Kraft paper boxes are smart packaging solutions for packing, storing, and delivering the product without damage. Nowadays, consumers avoid traditional product packaging materials which are harmful to the environment. Thus, the packaging industry experiences the biggest shift of interest towards custom kraft boxes.
Interestingly, around 30% of small and medium enterprises reported switching to sustainable packaging like kraft paper, in the past two years.
Not only this, big brands like L'Oréal, McDonald's, and Zappos are all making the switch, showing it's a trend that is here to stay.
So, if you want to enhance your brand reach to eco-conscious customers, this blog post has everything you need to know to upgrade your packaging game.
What are Kraft Paper Boxes?
Kraft is an eco-friendly material that is biodegradable, recyclable, and sturdier at the same time. Businesses have started accepting kraft paper boxes as an affordable and multifunctional alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
Since the decomposition rate of plastic materials ranges up to hundreds of years, our planet has almost every piece of plastic that men ever made. In a situation where everyone is now conscious of the ecosystem, kraft paper boxes are probably the answer to the growing plastic pollution.
In addition to being sustainable, kraft paper goes beyond basics. For instance, custom kraft boxes are one step ahead of the eco-friendly packaging that take care of the environment and enhance user experience. These packaging materials come in a variety of shapes, designs, colors, and finishes, so they can easily fit your products uniquely.
Remember that it's not enough to settle on environmentally safe packaging, rather it's important to customize it according to your needs to stay ahead of the growing competition.
History and Origin of Kraft Paper Boxes
Kraft paper has been there for a long time. In 1879, a German Chemist Carl F. Dahl made it for the first time. The word Kraft is also a German word that means strong since kraft paper is a sturdy material. Carl treated wood chips with sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to break down lignin. The result is a strong and durable paper that retains natural strength of without any impurities.
At that time, there was a significant improvement in paper-making methods which used mechanical processes ending up with weak paper. The best part is that the kraft process is ideal for all types of wood species which were traditionally not suitable for paper-making methods.
The Kraft paper spread from Germany during the early 20th century while the United States established the first Kraft mill in 1909. Soon kraft paper became popular among users because of its strength and durability. Businesses found an opportunity there and started using kraft to make Kraft paper boxes for industrial applications as well as packaging needs.
Though the modern kraft process undergoes improvements, its basics remain the same. And now, when the world is drowning in plastic, kraft paper comes into play to transform our living as the best alternative for plastic packaging.
Manufacturing of Kraft Paper Boxes
Nowadays, the trending packaging industry demands modern packaging solutions to attract more customers. Therefore, kraft paper comes a step further to become a kraft box to serve businesses as well as their potential customers. So, industries make custom craft boxes through the following steps:
Pulping Wood
It is a process of turning wood into pulp which is the same as the kraft process since the time of Carl's invention. Industries cook the larger batches of wood chips in white liquor which is a chemical mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Specifically, this process separates lignin from cellulose fibers and thus breaks down wood into pulp.
Washing and Screening
It is a second step of the paper-making process in which workers wash pulp to remove lignin and chemicals and then screen it to remove any visible impurities. So, clean paper remains behind ready to be turned into paper.
Forming Paper
It is a process of mixing pulp with water and spreading it out on a large screen to drain water. It forms a pure mat of fibers which is then pressed further to remove more water and flatten it into a sheet. After drying, machines roll it into large rolls of kraft paper.
Making Kraft Paper Boxes
Paper-making machines send kraft paper to box-making plants that cut the paper into a box shape. After that, machines fold parts of the kraft paper and make them stick together using glue, and that's the kraft boxes wholesale.
Finishing and Packaging
After making boxes, machines further process them for quality and send for a finishing process in which they get their unique identity. Workers then stack these custom kraft boxes and ship them to businesses.
Benefits of Custom Kraft Paper Packaging
Besides the trend of sustainable packaging all around, kraft boxes have tons of advantages other than being eco-friendly. This is a reason businesses are willing to introduce kraft packaging worldwide. Here's what makes kraft a perfect packaging material.
Versatile for any Product
Kraft boxes are versatile both in terms of styles and use cases. For instance, they are available in simple envelopes, stylish like tuck-top boxes, and sturdy like folding cartons. In short, kraft boxes can be small parcels or large shipments just right for your product needs.
Similarly, they are available in different forms like bags, containers, and carriers to deliver a range of products like food, beverages, cosmetics, and electronics. The best part is that they are always customizable to fit your product details and marketing needs.
Durable and Long-lasting
Custom Kraft boxes last longer during rough handling and rigorous shipping. Their strength comes from natural wood pulp that contains high concentrations of fibers which are further pressed to interweave tightly. So, their sturdy composition keeps products safe and delivers to customers in perfect condition.
So, whether you are dealing with heavy items, fragile goods, or everyday products, kraft paper packaging meets the standard of ideal storage and shipping.
