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Kraft Boxes Upcoming Trends For Green & Affordable Packaging You Shouldn’t Miss!

2026-01-14 12:53:44

kraft-boxes-upcoming-trends-for-green

As the rise of online shopping has become increasingly popular, where consumers can order almost anything with just a click, it is important to recognise that e-commerce and other businesses have contributed significantly to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.

Fortunately, businesses and brands have now become aware of the potential dangers associated with harmful packaging materials. This awareness has led business owners to embrace sustainability with a specific material called “Kraft”. From food packaging boxes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or shipping, kraft paper has taken over almost every type of packaging. Let’s explore what all this hype is about!

Kraft Paper

Whether you are a small business, a startup, or a seasonal business owner, you have likely encountered the term sustainable packaging in recent times. To accomplish this goal, brands are utilising rustic brown textured paper made from wood pulp, which is strong, durable and flexible. This eco-friendly paper can be used in various types of packaging. For instance, if you own a deli and your goal is to provide consumers' convenience, a paper that effectively controls grease and meets FDA approval without breaking the bank. Then it’s safe to say that Kraft paper meets all the mentioned requirements perfectly.

Kraft Paper VS Regular Paper 

What makes kraft boxes better than any other material, for instance, regular paper, is that kraft paper does not undergo bleaching, chemical or refining process. Kraft paper is manufactured from wood pulp, making it ideal for durable, tear-resistant and sustainable paper for heavy-duty packaging. 

kraft paper vs regular paper

On the other hand, a regular paper undergoes more bleaching and refining processes to produce a smoother and lighter paper, but less durable than kraft.

Benefits of Kraft Paper For Businesses

Paper-based packaging always stands out as perfect eco-branding. Here’s why:

Eco-Branding

Modern consumers seek brands that have lower-carbon-footprint packaging. And Kraft stand out as an excellent option as Kraft is biodegradable, compostable and recyclable even when multi-layering and customisation were applied. Making your packaging a perfect marketing weapon attracts eco-consumers, which results in business growth & recognition.

Affordable Yet Luxury Packaging

What makes Kraft paper luxurious is its natural rustic texture, cost-effective production, inherent strength and high customisation, like lamination and gloss coating that charms up the packaging.

Strong & Durable Packaging

Kraft paper is itself strong and tear-resistant; however, for the packaging of fragile items, you can customise kraft paper with cardboard flutes, inserts and multiple layering even from the outside.

Recyclable & Reusable 

Kraft paper is highly recyclable, often multiple times, and can easily be reused for other purposes, like gift wrapping or storage. Even if not in use, kraft paper can easily decompose within weeks or a month.

Minamlistic Packaging

Another packaging trend that kraft comes off perfectly is the minimal designs and transparency of packaging that modern consumers have shifted towards. The minimal typography saves you money while keeping your product authentic and consumers loyal to your brand.

Lightweight Shipping

Kraft boxes are lightweight, flexible and foldable, which means they can save you money while handling and shipping, without compromising the structural integrity of the product & packaging.

Design Flexibility & Shaping Versatility 

You can easily add brand logos, custom designs, or brand colours, enhancing your product’s unboxing experience while maintaining sustainability.

Custom Styles of Kraft Paper

Kraft paper packaging offers versatility, allowing you to shape kraft paper in any style and size without affecting material sustainability and recyclability. Look at the applications of kraft paper:

custom styles of kraft paper

Types Of Kraft Paper

Kraft paper comes in a variety of forms, each tailored for specific needs and applications based on product safety and brand values. Look at the types of kraft paper:

Natural Kraft Paper

This type of paper is unbleached and retains its original rustic brown texture and colour, known for its tensile strength and eco-friendly appeal. This type is ideal for shopping bags, food wraps, and can even be used in box packaging without the need for designing, printing, or finishes. The food industry uses natural brown paper due to its biodegradability and non-toxic nature.

Bleach Kraft Paper

This type undergoes a bleaching and refining process to produce white colored surface. It offers a smoother texture and better printability, making it perfect for product packaging. However, this paper can be slightly less than natural kraft paper.

Coated Kraft Paper

Coated kraft paper undergoes the process of coating, multiple layering of polyethene (PE), wax, or silicone to improve resistance to moisture, grease, or heat. It is widely used in the food industry for the packaging of meat and frozen foods.

Recycled Kraft Paper

This type of paper is made from post-consumer or industrial waste of recycled pulp. It is also sustainable and budget-friendly. However, this type is not as strong as natural and coated paper.

The Future of the Packaging Industry: Incorporating Kraft Paper

Sooner or later, kraft paper is going to take over the packaging industry for good, due to the growing demand in modern consumers for sustainable and non-toxic packaging. Therefore, this transformation is in favour of business owners as Kraft boxes are affordable, durable, and require very minimal designing to reinforce aesthetic and premium branding. 

Thanks to modern technology, you can now customise kraft boxes in any shape and style, from mylar bags to window-open boxes. As 2025 has come to an end, set your brand goal and go green with kraft packaging to reinforce eco-branding and connect eco-conscious consumers. Want to save big on a wholesale order? Contact OXO Packaging today to achieve discounts and free shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraft Packaging Costlier Than Plastic?

No. Kraft packaging is typically less expensive and more environmentally friendly than plastic. Also, Kraft paper offers more customisation options than plastic paper.

Are Kraft Boxes Eco-Friendly?

Kraft papers are arguably more sustainable and eco-friendly than regular paper materials, and unlike plastic, kraft paper biodegrades within weeks.

Is Kraft Packaging Food-Safe?

Yes, much Kraft packaging is specifically made to be food-safe and approved for direct food contact, offering a sustainable, strong barrier for everything from baked goods to takeaway meals.