Customizing product packaging can be beneficial for your business in different ways. Yet, people often focus on only two features - shape and size. They often forget that choosing the right color and materials is equally important. We have noticed that people usually focus on two types of boxes - white and kraft. That is why they usually look for a kraft vs white boxes comparison to determine which option is better.
Both types of boxes come with certain advantages and disadvantages. It is impossible to say which option is better because all businesses have their own needs. We want to explain what white and kraft boxes are and highlight their pros and cons. After reading this article, you will get an idea of which one suits you the most. Let’s go!
Kraft boxes (also known as brown boxes) are corrugated packages with a classic appearance. It is the type of box you have probably gotten used to seeing in different stores. It has a natural uncoated texture which brings certain benefits and disadvantages at the time. Let’s primarily focus on the positive things and highlight the main benefits.
As we said, these boxes have a natural texture. Because of that, entrepreneurs do not have to spend money and time printing and processing the box into another color. Also, they look sustainable, which matters greatly in today’s world. Based on our research, at least 60% of the kraft box content is made of recyclable materials.
So, why is this feature beneficial for businesses? First, you are doing something good for the planet Earth. You won’t stop the climate change process, but you will contribute this way as much as you can. On the other hand, you will get trust and appreciation from the consumers. The percentage of consumers requiring sustainable packages has jumped to 81% this year. That means the first impression you leave with a “sustainable look” will grab their attention. We believe the same trend will continue to grow, so we recommend you do not neglect it.
Investment in packages is a good decision because it can significantly improve the value of your products and the entire brand. Yet, we know very well that entrepreneurs won’t hesitate to use the opportunity to save money. That’s why it is worth mentioning that kraft boxes are affordable and less expensive than white boxes.
Why do we have such a situation? As we said, designing these boxes isn’t complicated at all. You can create unique and engaging packaging without complex design techniques and procedures. Also, the kraft boxes are made of less expensive materials, which automatically makes them cheaper than white boxes. On average, they are cheaper at around 8%. That can make a significant difference for larger orders.
The shipping procedure is a complex process. Your products are handled in many locations until they reach the buyer's address. That’s why around 20% of all returned products get back to the seller because of the damage that appeared during transportation. An issue like that only reduces the profit you generate. You will have to offer free shipping in box directions + a new product for the customer. If your packages are not strong and durable, you can easily find yourself in a tough situation.
As we said, kraft boxes are made of cheaper materials. However, that doesn’t mean they are not durable. On the contrary, durability is one of their main advantages. Apart from that, boxes usually get dirty during transportation. A problem like that won’t be noticeable with kraft boxes due to their design base. That ensures a high level of satisfaction for customers and a pleasant unboxing experience.
This Kraft vs white boxes comparison would not be complete without mentioning the disadvantages of Kraft boxes. Our goal is not to convince people to decide strictly on this option. Instead, we want to show things as they are and let you decide what’s better.
The biggest cons of kraft boxes are:
We do not want to sound contradictory. Durability still remains one of the biggest benefits of kraft boxes. Yet, that rule doesn’t count if the packaging like this meets the water. The structure of the box becomes extremely soft under those conditions. Despite the bad look, the box no longer has the ability to protect the product. But, we need to highlight that these packages rarely get in touch with water. This disadvantage should not concern you a lot.
Transporting these products requires more attention and organization. These boxes can’t be put under huge pressure because they can get deformed. For instance, heavier products should be at the bottom of the truck, while lighter ones should be above them.
You must not use complex techniques to design one-color kraft boxes. But the result may not be too satisfying if you decide on using multi-color packages. The surface of the kraft boxes isn’t white, which limits you a little!
After giving an answer on “what is a kraft box,” we must explain in detail the white box alternative. The white boxes are also the corrugated type of packaging perfect for certain industries. Most companies from the medical and pharma industry gladly use them due to the benefits they ensure. However, they are not just limited to that business field. Let's say a few more words about the advantages that you can get.
The effect of packaging on consumer behavior is significant, and the latest surveys confirm more than 70% of people consider the design of packages important. White boxes can be designed in different ways. Its white color is a perfect base for different printing and design techniques and ideas. They can especially be the right option for neutral colors.
One of the goals that entrepreneurs want to reach with their packages is to send a specific message. Also, they want to grab the consumers' attention and instantly arouse certain emotions. The white background gives you the opportunity to pop up other colors, ensuring a great contrast.
