How Many Types of Kraft Paper Are There?
Ⅰ. What Is Kraft Paper?
Kraft paper is a strong, durable paper made using the kraft process, a chemical pulping method that converts wood into wood pulp. The term “kraft” comes from the German word for “strength,” which reflects the key quality of this material—high tensile strength.
Unlike regular paper that is often made from a mix of recycled materials and chemical pulp, kraft paper is usually produced from virgin softwood pulp, resulting in a thicker, coarser, and more robust finish. Its natural brown color comes from minimal processing and the lack of bleaching agents. However, when additional bleaching is applied, the result is white kraft paper, a cleaner and brighter alternative for upscale applications.
Kraft paper’s key advantages include:
・Eco-friendliness: Most kraft paper is biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
・Versatility: It’s used in packaging, wrapping, arts and crafts, food service, and industrial applications.
・Cost-effectiveness: In its unbleached form, brown kraft paper is among the most economical packaging materials available.
Over the years, kraft paper has evolved from a basic industrial wrapping to an aesthetic and functional material used in everything from fashion retail bags to artisanal food wrapping. Its rise in popularity aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable, reusable, and customizable materials.
Ⅱ. The Two Core Types: White Kraft Paper vs. Brown Kraft Paper
Kraft paper may come in many variations, but its foundation lies in two essential types: brown kraft paper and white kraft paper. Each offers unique characteristics suited for different applications, industries, and aesthetics.
2.1 Brown Kraft Paper
Brown kraft paper is the most widely recognized and traditionally used type. It's made from unbleached pulp, giving it its natural brown hue and rugged appearance. Its strength and resistance to tearing make it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Key Features:
・Unbleached & eco-friendly: Less chemical processing means lower environmental impact.
・Highly durable: Suitable for wrapping sharp or heavy items.
・Cost-effective: Commonly used in e-commerce, logistics, and grocery packaging.
Common Uses:
・Protective wrapping for shipping
・Grocery bags and envelopes
・Drawing and craft projects
・Industrial packing and void fill
Whether you're a small business owner or an industrial supplier, brown kraft paper is a go-to solution when reliability, strength, and simplicity are needed.
2.2 White Kraft Paper
White kraft paper undergoes an additional bleaching process to remove its natural brown color, resulting in a clean, bright surface. While it maintains much of the strength of its brown counterpart, its refined appearance makes it ideal for branded packaging and presentation.
Key Features:
・Clean and bright: Offers a premium, polished look.
・Printable surface: Perfect for logos, designs, and marketing materials.
・Still eco-conscious: Though bleached, many versions remain recyclable.
Common Uses:
・Custom printed shopping bags
・Food wrapping in bakeries or cafes
・Gift wrapping and decorative uses
High-end product packaging
When visual appeal is just as important as performance, white kraft paper offers the best of both worlds—strength and style.
Ⅲ. Specialty Kraft Paper Types for Creative and Commercial Use
Beyond the classic brown and white variants, kraft paper has expanded into a range of specialty colors and formats that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Whether you're packaging luxury goods or wrapping holiday gifts, specialty kraft papers like green kraft wrapping paper, black kraft wrapping paper, and custom kraft paper offer unique advantages.
3.1 Green Kraft Wrapping Paper
Green kraft wrapping paper combines visual appeal with a message of sustainability. Available in both natural and dyed versions, this type of paper is especially popular for seasonal packaging (think Christmas, eco-gifts, or Earth Day themes) and sustainable branding.
Key Features:
・Often made with recycled materials
・Biodegradable and eco-friendly
・Available in various shades and finishes
Common Uses:
・Holiday gift wrapping
・Eco-conscious product packaging
・Branding for natural or organic products
Choosing green kraft wrapping paper not only enhances your product’s shelf appeal but also signals a commitment to environmental responsibility.
3.2 Black Kraft Wrapping Paper
Sleek, bold, and modern, black kraft wrapping paper adds a premium edge to packaging. Whether matte or glossy, it’s often used for high-end branding, luxury gifts, and artistic presentations.
Key Features:
・Strong visual impact
・Ideal for minimalist or upscale aesthetics
・Works well with metallic inks and custom printing
Common Uses:
・Boutique product packaging
・Wedding or event gift wrap
・Branded shipping envelopes
Black kraft paper proves that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand, making it a favorite among premium retailers and designers.
3.3 Custom Kraft Paper
Perhaps the most versatile type, custom kraft paper is tailored to a brand’s specific needs. Whether it’s printed with logos, colored to match a palette, or coated for durability, custom kraft paper plays a vital role in branded experiences and packaging identity.
Key Features:
・Fully customizable in print, color, finish, and size
・Can be combined with coatings like PE, wax, or foil
・Enhances customer perception and unboxing experience
Common Uses:
・Retail shopping bags with logo
・Take-out food wrappers and deli sheets
Ⅳ. Coated, Laminated, and Reinforced Kraft Papers
While standard kraft paper offers impressive durability and versatility, some applications demand even more protection, strength, or specific functionality. That’s where coated, laminated, and reinforced kraft papers come in. These enhanced versions are engineered to meet the needs of food packaging, industrial use, and moisture-sensitive applications.
4.1 PE-Coated Kraft Paper
Polyethylene (PE) coated kraft paper adds a thin layer of plastic to make the paper moisture-resistant and greaseproof. This makes it ideal for food service or any application that requires barrier protection.
4.2 Foil-Laminated Kraft Paper
Foil-laminated kraft combines the strength of kraft paper with aluminum foil layers, offering both insulation and barrier protection. It’s commonly used in heat-sensitive or chemical-sensitive environments.
4.3 Wax-Coated Kraft Paper
Wax-coated kraft paper is infused or surface-coated with wax, giving it a smooth, water-resistant finish. It’s flexible and ideal for wrapping items that need light barrier protection without the use of plastics.
4.4 Reinforced Kraft Paper
Reinforced kraft paper is typically mesh-reinforced with fiberglass or synthetic fibers to enhance tear resistance and load-bearing strength. This type is popular in industrial packaging and shipping.
Ⅴ. Kraft Paper by Weight and Thickness
Kraft paper is not one-size-fits-all—and one of the most important factors in choosing the right type is its weight or thickness, typically measured in GSM (grams per square meter) or lbs (pounds per ream). The weight directly impacts the strength, flexibility, and application suitability of the paper.
5.1 Lightweight Kraft Paper (40–60 GSM)
This category includes the thinnest kraft papers, ideal for flexible wrapping or interleaving. While not designed for heavy-duty use, it provides sufficient coverage for dust protection, aesthetic packaging, or lightweight wrapping.
5.2 Medium-Weight Kraft Paper (65–120 GSM)
This is the most versatile range of kraft paper, offering a balance between strength and flexibility. It’s commonly used in custom kraft paper printing and general-purpose packaging.
5.3 Heavyweight Kraft Paper (130–300+ GSM)
For the most demanding tasks, heavyweight kraft paper provides superior tear resistance, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity. This weight class is ideal for industrial packaging, reinforcement liners, or heavy gift wraps.
Kraft paper is far more than a simple brown wrap. From white kraft paper used in premium packaging to black and green kraft wrapping paper that elevates brand identity or seasonal charm, the variety is impressive—and growing. Businesses and creatives alike now rely on custom kraft paper to deliver packaging that is not only functional, but also expressive, sustainable, and brand-enhancing.
Whether you're choosing paper based on color, weight, coating, or customization, the key is to align your selection with your goals, audience, and environmental values. In a world shifting toward eco-conscious solutions, kraft paper remains a trusted and versatile option for packaging, art, and beyond.