Eco Friendly Packaging with Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is a coarse paper providing excellent strength. The name comes from the way in which the paper is made. The Kraft process of making paper includes chemicals to loosen wood fibers. Wood pulp is cooked in the chemicals to produce a stronger paper than standard bleached paper.

In addition to kraft paper being made from excess wood pulp, it is also available in recycled varieties. Due to the usage and nature of the paper, it can be continually recycled. With multiple thicknesses to choose from, Kraft paper is ideal for void-fill packaging. Use a recycled paper in place of bubble wrap or packaging peanuts to cushion and protect products during shipping. Below, we will detail what to look for when considering a Kraft paper for packaging shipments.

Kraft Paper Packaging Uses

Paper made from the Kraft process is used in everything from corrugated cardboard to retail packaging décor. Some kraft papers are used to wrap products directly. A poly-coated kraft paper is ideal for directly wrapping metal products helping to prevent corrosion. Right now, we are specifically referencing Kraft paper for cushion during product shipments.

Crumble up paper to stuff inside a shipping box, reducing movement and impact on the product during transit. A newsprint paper or copy paper does not offer the same amount of tensile energy absorption. To help show the absorption of different Kraft Paper, the picture below is showing a comparison. When looking at the image, the far left is a 30# Kraft paper, in the middle is a 60# Kraft, and on the right is a 60# Indented Kraft Paper. The indented kraft paper has slightly more absorption as the 22 lb. transformer is placed on each one.

Kraft Paper Weight

Paper thickness is measured in paper weight. A heavier paper weight means a thicker paper. The term refers to the weight in pounds per ream. A ream is 500 sheets or approximately 3,000 square feet. The heavier the ream, the thicker each sheet of paper is. A more precise form of measurement would be obtaining the paper caliper, but paper weight measurements are the most common within the industry.

A lighter 30# paperweight is not going to provide the same energy absorption as a thicker 75# paperweight when crumpled together for void fill. Crumpling a thick 75# Kraft paper almost feels like crushing a box. If a company is shipping small, lightweight packages, a thinner (lighter paperweight) Kraft paper can be used. For large and heavy products, a thick 75# should be used for additional cushioning.

Kraft Paper Types

Aside from the thickness of a paper, the type of paper matters. Sheets or rolls of Kraft paper are available in a variety of styles. Recycled Kraft paper is the most popular because of the environmental benefits. Sheets help to maintain consistent amounts of materials being used; rolls are great when different sizes of products are shipped.

For void-fill packaging, indented Kraft paper is one of the best options for heavy products. Indented Kraft paper is a multi-layered paper that is stiffer and provides better impact resistance than a standard recycled Kraft paper. Indented Kraft paper does cost more, but is a heavier material providing better impact absorption. 

Conclusion

Bubble wrap can protect and help preserve products during transport. It’s also fun to pop the bubbles when looking for something to do. There are other options to consider, though, if you are looking for a cost-effective packaging option. Not to mention, way more environmentally friendly choices. Kraft paper is one of those options. Help protect product shipments and the environment with Kraft paper for void-fill packaging.