What is kraft paper bags factory and Why Do We Use Them?

01, Jul. 2024

 

What is Kraft Paper and Why is it a Popular Packaging ...

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With a rise in demand for a more sustainable approach to packaging, kraft paper has made an impactful contribution to meeting these demands. 

There is no doubt that kraft paper packaging solutions have gained popularity in the packaging industry, and the capabilities of this material continue to grow. 

But why? 

Let's jump right into what kraft paper is and why it has gained so much popularity! 

What is Kraft Paper? 

Kraft comes from the German word 'strong', and kraft paper is just that! 

Raw kraft is durable, tear-resistant, and brown in color thanks to the kraft pulp process. 

Ideal for creating durable wrapping kraft paper and sturdy cartons and rigid boxes, kraft paper board is actually also available in a range of colors and shades making it highly versatile for branded packaging solutions. 

Source: PakFactory

The surface of raw kraft paper is textured and porous allowing for high-quality printing and finishing for a premium rustic look. 

The Kraft Paper Production Process

Kraft paper is a packaging material that gets its name from the Kraft pulping process, pioneered by Carl F. Dahl of Germany in the s.

Normally, in the manufacturing of paper, wood is 'pulped' (ground to a pulp) first, but Dahl found that treating the cellulose pulp with certain chemicals (sulfates) increased the strength of the kraft paper. 

Initially used as wrapping material, the durable and sturdy nature of kraft paper made it popular for producing packaging solutions like the classic brown kraft paper cardboard box we all recognize today. 

Kraft vs. Regular Paper

Some people may say, 'It's just paper, what makes it so special? 

Well, to put it simply, kraft paper is stronger. 

Thanks to the kraft process mentioned previously, more lignin is stripped from kraft wood pulp leaving more cellulose which gives paper its tear-resistant and durable characteristics. 

Raw kraft paper tends to be more porous than regular paper too, making it a little less effective for printing but extremely susceptible to special finishing processes such as:

  • Embossing/debossing

  • Foil stamping

How is Kraft Paper Used in Packaging?

Today, kraft paper is primarily used for corrugated boxes and recently has become very popular for carton boxes too!

Thanks to kraft paper's durable nature the e-commerce industry benefits from corrugated boxes to protect products and ensure they withstand harsh shipping conditions. 

Source: PakFactory

Brown kraft paper carton boxes are also commonly used by businesses to achieve sustainability goals and clearly portray eco-friendly initiatives through brown kraft paper's rustic and raw look. 

Kraft paper is very versatile and allows for a wide range of innovative packaging options in today's packaging industry. 

Types of Kraft Paper

Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)

This material is considered to be the most basic version. 

There is no 'bleaching' or further addition of chemicals other than those patented by the kraft process. 

For this reason, it is also called Solid Unbleached Sulfate or SUS and consists of 80% virgin fiber wood pulp/cellulose kraft pulp.

This has great tear resistance and a high degree of stiffness, all without being too thick. 

In fact, it is the thinnest of all kraft paper-based packaging substrates. 

It has a naturally occurring kaolin clay-titanium dioxide coating on its surfaces to improve smoothness and make printing easier.

Solid Bleached Kraft Paper (SBS)

While unbleached Kraft paper is considered more eco-friendly due to its natural color and lack of chemical processing, it may not always be the optimal choice for certain applications, such as packaging for luxury or high-end products.

In these cases, bleached Kraft paper may be preferred, as it offers a smoother surface and brighter appearance that can enhance the printing quality and provide a more premium look and feel.

However, it's important to note that the bleaching process can have environmental impacts, and businesses should carefully consider the trade-offs between aesthetics and sustainability when choosing between bleached and unbleached Kraft paper.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on the specific needs of the business and the product being packaged, as well as their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Coated Recycled Board (CRB)

CRB is 100% recycled kraft paper. 

Because it is not made from virgin fiber, its specifications/tolerances are less than that of SBS. 

However, recycled kraft paper is also a low-cost packaging substrate that is ideal for instances where high tear resistance/strength is not necessary, such as in the case of cereal boxes. 

This also makes it easy for product manufacturers to pass on the cost savings to their consumers and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

The materials mentioned above refer to what we commonly see as folding cartons. 

For corrugated boxes, more strength is derived by adding layers of kraft paper

This is called 'fluting'.

Read more about corrugated packaging 

The Benefits of Kraft Paper

Apart from its superior strength and protection, it is 100% eco-friendly. 

It degrades naturally within a few weeks, decomposing just like leaves that fall off a tree. 

It leaves no impact on the environment, but no one needs to wait that long. 

Are you interested in learning more about magnetic box packaging manufacturers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Kraft paper can be recycled for use in new packaging.

Being eco-friendly and having FSC-certified recycled packaging can help increase sales of your product as the world is now realizing the importance of the environment and why it must be protected.

