Kraft Paper - Robust and Versatile Paper for Many Uses

What is Kraft Paper?
Kraft paper is the strongest and most resistant type of paper. It consists almost entirely of long-fibered pulp fibers, mostly obtained from softwoods such as spruce and pine. For production, only starch, alum, and glue are added to the pulp to optimize strength and surface properties.

The special manufacturing process and composition give kraft paper its characteristic properties:
• Very high tear resistance and stability
• Good moisture resistance
• Smooth, hardly absorbent surface
• Excellent printability

This combination makes kraft paper the ideal material for many uses - from packaging and carrying bags to crafting.

How is Kraft Paper Made?
The production of kraft paper takes place in several steps:
• First, the pulp is obtained from the wood fibers, usually through the sulfate process. This enables particularly high strength.
• The fiber suspension is then scooped, pressed, and dried.
• Sizing with starch and alum further improves surface and strength.
• Finally, the paper is smoothed to obtain an even, easily printable surface.

Depending on the desired grammage (weight per unit area), kraft paper is produced up to 120 g/m2. Even higher grammages are referred to as kraft board or kraft liner.

Which Products and Packaging are Based on Kraft Paper?
Due to its excellent properties, kraft paper is used in many areas:
• Shopping bags and carrier bags
• Shipping bags and shipping packaging
• Gift packaging and gift bags
• Bags and pouches for food
• Envelopes and mailing bags
• Sandpaper and abrasive paper
• Paper tape and packing tape
• Brochures, flyers, and business cards
• Crafts and art projects

Kraft paper is also very popular for packaging cosmetics, jewelry, and small gifts due to its elegant look and feel. In the food sector, it scores with moisture resistance and is therefore well suited for packaging pasta, nuts, powders, cornflakes, and much more.

Kraft Paper - Really Environmentally Friendly or Pure Greenwashing?
Kraft paper is generally considered an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic packaging. After all, it consists of renewable raw materials, is completely recyclable, and biodegradable.
Nevertheless, the ecological balance of kraft paper must also be viewed in a differentiated way: Trees have to be felled for pulp production, and the manufacturing process is energy and water-intensive. Environmental experts therefore advise using kraft paper packaging sparingly and consistently recycling it. Only in this way can the ecological potential be fully exploited.
Bottom line, however, kraft paper performs significantly better in terms of sustainability than petroleum-based plastics. Studies show that paper bags and sacks cause around 40% fewer greenhouse gases and consume only a third of the fossil resources compared to plastic counterparts. The ecological footprint of paper products is thus still on a shrinking course.

Conclusion: Kraft Paper - Versatile Packaging Material with Good Ecological Balance
Kraft paper is a robust, versatile packaging material with a good ecological balance. It consists of renewable raw materials, is recyclable, and biodegradable. Due to its high strength and moisture resistance, it is suitable for many uses - from elegant gift packaging to food bags.
Even though production is not entirely without environmental impact, kraft paper is overall significantly more sustainable than plastic packaging. Those who rely on paper bags and packaging made of kraft paper when shopping and shipping can thus noticeably reduce their ecological footprint. Provided that the products are used sparingly and recycled properly.