Since these boxes withstand longer, it's easier for customers to reuse and repurpose them which reduces overall waste.
Customizable to Fit Your Brand
As kraft paper packaging is meant to serve brands uniquely, it comes into play with so many shapes, designs, and dimensions available. Because kraft paper boxes have ample space, you can easily use them for printing logos, product designs, and commercials of your newly released items.
Customization not only adds a premium touch to your products but also helps your brand stand out. However, kraft boxes with custom prints usually charge more than regular ones. So, if you want to stick with your budget, decorate them simply using ribbons, stickers, or stamps to look different.
Printable to Reflect Your Brand
Kraft is a print-friendly material that allows brands to put their product and business details directly onto the packaging. But why is it easier to print on?Well, kraft paper has a smooth absorbent surface that readily accepts ink either soy-based or water-based.
Not only this, these boxes are print-friendly through various techniques such as digital printing, screen printing, and flexography. So, it's easier to communicate with customers while showcasing your products safely with kraft packaging.
Types of Kraft Paper Packaging
A variety of different kraft boxes is what makes them so popular among businesses worldwide. They are highly adaptable and durable to suit every product needs from the moment of packaging to delivery safely throughout shipping.
List of kraft packaging types seems never ending, however, there are some common types that you can get affordably. For instance,
Envelopes
Kraft packaging comes ahead to suit every size from small coin envelopes for receipts to large flat envelopes for documents and artwork. Businesses use envelopes to send documents, invoices, and flat items like photos and artwork.
They are sustainable, sturdy to bear transit and also come up with self-sealing closures for added peace of mind. Nowadays, businesses plan creative deliveries of either clothes, books, art pieces, and greeting cards to enhance user experience.
Folding Cartons
A variety of products need foldable packaging for storage and shipping. These custom kraft boxes are shipped flat and folded to package goods which saves shopping costs.
Products like food and beverages, cosmetics, electronics, and accessories come in foldable cartons. Since they use sturdy kraft material, businesses trust their packaging solutions and thus ensure a positive experience.
Foldable cartons are further available in different types according to their style and convenience such as tuck-top, gable boxes and boxes with separate lids are most common nowadays.
Shopping Bags
Kraft bags are replacing plastic bags for shopping purposes. These packaging options are affordable for businesses and sustainable for the environment.
It's pretty common to spot brown kraft bags at grocery stores, boutiques, and local markets with minimal branding, perfect for carrying your purchases safely. Since they are reusable and durable, one can use kraft packaging multiple times to carry daily-use items.
Unlike plain paper bags, kraft bags are resistant to moisture, available with customized handles, and completely sustainable using compostable inks and coatings.
Food Grade Boxes
Food regulations want secure and safe packaging options to ensure safe contact with food products. Interestingly, kraft boxes fit into the criteria of food regulations and remain safe to deliver fresh as well as processed food items.
Food-grade kraft boxes use virgin or recycled material during manufacturing which further makes them safe. The best part is that these boxes have a number of varieties and styles to present food products while shipping which also enhances cravings.
For instance, bakery boxes, window boxes, cutouts, and takeaway containers are the best options to deliver your delicious food without worrying that the chemicals of boxes leach into your food.
These boxes also have some additional features over traditional packaging such as microwavable boxes, leak proof boxes, and compostable choices. In short, it's easier to deliver safe food products with kraft food-grade packaging.
Customization Options
Regular kraft packaging comes in a natural brown color we all are familiar with. However, it's perfect to deliver heavier items or products in bulk but not the daily-use items we all order online.
In today's world, customization is the only factor that distinguishes businesses selling products of the same category. Interestingly, kraft packaging is super friendly to customization and offers a variety of options to choose from that can make your product stand out.
You can even change the color of custom kraft boxes to complement your brand theme. Some businesses also consider custom-printed kraft boxes on which you can completely change the presentation of kraft smartly.
We print boxes as a reputable printing company in the USA that provides kraft boxes wholesale with endless combinations of personalization. So, read ahead and choose your own combination to order custom kraft packaging now.
Choose Color Options for Custom Kraft Boxes
Natural Kraft Brown
Brown is a natural color of kraft paper because of its synthesis from pure wood pulp. It's simple to look at but offers great benefits. The natural brown color gives off a simple down-to-earth touch to products that brands use to show their products are natural and beneficial.
Because it's the natural color from which kraft paper comes up, it will never fade, unlike other dyes. The best part is that it complements almost every color so you can easily add your brand logos or prints on it.
Above all, natural kraft brown doesn't require any dye and secondary treatments, so it's an affordable option for all kinds of products.
Bleached Kraft Paper
Bleached Kraft paper is a lighter version of natural Kraft brown paper which turns out to be attractive most of the time. Sometimes, we don't want to make custom kraft packaging dominant but only wants to showcase the product. That's where bleached Kraft comes into play.
