Custom Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is a strong, tear-resistant paper made from softwood fibers through the kraft (sulfate) pulping process, invented by German chemist Carl F. Dahl in 1879. That process retains longer wood fibers than mechanical pulping, which is why kraft has high tensile and burst strength and a natural brown color. Packaging Vista prints custom kraft paper in grades from lightweight 30 gsm wrap up to 90 gsm liner stock, in sheets or rolls, natural brown or bleached white, with full-color CMYK plus Pantone spot matching. All food-line kraft is food-contact-safe under FDA 21 CFR 176.170 and printed with soy-based, low-migration inks. 100-unit minimum, no die or plate fees, and free US shipping in 8-10 business days.
Key takeaways
- Sustainable by default: recyclable, often compostable kraft and food-line papers printed with soy-based, low-migration inks.
- Sheets or rolls: any grade and size, from light wrapping kraft to heavy liner stock, cut to your spec.
- Low barrier: no die or plate fees, a 100-unit minimum, free design, and an 8–10 day turnaround.
- Go deeper: read our custom printed papers guide.
- Get started: request a free quote with your paper type, size, and finish.
Key takeaways
- Strong by design: the kraft process retains long softwood fibers, giving 40-60% more tear strength than mechanical pulp paper.
- Grades from 30-90 gsm: light wrap, medium bag stock, heavy liner and void fill.
- Food-contact-safe: compliant with FDA 21 CFR 176.170, printed with soy-based inks.
- Sheets or rolls: cut to your line spec, natural brown or bleached white.
- Order: 100-unit MOQ, no die fees, 8-10 day turnaround, free US shipping.
What is kraft paper?
Kraft paper is a coarse, high-tear-strength paper made from wood pulp produced by the kraft sulfate process. "Kraft" comes from the German word for strength. It ships in two main colors:
- Natural (unbleached) kraft - the signature brown color, made from raw pulp with the lignin partially retained. Strongest and most economical.
- Bleached kraft (white) - the pulp is bleached to a bright white finish, useful when a lighter base makes printed color pop.
Both variants are curbside recyclable and, in food-grade forms, home compostable.
Kraft paper weights (GSM guide)
| Weight | Feel | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 30-40 gsm | Tissue-like wrap | Retail gift wrap, apparel wrap, floral |
| 50-60 gsm | Standard wrap | Bakery, deli wrap, sandwich wrap |
| 70-90 gsm | Heavy, structural | Bag stock, box liners, void fill |
| 100+ gsm | Board-like | Envelopes, tags, hangtags |
Sheets vs. rolls
Order kraft paper the way your line runs it:
- Flat sheets - pre-cut to your wrap size (12 x 12 in for sandwiches, 15 x 15 in for burgers, 24 x 36 in for gift wrap). Easiest for hand wrapping.
- Rolls - wound on 1 in or 3 in cores in widths from 12 in up to 48 in. Feeds tabletop dispensers, sheeters, and automatic wrapping equipment.
Printing options
- Full-color CMYK flexography or offset for photo-realistic art.
- Pantone (PMS) spot colors for exact brand-color reproduction across reorders.
- Single-color logo prints - the most economical branded option.
- Edge-to-edge repeating patterns for gift and retail wrap.
- Food-contact-safe soy-based, low-migration inks compliant with US FDA 21 CFR 176.170.
- Free digital proof before every print run.
Popular uses for custom kraft paper
- Branded liners for baskets, trays, and gift boxes
- Bakery, deli, butcher, and grocery wrap
- Retail gift wrap and product wrap
- Void fill and protective wrap for ecommerce shipments
- Interleaving sheets between stacked products (apparel, printed goods)
- Hangtags, envelopes, and mailer inserts
Kraft paper vs. other food-line papers
Kraft is not always the right pick. Quick comparison to help you choose:
- Kraft vs. butcher paper - butcher is treated for wet-strength and freezer use; kraft is stronger and dry.
- Kraft vs. parchment - parchment is silicone-coated for heat and non-stick baking; kraft is not oven-safe.
- Kraft vs. greaseproof - greaseproof resists oil migration; kraft is not grease-resistant on its own.
- Kraft vs. tissue - tissue is lighter and softer for gifting; kraft is stronger and more structural.