Customization Options for Kraft Paper

Customization options for kraft paper are vast, and they can add a personal touch to your packaging while also promoting your brand.

Many printing companies offer custom kraft paper printing options, allowing you to add your branding or design to your packaging.

This can include adding your company logo, tagline, or other artwork to your kraft paper packaging. You can also choose from a range of finishes, such as matte or gloss, to give your packaging a unique look and feel.

Additionally, you can experiment with different colors and patterns to create a packaging design that reflects your brand personality.

By customizing your kraft paper packaging, you can create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers, which can help increase brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Source: PakFactory

The Environmental Impact of Kraft Paper

The environmental impact of kraft paper is an important consideration when choosing it as a packaging material.

Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, a renewable resource, which makes it more sustainable than other packaging materials.

Additionally, kraft paper is biodegradable and can be recycled, which means it has a lower impact on the environment than plastic or Styrofoam packaging.

When considering the environmental impact of kraft paper, it is also important to consider the manufacturing process.

The kraft process involves using a mixture of chemicals to break down the wood chips, which can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.

However, many kraft paper manufacturers have implemented sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing chemical waste.

Overall, kraft paper is a more environmentally friendly packaging option than many other materials available on the market today.

Sonhab Chocolate: A Quick Case Study

Sonhab Chocolate, a small-batch chocolatier, was facing a challenge to remain sustainable while creating a unified branding experience for their customers.

They wanted to ensure that their packaging aligned with their values, their commitment to sustainability, and their operational needs.

To address this issue, PakFactory recommended Kraft paper boxes as a solution.

Source: Sonhab Chocolate by PakFactory

By using Kraft paper, Sonhab Chocolate was able to create a reliable and durable package that could house their hand-crafted chocolates and allowed for an absorbent kraft paper surface for handwritten notes.

The Kraft paper paired with foil-stamped details also provided a rustic look and feel that aligned with their branding and commitment to sustainability.

By choosing Kraft paper, Sonhab Chocolate was able to create a unified branding experience while remaining true to their values and commitment to sustainability.

The use of Kraft paper not only enhanced the customer experience but also helped them to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste, making it a win-win solution for both the business and the environment.

Read more about Sonhab Chocolate's Packaging

Kraft Paper Bags: Everything You Need to Know

Kraft paper bags have come a long way since they were first introduced in the s. Yes, they really have been around for that long. Nowadays, these bags are more durable than ever and businesses are using them for promotional purposes, day-to-day sales, and other branding purposes.

There are many different compositions of paper bags, along with various advantages to using them over other packaging materials. You can choose from multiple materials to make your bag, and add many different finishings to make it stand out.

How Are Kraft Paper Bags Made?

Standard brown paper bags are made of Kraft paper, which is a paper material made of wood pulp produced during the Kraft process. Brown Kraft paper is not bleached, which means it is a triple threat ' biodegradable, compostable and recyclable! No wonder they're such a great alternative to plastic.

This process converts wood into wood pulp by treating wood chips with a special mixture to break down bonds originally found in the wood. Once the process has finished, the pulp is pressed into paper using a paper-making machine, which resembles a printer. Instead of printing with ink, it rolls out blank sheets of paper in long thin slices.

The sheets are then cut to specific dimensions as indicated by the factory and printed on using a specific method (most likely using offset lithography). Finally, the pieces are glued together and the chosen handle is attached' but more on that in a moment ;).

The term was named after the German word 'Kraft', meaning 'strength', which should give a great indication of the paper bag's durability and sturdiness. Pulp produced through this process is much stronger than those created through other pulping process, which is why it is the most dominant method used to produce paper today.

Advantages of Using Kraft Paper Bags & Why You Should Use Them

Their rise in popularity have also brought a multitude of positive aspects to using this packaging product.

Here are some of our top reasons why you should use paper bags:

  • environmentally friendly; by now, everyone knows about the negative impact that single-use plastic has on our planet. In fact, the Canadian government is implementing a ban very soon. Canada is about to join a lot of countries (Italy, China, Bangladesh and many countries within Africa to name a few) in reducing plastic waste by banning single-use plastics such as bags, straws, bottles and containers. Get ahead of it by switching to Kraft paper bags now and help do your part.
  • cost-effective; paper bags are one of the lowest-cost packaging products available today. We may have misspoke earlier when we said they're a triple threat. It should be a quadruple threat as they're so affordable!
  • reuse potential; unlike single-use plastic bags, Kraft paper bags can be used multiple times, which not only helps reduce plastic use, but also helps to broaden your brand's reach.
  • versatility; paper bags can be used for so many different things! They're perfect for a multitude of products and businesses, have unlimited printing potential and come in any size.

After reading these advantages, are there even any negative outcomes of using Kraft paper bags?

Creating your Perfect Printed Kraft Paper Bag with LeKAC

The LeKAC team has been working tirelessly to provide our clients with a smooth order process for standard bags.