Industries treat natural kraft with mild chemicals that remove some of its prominent color. Interestingly, the amount of chemicals decides the shade of brownish color that you can optimize as needed. It's the best way to present your products with a brighter look. However, if your brand theme is white or pastel, bleached kraft will complement well.
Colored Custom Printed Kraft Boxes
Kraft packaging has a lot more color options to offer, besides just brownish shades. Colorful packaging adds a lively touch to your products as well as brand flair to your packaging. Companies dye natural kraft brown in all sorts of colors from bold and bright to elegant and muted according to what suits your products the most.
Sometimes, manufacturers deliver colorful kraft paper, yet it is delivered as brown. So, we use high-end printing techniques with spot colors to print specific colors on the box.
However, it's important to consider your brand identity, target audience, and printing compatibility before choosing the color of your choice. So, if you want to print custom colors on your kraft paper, let us know and we'll provide quality packaging within budget.
Choose Design Options for Custom Kraft Boxes
Customized design is one step ahead of personalization in which you can give a unique look to your boxes. In terms of design, kraft packaging comes in a variety of specific uses and preferences to suit product needs. For instance:
Tuck-top Boxes
Tuck-top boxes have a flat top that tucks into the box snugly. They protect the contents inside during shipping without the need for tape or adhesive. Because these are secure and easily accessible, retail products usually prefer these boxes to serve regular customers. These are the best examples of easy assembly and secure closure you need for your routine products.
Auto-Lock Bottom Boxes
These kraft boxes come up with a bottom that locks into place when anyone opens the box. Therefore, it's easier and quicker to assemble anywhere which saves shipping Costs. You can consider them ideal for delivering heavy items that require a strong base to retain content. In short, these packaging designs combine the strength of kraft paper and the safety of modern design to beat the demand for unique packaging.
Window Boxes
Sometimes, we all want to showcase our product from the inside of the box to attract more viewers. It usually happens with premium and delicate products such as baked goods, cosmetics, and apparel.
Window boxes feature a transparent window that puts your products on display while keeping them secure inside the box.
Drawer Boxes
Want to deliver luxury products to make the day for your customers? If yes, drawer boxes are your ultimate type of custom kraft boxes. These boxes have an outer sleeve and an inner box that holds the product and slides in and out to function like a drawer. These packaging solutions are perfect to enhance the unboxing experience of users.
In addition, there are also many other designs we offer such as gable boxes, handle boxes, pillow boxes, and many more you can find on our website to order kraft boxes wholesale.
Choose Printing Technique for Custom Kraft Boxes
Printing technique adds a unique visual appeal to custom printed kraft packaging that further distinguish your products as well as please your customers.
We print boxes offers a number of printing technique options to create packaging exactly according to your needs. For instance:
Flexographic Printing
Flexographic printing is one of the most common types of techniques that businesses prefer to create their dream packaging. It uses flexible plates and quick-drying inks to transfer images and texts onto kraft paper.
The best part is that it's a budget-friendly option, especially for large runs like kraft boxes wholesale. However, it's perfect for printing simple designs with solid colors and minimal detail.
Digital Printing
Custom Kraft packaging usually prefers digital printing because of their small runs. It works in the same way as a desktop printer does, direct printing of design on packaging material using digital technologies.
Businesses use digital printing because of its high resolution and detailed graphics. So, if you are one who loves making changes in your packaging designs, choose digital printing to get ideal results.
Offset Lithography
Though it costs more because of its complex setup, offset lithography wins when it comes to printing the most complex designs onto packaging with high quality. It works by transferring ink from a plate to a rubber sheet and then onto kraft paper which ends up with perfect design results. If you want to print complex designs and color schemes in large runs, choose offset lithography to achieve efficiency.
Embossing and Debossing
These are again common types of printing techniques brands use to add texture to their packaging. Embossing creates a raised feel while debossing produces a recessed touch on a material that further enhances the elegance of a product.
Businesses prefer embossing/debossing to deliver premium products securely to the doorstep of customers. The best part is that these also work in combination which means that you can combine embossing/debossing with any other printing technique to get exactly what you are looking for.
Hot Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is another premium type technique that adds a shiny reflective surface to packaging. Kraft boxes offer the perfect material for foil stamping in which a metallic or pigmented foil is added onto a material using heat and pressure.
It often prints logos, brand names, and special details of a business on custom printed kraft boxes to make them dominant and eye-catching abruptly.
Final Words
In conclusion, kraft paper is a versatile packaging solution for brands that are looking for sustainable and affordable options. Kraft paper packaging is not only sturdy and durable but also print-friendly and easy to customize. You can order custom kraft boxes wholesale with color, design, and printing options of your choice from we print boxes. Just request your instant quote from our homepage and let us create the perfect packaging for your products within budget.