Kraft paper

Kraft paper is a strong, long-fibre paper made by the kraft (sulphate) pulping process. In flexible packaging it is mostly used as the outer layer of a pouch to give a natural, artisanal look and feel.

How it works in a pouch

Paper itself offers no real barrier to moisture, grease or oxygen, so it is laminated to inner layers: kraft/PE for undemanding dry goods, and kraft/metallised PET/PE or kraft/foil/PE for coffee, tea and nuts. Brown (unbleached) kraft gives a rustic look; white kraft keeps the paper texture while printing brighter colours.

Printing tips

Kraft is absorbent and not white, so colours print darker and duller than on film, pale tones may disappear and fine detail is softer. A white underprint helps where vivid colour matters, and a colour proof is worthwhile.

Limits

Kraft loses strength when wet and the outer surface is not water- or grease-proof. Also, a kraft-look kraft pouch with plastic or foil inside is not recyclable as paper; a kraft look is not the same as a paper-based package, so keep sustainability claims consistent with the actual structure. Paper weights typically range from about 50 to 120 g/m².