The Rise of Kraft in 2025: What It Is, Why It’s Trending, and How to Make It Work for You

Author | Date: 08/5/2025

What Is Kraft Paper and Kraft Packaging?

Kraft paper is a durable, coarse-textured paper made through the kraft process, where wood pulp is chemically treated to maximise strength. It’s typically brown in colour, giving it a natural, rustic look — though bleached (white kraft) and dyed versions also exist.

Kraft packaging refers to any product packaging made using kraft paper or board: boxes, envelopes, sleeves, wrap, and so on.

It’s favoured for:

Its strength and tear resistance
Its recyclable and biodegradable properties
Its raw, minimalist visual appeal

Why Is Kraft Packaging So Popular in 2025?

Kraft has become more than just a trend — it’s a go-to choice for small businesses and big brands alike. Here’s why:

🌱 Eco Appeal: Consumers associate kraft with sustainability and ethical sourcing.
📦 Versatility: Works for e-commerce, retail, food, cosmetics, and gifting.
💰 Cost-Effective: Affordable and widely available, even in custom sizes.
🎨 Customisable: Takes well to foil, ink, embossing, stickers, and die-cuts.
📉 Low Environmental Impact: Often made with recycled content, and easily recyclable.

Whether you’re packaging handmade soap or dispatching fashion orders, kraft hits the sweet spot between function and branding.

Types of Kraft Material in Packaging

Natural Brown Kraft – Unbleached, raw finish. Ideal for rustic, earthy branding.
White Kraft – Bleached kraft that offers a cleaner print surface.
Black Kraft – Dyed or laminated kraft for modern or luxury looks.
Coated Kraft Board – Adds water resistance or a glossy effect.
Recycled Kraft – Made from post-consumer or post-industrial content.

Each type can be made into:

Folding cartons
Rigid box wraps
E-commerce mailers
Kraft paper bags
Tray-style inserts

Is Kraft Paper Eco-Friendly?

Yes — and that’s a huge part of its popularity.

Biodegradable: Breaks down in natural environments
Recyclable: Can be processed multiple times
Compostable: Safe for home or industrial compost
FSC® Options: Many kraft boards come from responsibly managed forests

Kraft is one of the easiest ways to reduce packaging waste without sacrificing performance.

What Can You Use Kraft Packaging For?

Retail Boxes: Apparel, stationery, gift sets
Food Packaging: Bakery, takeaway, tea, snacks (with food-safe liner)
Eco Mailers: Fashion brands, small e-commerce orders
Product Wraps: Soaps, candles, glassware
Labels & Sleeves: Kraft stickers, belly bands, bottle tags

At Buy Packaging Boxes, we offer kraft solutions in:

Corrugated and flat mailer styles
Pillow boxes and gable boxes
Custom die-cut cartons and tuck-end boxes

How to Customise Kraft for Your Brand?

Kraft doesn’t mean boring. Here’s how you can personalise it:

Print: Use screen printing, soy-based inks, or digital CMYK
Foil Stamping: Add metallic contrast to brown stock
Embossing/Debossing: For texture without colour
Minimalist Design: Embrace the natural tone with black or white ink
Creative Cutouts: Window shapes or product reveals

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Kraft

Kraft absorbs ink differently than coated stocks — choose your finish wisely
White kraft offers better colour accuracy if CMYK print is essential
Kraft board thickness varies; talk to your printer about weight and structure
Food packaging may require liners or coatings

Final Thoughts

Kraft is more than a trend — it’s a practical, stylish, and sustainable solution for modern packaging. Whether you’re just starting your brand or scaling up, kraft gives you the flexibility to keep things simple, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

🛍 Ready to upgrade to kraft? Explore Kraft Box Styles or Get a Quote Today