We've compiled a list of different pricing options with some great deals! Click here to see our flyer including all of the standard sizes, colours and printing options.

If you just need some general shopping bags, or don't need anything with specific sizing, then check out our guide and see how easy it is to place an order below!

STEP 1: SELECT SIZE & QUANTITY

We have developed 8 sizes that are most common across all industries. Choose from one of our popular options to fit your products. Some things to take into consideration when determining which size might be right for your business are:

  • size and material of your product (is it small & structured or bulky & flexible?)
  • product range being offered (are your products all roughly the same size or do they range from jewellery to large furniture? depending on your products, you may want to choose from a few different sizes, or go the custom-dimension route).

Our pricing structure allows for convenient minimums of paper bags, with price breaks at , , and 10,000 units. Contact us for more information on special pricing for larger orders.

Generally, the more you order = the more you save per unit. Not to mention free delivery for larger quantities.

STEP 2: SELECT HANDLE

Choose from 4 popular handle options:

  • twisted paper (no additional cost)
  • flat paper ($0.03)
  • rope ($0.15)
  • ribbon ($0.15)

Depending on your target market, we can advise on which handle may be best for your brand.

For example, the twisted paper handle may be best for a minimalistic or rustic brand, whereas the ribbon handle gives a more luxurious feel.

STEP 3: SELECT BAG COLOUR

Our default option for Kraft paper bags come in the standard brown colour, however that's not all that we have!

Choose from 5 featured colours as shown below to suit your company better at an additional cost of only $0.06 per unit. When you purchase 5,000 or more units, this feature is actually free!

STEP 4: SELECT PRINTING OPTION

You can have no print, a one colour logo print, or a full-blown design if that's what you want!

Our printing options are as follows:

  • no print (no additional cost) ' our most cost-effective option. These are bags with no additional print on it.
  • 1-colour standard print ($0.07-$0.10) ' choose one colour and create a simple logo to be placed on one section of the bag, not taking up the complete surface area.
  • unlimited printing options ($0.05-$0.15) ' this is where you can really let your creativity shine! choose any combination of colours to be printed on each unit, whether it's a rainbow-inspired logo or a complicated 5-colour design that covers the entire bag.
no print option

simple, 1 colour standard printunlimited printing option

Best of all, we have two great promotions for our printing options:

  • order 5,000 units of more and you qualify for FREE 1-colour standard printing!
  • order 10,000 units or more, you qualify for FREE unlimited printing!
STEP 5: ADD ACCESSORIES

Our Kraft paper bags can confidently hold up to 10lbs of weight, but you can consider adding a piece of cardboard to the bottom of the bag for more structure and security!

For only $0.03/unit, we can include a custom cut piece of cardboard that will help to reinforce the bag and support heavier items.

What if I Need a Fully Custom Paper Bag?

Do you have a very specific product that you need packaged? Is it an irregular size? Are the standard options above just not right for you?

Don't worry, our custom packaging specialists can walk you through the complete custom experience at LeKAC. We'll make sure that it's as easy as the standard size order process, and help you along each step of the way.

What Next?

So you've placed your order and want to know wha the next steps are and when you will receive your final product.

Typically, this is our process:

  1. Confirm bag options and design, and develop a sample product with our team (roughly 2 weeks)
    • you'll work with our specialists and in-house designer to confirm details of your order, such as quantity, size, colour, and printing options. Should you place a design on your bag, you will be able to see a 2D or 3D mockup of your product before production and, if you are interested, we can provide you with a physical sample.
  2. Start mass production (3 weeks)
    • once you give our team the go-ahead, we'll communicate the design and other specifications with the factory to ensure that your product is created to your exact requests.
  3. Quality control on site
    • throughout the production process, our on-site team will be present to ensure each unit is created with the highest quality possible. We take extreme measures to make sure your paper bag exceeds your expectations.
  4. Delivery of packaging product for distribution (5-7 weeks)
    • we organise shipping of your packaging to your door so you don't have to worry about any of that! Once your product is ready to be shipped, we will notify you and keep you updated until the products are safely in your possession.

To ensure there is no delay in the receipt of your packaging, we always suggest planning ahead! Sometimes the design may take longer than expected, which can push back production. In order to avoid late arrival, start the process 4 months before you anticipate needing these products!

Once you've placed an order with us, we can even schedule a follow-up so that there is no back order once your current supply runs out!

Our Promise

Simply put ' we promise to make the process as easy as we can for you. As a one-stop shop for all your custom needs, we take pride in our efficiency and close relationships with clients. We make sure to walk you through each step and keep you updated until you have received the final product and are completely satisfied.

When you work with LeKAC, you can be sure of the following:

  • NO hidden fees
  • NO set up fees
  • all-inclusive pricing
  • NO plate charge
  • FREE local delivery over $5,000

Call us for a quotation, or stop in for an in-person consultation. We can even visit you whenever we're in the area! Visit our contact page for more information!

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