How kraft paper went from meat wrapper to the world’s most popular packaging

Kraft paper, also known as brown wrapping paper, has come a long way since its invention. Despite its simplicity, it has become a truly versatile solution to hundreds of problems.

In the late 1800s, engineer Carl F. Dahl was working at a factory in Germany, experimenting with new types of packaging. The materials available at the time were not strong enough, so boxes were mostly made from fabric and whalebone, which were far from cheap.

After testing several hypotheses, Dahl began changing the chemicals used in the production process. He discovered that pulping wood chips and treating them with sulphate made the final material stronger. This is how kraft paper (German for “strength”) came into being.

The new product was cost-effective and quickly gained popularity. At first, single-ply sheets coated with natural wax were used to wrap meat and other foods. Through further experiments, Dahl was able to produce a denser material that later became known as cardboard. Compared with fabric boxes, it was relatively cheap and practical.

What kraft paper is: characteristics and types

It’s a paper-based material used across a wide range of industrial and commercial processes. Thanks to its “woody” structure, it is suitable for printing, painting, lamination, embossing and similar finishes. There are several main types, distinguished by the source of the raw material and the finish:

• Unbleached, uncoated: the simplest and most common type. It is tear-resistant and can be stiff without being heavy. It has the natural brownish colour of weathered wood chips.
• Coated: brown paper with added white chalk or limestone, giving it an even, light colour. It serves as a base for full-colour printing and is widely used in packaging.

Kraft paper and the board made from it also vary in the source of raw materials. They can be virgin (made from wood pulp), recycled (used board is processed, bleached and turned into paper or board again), or a combination of both (a mix of virgin and recycled fibre).

Advantages of kraft packaging

1. Exceptional durability: kraft packaging is incredibly robust. It can be made from various wood species, including pine, bamboo, oak and maple, and even from fallen leaves. This simplicity and choice of raw materials make production relatively straightforward and cost-effective, which ultimately lowers costs for customers.
2. Distinctive, stylish design: kraft board has a natural texture and shades that give boxes a distinctive, organic look. This makes it possible to create stylish, eye-catching packaging that attracts customers.
3. Convenience and versatility: boxes come in different shapes, sizes and styles, so they suit many purposes, from wrapping holiday gifts to displaying products attractively on store shelves. Kraft packaging is widely available and easy to find.
4. Custom branding: kraft board is an ideal surface for logos and brand information. This helps companies create a distinctive style and strengthen their corporate identity.
5. Variety of shapes and sizes. Paper boxes come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect packaging for any product at a reasonable cost. From small gift boxes to large kraft boxes with windows, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
6. Versatile use. Kraft board boxes are perfect for packaging a variety of products: gifts, online orders, food and other goods.
7. Unbleached kraft paper is made without extra bleaching, which gives it its natural brown colour. Plain kraft boxes can be recycled with paper.

All these factors have made this packaging increasingly popular.