As you probably know, each existing color is connected with particular emotions. Plus, you can highlight any message in the colored parts of the box. For example, thank-you messages, specialized offers, and similar stuff would be a great choice.
As we said, the end results with kraft boxes may not meet your expectations completely (that’s not always the case). On the other hand, that type of problem will not exist with white boxes. Their white base can adapt to any technique of printing or type of ink, which is not the case with kraft boxes. You can be sure the layer of ink on every part of the box will be identical while even the tiniest details will be visible.
As we said, this white vs. kraft boxes comparison strives to remain objective until the end. There are three disadvantages of white boxes that readers should know about. They are:
White color can be a great base for multi-color designs. However, we can’t neglect it gets dirty pretty quickly. Dust and dirt are usually present in warehouses, which can negatively influence the look. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case!
We explained the importance of sustainability for every business. Unfortunately, we must admit that white boxes do not look eco-friendly, which may leave a bad first impression. But your task will be to explain to people how they influence the planet. Also, with appropriate designs, you can easily hide this small gap.
Indeed, the price of one white box will be higher than kraft boxes. However, keep in mind that they are more suitable for different design techniques. You may manage to boost the value of your product with them, which will cover the price difference. But, for something like that, you will have to discover what your target audience expects to see.
We tried to cover all the details in this kraft vs white boxes guide and explain the main differences. Both types of packages come with certain advantages and disadvantages. Each of these two options can be suitable for you. Your obligation is to determine your goals and check out which package is better for the structure and size of the items you sell.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter if you pick kraft or white boxes. In both cases, Arka can help you reduce the impact of the disadvantages highlighted on this page. Our team customizes both types of packaging for a fair and competitive price.
We offer high-quality packaging options for all types of businesses: you can check out our premium custom mailer boxes or custom cosmetic boxes and find out all the benefits of our special custom boxes!
If you have any additional questions or simply design ideas you want to share with us, contact our customer service. We are here to solve all your doubts and help your business grow!
With a rise in demand for a more sustainable approach to packaging, kraft paper has made an impactful contribution to meeting these demands.
There is no doubt that kraft paper packaging solutions have gained popularity in the packaging industry, and the capabilities of this material continue to grow.
But why?
Let’s jump right into what kraft paper is and why it has gained so much popularity!
What is Kraft Paper?
Kraft comes from the German word “strong”, and kraft paper is just that!
Raw kraft is durable, tear-resistant, and brown in color thanks to the kraft pulp process.
Ideal for creating durable wrapping kraft paper and sturdy cartons and rigid boxes, kraft paper board is actually also available in a range of colors and shades making it highly versatile for branded packaging solutions.
Source: PakFactory
The surface of raw kraft paper is textured and porous allowing for high-quality printing and finishing for a premium rustic look.
The Kraft Paper Production Process
Kraft paper is a packaging material that gets its name from the Kraft pulping process, pioneered by Carl F. Dahl of Germany in the 1880s.
Normally, in the manufacturing of paper, wood is ‘pulped’ (ground to a pulp) first, but Dahl found that treating the cellulose pulp with certain chemicals (sulfates) increased the strength of the kraft paper.
Initially used as wrapping material, the durable and sturdy nature of kraft paper made it popular for producing packaging solutions like the classic brown kraft paper cardboard box we all recognize today.
Kraft vs. Regular Paper
Some people may say, “It’s just paper, what makes it so special?
Well, to put it simply, kraft paper is stronger.
Thanks to the kraft process mentioned previously, more lignin is stripped from kraft wood pulp leaving more cellulose which gives paper its tear-resistant and durable characteristics.
Raw kraft paper tends to be more porous than regular paper too, making it a little less effective for printing but extremely susceptible to special finishing processes such as:
Embossing/debossing
Foil stamping
How is Kraft Paper Used in Packaging?
Today, kraft paper is primarily used for corrugated boxes and recently has become very popular for carton boxes too!
Thanks to kraft paper’s durable nature the e-commerce industry benefits from corrugated boxes to protect products and ensure they withstand harsh shipping conditions.
Source: PakFactory
Brown kraft paper carton boxes are also commonly used by businesses to achieve sustainability goals and clearly portray eco-friendly initiatives through brown kraft paper’s rustic and raw look.
Kraft paper is very versatile and allows for a wide range of innovative packaging options in today’s packaging industry.
Types of Kraft Paper
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)
This material is considered to be the most basic version.
