It’s no secret that Packaging and waste impact the environment. However, taking a more environmentally friendly stance is becoming more and more important. According to a recent Dotcom Distribution survey, 57% of respondents stated that green Packaging was essential to them.
Kraft paper is an outstanding and versatile option for business owners who want to make a great first impression with their custom packaging while also minimizing waste.
Additionally, kraft paper has numerous advantages and can be an environmentally-friendly choice for your business.
So, what exactly is kraft paper? In what way is this paper made? How can you incorporate brown kraft paper packaging into your eco-friendly company?
Look a little closer.
Making of Kraft Paper
Carl Dahl came up with the idea for a kraft paper in 1879 and decided to call his new paper “kraft,” which is a translation of the German word for strong.
Even if you don’t know it, Kraft paper packaging is already a well-known part of the printing and packaging industry. It’s almost impossible to find a package that doesn’t use this sturdy paper in some way. When it comes to Packaging, it is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.
However, how did this come to pass?
Wood pulp is made from wood, and then the paper is made from that pulp. Lignin, a type of cell structure, and cellulose hold wood pulp together. Because of its structure, lignin does not make particularly good paper; however, cellulose is able to achieve this. So there had to be a way to separate lignin from the cellophane, so that’s what we did.
Mr. Dahl found that the tough lignin fibers would break down and separate from the cellulose when “cooked” with sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide. Larger pieces could be removed by screening the remnants through a mesh before turning them into paper.
Although the cooking process separates the lignin and cellulose, it doesn’t completely remove them from the plant. Kraft paper retains its strength thanks to this method. However, the paper pulp mixture still contains lignin and Sulphur in significant amounts. Kraft paper’s strength is enhanced by the inclusion of both of these components.
Brown kraft paper gets its color from wood pulp, so it isn’t dyed. Bleaching kraft paper would increase the cost of production while weakening it by destroying the fibers that give it its strength. On the other hand, bleached (white) kraft paper is stronger than standard paper. Therefore, your product packaging should be protected from yellowing over time by using bleached kraft paper, as well.
What are the advantages of kraft paper over other materials when it comes to product packaging? The following are some reasons why kraft paper should be your go-to packaging material.
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Custom Packaging Benefits of Kraft Paper
Once you’ve learned how kraft paper is made, the next logical question is: what can it do for your business?
This Natural Beauty and Timeless Appeal can be attributed to Kraft Paper.
Kraft paper has a simple, appealing, and primitive appearance that can help you position your business as a natural environmental champion. Simply because it is more rustic, it stands out from mass-produced paper packaging.
In addition to its visual appeal, kraft paper is also lightweight and provides excellent protection for your custom boxes. To put it another way, this means you’ll save money on shipping because the package will be more durable and can withstand more jostling.
Kraft paper is also environmentally friendly because it can be recycled. However, the natural degradation of Kraft paper has no negative consequences for the environment. It degenerates in just a few weeks, but it can also be saved and reused, helping to maintain your brand credibility as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious company.
Custom Kraft Boxes Made from Kraft Paper is Exceptionally Long-Lasting
Kraft paper is naturally strong because of its manufacturing process. However, the resulting pressed paper can be made even stronger and better by coating it with polyethylene (PE). In addition, this coating helps protect the kraft paper from moisture and bacteria, but it does have a drawback in that it makes recycling more difficult.
In order to create even more durable kraft boxes, you can stack several layers of kraft paper together.
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The Environmental Benefits of Brown Kraft Paper
Kraft paper manufacturing and printing is a simpler process that uses fewer chemicals than regular papermaking and printing. It is also possible to recycle these chemicals and use them again without sacrificing their quality. Tall oil and turpentine, the kraft process’ remaining byproducts, can be used to make other things.
Different varieties of wood can also be used to make kraft paper. The traditional paper doesn’t often use woods like bamboo and pine. Pine is too resinous, and bamboo takes a long time to process, making it prohibitively expensive for most everyday applications. However, both of these common woods are excellent candidates for kraft paper processing.
Finally, brown kraft paper and the process that goes into making it is self-sustaining. Those parts that aren’t can be reused making it an excellent option for businesses that need durability but still want to emphasize their green manufacturing processes.
Kraft Paper Packaging: How to Get Started
It’s natural to have concerns about kraft paper when comparing it to other Packaging and printing options like folding cartons and corrugated boxes. However, you have a specialist on your side who can assist with every step of the printing and packaging process.
When it comes to preparing, printing, and packaging your product, we understands that you have a wide range of options. We also understand that you want to keep costs down while still delivering a high-quality presentation to your customers.
Talk to us first if you’re focused on using kraft paper for custom kraft packaging boxes. Then, we can take your product packaging from a concept to a finished product that is ready for your customers to open the box.
Regardless of the product you’re selling or the industry you’re in, our experienced packaging professionals can work with you to better know your vision and make your Packaging a reality.
A natural, eco-friendly, and visually appealing package can be created with kraft paper, or you can use it to demonstrate your product’s organic qualities and forward-thinking, environmentally conscious mission in a single packaging design.
It’s amazing what a simple piece of kraft paper can do.
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If you’d like to read up more about this or any of our other product packaging options, please contact us today.
To ensure that your product sticks out above the competition, we have a team of talented artists on staff who can design your sustainable Packaging in the most accurate and complete way possible to reflect your brand, story, and perception.
Learn more about our comprehensive Packaging and printing design services by contacting us today.