What Makes Kraft Paper Popular?

What is kraft paper, and what makes it so popular? Firstly, kraft paper is a wonderful invention dating back to the late 1800s in Germany. Engineer Car F. Dahl discovered that treating wood chips with “white liquor” (made from sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide) resulted in paper of superior strength.

This chemical conversion of wood to wood pulp removes a structural component called lignin, a natural glue that binds cellulose fibers together. When lignin is removed from paper, this leaves high amounts of structurally resistant cellulose fibers.

This pulp becomes kraft paper, easily recognizable by its light brown color (or white if bleached), rough texture, and durable material. The popularity of Kraft paper is undeniable, given that the global kraft paper market is set to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2025.

Benefits of Kraft Paper

Let’s look at the benefits of kraft paper that make it so popular.

1. It’s High Strength Paper

Kraft paper is strong and reliable because of the reduced lignin and increased sulfur content. The name speaks for itself – kraft means “strength” in Germany. Natural, unbleached kraft paper is the strongest and is often used when the high-strength paper is required, such as grocery bags and heavy-duty industrial packaging.

Kraft paper can be coated or laminated to prevent water, oil, dust, and grease damage. It’s also possible to add wet strength to kraft paper so that it doesn’t fall apart easily when it comes into contact with moisture.

Overall, kraft paper is more durable, more resistant to piercing, and provides better protection as a packaging material than regular paper.

2. It’s Cost-Effective

Kraft paper is cost-effective for several reasons. First, manufacturing costs are lower because brown paper can be made from abundantly available and low-cost types of wood, such as bamboo and pine.

In addition, the chemicals used in manufacturing kraft paper can be recovered and reused repeatedly. Moreover, although kraft paper is quite strong, it’s relatively lightweight and thus cheaper to ship.

3. It’s Eco-Friendly

With the world becoming increasingly eco-conscious, the popularity of kraft paper is also increasing. Kraft paper is naturally biodegradable and compostable. The process of making kraft paper is environmentally friendly because the chemicals are reused. In addition, kraft paper can be recycled and made from recycled materials.

4. It’s Versatile

Kraft paper comes in various basis weights and can be brown or white, depending on whether it’s bleached or unbleached. Both types of paper have practical uses. For example, white paper has a more pristine aesthetic and is available in different finishes that work well for high-quality printing and branding.

On the other hand, kraft brown paper is more similar to the natural texture and earthy “vibe” of wood and is an excellent option for eco-friendly brands. All in all, kraft paper is highly versatile and adaptable in terms of use and appearance.

As a result, its use is widespread across many industries and commercial operations.

Types of Kraft Paper Products

As mentioned, kraft paper is extremely versatile and can be fashioned into the following products:

• Waxed kraft paper for wrapping meats
• Kraft wrapping paper or paper rolls for arts, crafts, gifts, etc.
• Eco-friendly business cards
• Kraft envelopes and cases
• Kraft bags to hold food and flour at the grocery store
• Folding boxes for frozen foods and cartons for milk, juices, and similar foods

There are more uses for kraft paper, whether you’re looking for products made from coated kraft paper, bleached kraft paper, virgin, and natural kraft paper, recycled kraft paper, colored kraft paper, printed kraft paper, absorbent kraft paper, or a different option.

Where to Find the Best Kraft Paper Products

Now that you understand how kraft paper is so versatile and popular, do yourself a favor by choosing kraft paper products over standard paper products. We offer a wide range of durable and reliable kraft paper products, including high-quality kraft paper rolls, for individuals and businesses who want to save both their wallets and the environment. Contact us today.