There is no ‘bleaching’ or further addition of chemicals other than those patented by the kraft process.
For this reason, it is also called Solid Unbleached Sulfate or SUS and consists of 80% virgin fiber wood pulp/cellulose kraft pulp.
This has great tear resistance and a high degree of stiffness, all without being too thick.
In fact, it is the thinnest of all kraft paper-based packaging substrates.
It has a naturally occurring kaolin clay-titanium dioxide coating on its surfaces to improve smoothness and make printing easier.
Solid Bleached Kraft Paper (SBS)
While unbleached Kraft paper is considered more eco-friendly due to its natural color and lack of chemical processing, it may not always be the optimal choice for certain applications, such as packaging for luxury or high-end products.
In these cases, bleached Kraft paper may be preferred, as it offers a smoother surface and brighter appearance that can enhance the printing quality and provide a more premium look and feel.
However, it’s important to note that the bleaching process can have environmental impacts, and businesses should carefully consider the trade-offs between aesthetics and sustainability when choosing between bleached and unbleached Kraft paper.
Ultimately, the choice will depend on the specific needs of the business and the product being packaged, as well as their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Coated Recycled Board (CRB)
CRB is 100% recycled kraft paper.
Because it is not made from virgin fiber, its specifications/tolerances are less than that of SBS.
However, recycled kraft paper is also a low-cost packaging substrate that is ideal for instances where high tear resistance/strength is not necessary, such as in the case of cereal boxes.
This also makes it easy for product manufacturers to pass on the cost savings to their consumers and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
The materials mentioned above refer to what we commonly see as folding cartons.
For corrugated boxes, more strength is derived by adding layers of kraft paper
This is called ‘fluting’.
Read more about corrugated packaging
The Benefits of Kraft Paper
Apart from its superior strength and protection, it is 100% eco-friendly.
It degrades naturally within a few weeks, decomposing just like leaves that fall off a tree.
It leaves no impact on the environment, but no one needs to wait that long.
Kraft paper can be recycled for use in new packaging.
Being eco-friendly and having FSC-certified recycled packaging can help increase sales of your product as the world is now realizing the importance of the environment and why it must be protected.
Customization Options for Kraft Paper
Customization options for kraft paper are vast, and they can add a personal touch to your packaging while also promoting your brand.
Many printing companies offer custom kraft paper printing options, allowing you to add your branding or design to your packaging.
This can include adding your company logo, tagline, or other artwork to your kraft paper packaging. You can also choose from a range of finishes, such as matte or gloss, to give your packaging a unique look and feel.
Additionally, you can experiment with different colors and patterns to create a packaging design that reflects your brand personality.
By customizing your kraft paper packaging, you can create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers, which can help increase brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Source: PakFactory
The Environmental Impact of Kraft Paper
The environmental impact of kraft paper is an important consideration when choosing it as a packaging material.
Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, a renewable resource, which makes it more sustainable than other packaging materials.
Additionally, kraft paper is biodegradable and can be recycled, which means it has a lower impact on the environment than plastic or Styrofoam packaging.
When considering the environmental impact of kraft paper, it is also important to consider the manufacturing process.
The kraft process involves using a mixture of chemicals to break down the wood chips, which can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.
However, many kraft paper manufacturers have implemented sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing chemical waste.
Overall, kraft paper is a more environmentally friendly packaging option than many other materials available on the market today.
Sonhab Chocolate: A Quick Case Study
Sonhab Chocolate, a small-batch chocolatier, was facing a challenge to remain sustainable while creating a unified branding experience for their customers.
They wanted to ensure that their packaging aligned with their values, their commitment to sustainability, and their operational needs.
To address this issue, PakFactory recommended Kraft paper boxes as a solution.
Source: Sonhab Chocolate by PakFactory
By using Kraft paper, Sonhab Chocolate was able to create a reliable and durable package that could house their hand-crafted chocolates and allowed for an absorbent kraft paper surface for handwritten notes.
The Kraft paper paired with foil-stamped details also provided a rustic look and feel that aligned with their branding and commitment to sustainability.
By choosing Kraft paper, Sonhab Chocolate was able to create a unified branding experience while remaining true to their values and commitment to sustainability.
The use of Kraft paper not only enhanced the customer experience but also helped them to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste, making it a win-win solution for both the business and the environment.
Read more about Sonhab Chocolate’s Packaging