As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable solutions, businesses must identify ways of reducing their environmental impact. More and more people and businesses have now realised that traditional packaging materials such as plastic have detrimental effects on our planet, with the need for eco-friendly alternatives crucial for a sustainable future.
With consumer loyalty progressively shifting towards sustainable brands, more businesses have implemented sustainable materials into their packaging strategies, with kraft paper one of the most popular choices.
In our latest blog, we’ll dive into the multifaceted world of kraft paper, looking at the different types of kraft and its variety of industry end-uses.
What is Kraft Paper?
Kraft paper is a versatile and eco-friendly material used across multiple industries, making it one of the most popular packaging solutions.
Originating from the German word for ‘power’, this product lives up to its name, as it is widely known for its high strength and durability. This eco-friendly packaging alternative boasts other key qualities, including high tear and wet strength, making it the supreme material for a wide range of industrial and commercial end-uses. Kraft paper ranges from 30-300 GSM and GSM and is available in different colours, and can be applied with different coatings depending on customer requirements.
How is Kraft Paper Made?
Kraft products are produced from wood pulp obtained by processing wood chips in a chemical pulping process. These chemicals are used to separate the lignin from the wood chips, a natural substance that binds the wood fibres together. This process of making kraft paper is necessary to produce pulp, which is washed and screened to remove impurities and separate the fibres. These fibres are then passed through a paper machine to form a continuous sheet of paper, which is often further processed to produce different types and finishes of kraft.
Natural Kraft: Natural (or unbleached) kraft is typically used for end-uses that require maximum strength. This form of kraft is most commonly available in a natural brown colour and is used for end applications such as food wrapping.
Sack Kraft: Due to its high strength qualities and tear resistance, sack kraft paper is specifically designed for cement bags, agricultural bags, food bags and various other industries that demand packaging materials that can withstand the significant weight.
Bleached Kraft: Bleached kraft possesses good strength qualities and is commonly used by end users who require products with an attractive and smooth finish. This form of kraft paper is a popular choice for shopping bags, sugar & flour bag and milk bags.
MF (Machine Finished) Kraft: MF kraft is an uncoated form of the kraft family, widely known for its high stiffness, which makes it fully optimised for converting machines. Accompanied with incredible runnability and designed for smooth finishes, this form of kraft paper is often used within the food industry for takeaway and fast-food bags.
MG (Machine Glazed) Kraft: Similar to MF kraft, MG kraft is an uncoated paper that is applied with a high gloss coating on one side. This product is known for its high rigidity and durability, with the shiny coating allowing this form of kraft to offer high printability. MG Kraft’s common end uses include shopping bags, boutique bags and flexible packaging.
Our knowledgeable team work in partnership with various global mill partners who can offer high-quality forms of kraft materials, using sustainable FSC-certified pulp. As heightened consumer demand for sustainable alternatives continues to drive the market, we have witnessed a surge in manufacturers seeking kraft materials for their packaging solutions.
Contact our team today at info@pgpaper.com to work with one of our sales representatives who can help find you the kraft paper solution best suited to your requirements.