Industries we serve
Restaurants, bakeries, butchers, delis, grocery and specialty food, apparel, cosmetics, subscription-box brands, florists, and ecommerce fulfillment centers.
Explore our full range of custom papers
Kraft is one of ten custom papers we print. Match your product to the right stock below.
| Paper | Best for |
|---|---|
| Butcher paper | Meat counters, deli wrap, and freezer protection. |
| Parchment paper | Baking, pan liners, and heat-resistant food prep. |
| Deli paper | Sandwiches, baskets, and grab-and-go items. |
| Wax paper | Moisture-resistant wrapping for food. |
| Greaseproof paper | Oily and fried foods that need a grease barrier. |
| Tissue paper | Retail and gift wrap that elevates the unboxing. |
| Wrapping paper | Branded gift and product wrap. |
| Sandwich wrap paper | Foodservice sandwich and wrap packaging. |
| Soap wrapping paper | Artisan soap and bath product wraps. |
Pricing, minimums, and turnaround
Packaging Vista prints custom kraft paper with no die, plate, or setup fees, a low 100-unit minimum, free design support, and a fast 8-10 business day turnaround. Per-unit cost drops as quantity rises, and every order includes a free digital proof and free US shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kraft paper made of?
Kraft paper is made from softwood pulp produced by the kraft (sulfate) chemical pulping process. That process keeps long, intact wood fibers, which is why kraft has significantly higher tear and burst strength than mechanically pulped papers of the same weight.
Is custom kraft paper food safe?
Yes. Our food-line kraft paper is food-contact-safe under FDA 21 CFR 176.170 and printed with soy-based, low-migration inks suitable for direct contact with most foods.
What GSM weights do you offer?
Common weights range from light 30-40 gsm wrap and tissue-kraft, through 50-60 gsm standard wrap, up to 70-90 gsm heavy liner and bag stock. Heavier grades over 100 gsm are available for envelopes, tags, and hangtags.
Can I get kraft paper in rolls and sheets?
Both. We supply custom kraft paper as continuous rolls (typically wound on 1 in or 3 in cores, in widths from 12 in to 48 in) or as pre-cut flat sheets sized to your equipment and product wrap.
What is the difference between natural and bleached kraft?
Natural (unbleached) kraft is the classic brown color, strongest and most economical. Bleached kraft is chemically brightened to a clean white finish and is preferred when a lighter base makes printed color stand out.
What is the minimum order for printed kraft paper?
The minimum is just 100 units, with no die, plate, or setup fees, so a small brand can order a branded batch without committing to overseas-scale quantities.
How long does production take?
Most custom kraft paper orders ship in 8-10 business days after artwork approval, with rush available. US shipping is free.
Can you print custom papers other than kraft?
Yes. Alongside kraft we print custom butcher, parchment, deli, wax, greaseproof, tissue, wrapping, sandwich wrap, and soap wrapping paper. Tell us your product and we recommend the right stock and weight.
Can you match my brand Pantone color on printed paper?
Yes. We print full-color CMYK and Pantone (PMS) spot colors, so your logo and brand color stay consistent across sheets, rolls, and every reorder.
Is kraft paper recyclable and compostable?
Yes. Uncoated kraft paper is curbside recyclable, and food-line kraft printed with soy inks is home-compostable in most municipalities. It is one of the lowest-impact food-contact packaging options available.
Ready to brand your custom kraft paper? Get a free quote and our team helps you pick the right stock, size, and finish. Learn why brands choose us or contact our team.
Resources & tools
Free tools and trusted references to help you size, spec, and choose the right custom kraft paper before you order.
Free tools & guides
- Packaging materials – compare SBS, kraft, corrugated, and rigid stocks.
- Food & beverage packaging hub – compare every food-grade box style we make.
- Box Size & Dimensional Weight Calculator – size your box and see the billable weight UPS, FedEx, and USPS charge.
Trusted references
- FDA — Packaging & Food Contact Substances – the federal rules on materials that touch food.
- FDA — Food Labeling & Nutrition – the federal rules for food product labels and nutrition facts.
- USDA — Food Safety & Inspection Service – federal food-safety guidance for meat, poultry, and processed foods.
- How2Recycle – the standardized on-pack recycling label for paperboard and kraft packaging.
