3 feasible solutions and proofs.
Last updated: August 2025
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