Understanding kraft paper: properties and suitable applications

Kraft paper is used for bags, carrying bags and various packaging tasks. It can cover goods, separate surfaces from one another or fill cavities as a tapered paper. In order for the application to work, the specific paper design and the desired protection must fit together.

What the term kraft paper describes

The name was originally associated with the production of pulp by force or sulphate. Wood is processed into a fibrous material suitable for paper production. The finished paper can have different grammages, surfaces and finishings. The name alone therefore does not specify any precise strength or the proportion of recycled fibres.

Often kraft paper is combined with brown packing paper. However, there are also other finishes and colors. A brown appearance does not prove a specific composition of raw materials. For a targeted selection, you should check which material and quality data are available for the specific product.

Select Grammar, Format, and Surface

The grammage describes the mass of the paper per square meter. It helps in comparison, but is not a complete statement about tear resistance or upholstery effect. Thinner paper can often be folded more easily and applied to shapes. A firmer paper can give more status for certain tasks, but also requires appropriate processing.

Rolls are practical when you repeatedly cut different lengths. Sheets offer a prepared format for similar work steps. Also pay attention to the surface: For sensitive goods, the paper should be clean and do not cause unwanted friction or color transfer. Coated papers may have different properties than uncoated variants.

Wrapping, separating and filling cavities

When wrapping kraft paper forms an additional layer between the goods and their surroundings. For example, it can prevent packaged parts from rubbing directly together. The wrapping is folded in such a way that it covers the object without putting sensitive areas under tension. For fragile products a paper layer alone is often not sufficient transport protection.

As filling material, suitable paper is loosely encased or formed with a system intended for this purpose. It should close cavities and stabilize the contents within a suitable outer packaging. Do not stopper a carton so strongly that the lid can only be closed with pressure. For heavy or sensitive goods, additional inserts and other upholstery materials may be required.

Using material instead of a flat-rate environmental promise

The suitability for recycling, food contact or special protection tasks must be assessed on the basis of the specific product. Kraft paper is not automatically completely recycled, compostable or released for any direct food contact. Coatings and soiling also influence the later handling of the packaging. Keep clean, still suitable paper dry if you want to reuse it. For disposal, please refer to the instructions on the actual combination of materials and the local collection.