Custom Packaging Lane (custompackaginglane.com) is a US-based packaging supplier for custom kraft boxes with a 100 unit minimum, pricing from $0.49 per unit at volume, and free design support. Kraft paper keeps a natural fiber look, while white ink, matte or gloss lamination, foil, and spot UV change how the finished box reads. Production is typically 10 to 14 business days after proof approval, plus delivery. Free US shipping applies, and a $19.99 sample kit is credited toward the first order.
Kraft boxes have been a big deal in packaging for a while now. Some people think they’re not cool because they’re brown and remind them of plain cardboard boxes used for shipping, which don’t look fancy or special. However, as this blog post will demonstrate, such assumptions couldn’t be more inaccurate.
Kraft boxes are, in fact, the top choice for numerous businesses. The demand for kraft packaging is projected to increase at a rate of 5.4% annually from 2023 to 2033. This growth is significantly higher compared to the 3.4% annual growth seen from 2018 to 2022.
The rustic aesthetic of kraft boxes serves as a key element in countless innovative branding strategies. Moreover, they’re made from 100% recycled materials, which is awesome because it helps reduce waste and protects the environment. Besides that, you can make kraft boxes look attractive because there’s a ton of room for customization.
Let’s talk more about them and how they can help make your products look stunning.
Kraft packaging is a sustainable alternative to plastic because it’s biodegradable and recyclable. Unlike plastic, which takes centuries to decompose, kraft packaging breaks down naturally over time. The process of making kraft packaging involves grinding natural wood into pulp and treating it with a mixture called white liquor, composed of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. This separates the lignin from the cellulose in the wood fibers, resulting in a strong and sturdy material.
Compared to traditional paper production methods, the kraft process uses fewer chemicals, which can be recovered and reused without compromising quality. This reduces the environmental footprint of the production process. Kraft boxes can be bleached to get a lighter color, but this process weakens the fibers and increases manufacturing costs.
Kraft paper is a sturdy, coarse brown paper made from wood pulp, renowned for its strength and durability. It’s commonly used in packaging due to its tear resistance and ability to withstand rough handling. Regular paper, on the other hand, encompasses various types like printer paper, notebook paper, and tissue paper. It’s typically thinner and more flexible, suited for writing, printing, and other everyday uses.
The key distinction lies in their composition and intended applications, with kraft paper favored for heavy-duty tasks and regular paper for lighter, day-to-day needs.
| Properties | Regular Paper | Kraft Paper |
| Material Composition | Bleached wood pulp | Unbleached wood pulp |
| Color | Available in various colors | Naturally brown |
| Strength | Weaker due to thin fibers | Stronger due to thick fibers and Kraft process |
| Resistance | Less resistant to heat, moisture, tear, and rough handling | Resistant to heat, moisture, and rough handling |
| Recyclable | Yes | Yes |
| Wood Sources | Limited wood sources | Can use any wood, including pine and bamboo |
| Carbon Footprint | High | Low |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight but sturdier, reduces shipping costs |
| Versatility | High | High |
Kraft boxes are popular for custom packaging due to several aspects.
Kraft boxes are eco-friendly packaging solutions made from recycled materials, primarily Kraft paper. They are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable, thus minimizing environmental impact. Kraft manufacturing consumes less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to plastic. Their sustainability makes them an ideal choice for eco-conscious consumers and businesses.
Kraft paper, with its uncoated and thick composition (16 to 24 points thickness), offers remarkable resistance to mishandling. Its rough texture provides added protection against scratches and chafing. Combined with an auto-lock bottom feature, it ensures secure packaging for heavier items like candle jars, mugs, and beverages. Delicate items such as jewelry and skincare products, including glass dropper bottles and small jars, are also well-protected within this durable packaging solution.
Kraft boxes accommodate various printing methods such as offset, lithography, flexography, and digital printing, each offering precise reproduction of intricate designs. Soy-based inks, renowned for eco-friendliness and vibrant hues, add to the sustainability of kraft packaging. Additionally, finishes like embossing, matte, gloss coatings, or foil stamping can increase the aesthetic appeal of packaging while preserving print quality.
Opting for kraft packaging is a wise environmental choice because it’s ecologically safe. It’s better to avoid using plastic or special coatings to speed up its decomposition. If you have cut-out windows, refrain from covering them with non-compostable materials like plastic transparent films because these can take a long time to break down in landfills and may contribute to environmental pollution.
Aside from that, kraft packaging is recyclable, enabling you to reuse old boxes for new ones, further reducing waste.
Kraft boxes are highly cost-effective – thanks to their durability, recyclability, and versatility. They demand minimal resources for manufacturing. They are light in weight, hence lower shipping expenses. Being recyclable, they reduce waste management costs. Also, their durability guarantees products remain protected, further cutting down on potential losses.
To customize Kraft boxes, you can follow these 6 steps:
Start by deciding on the design you want for your Kraft boxes. This could include the shape, size, and any specific features you desire, such as window cutouts or handles.
Since you’ve chosen Kraft boxes, you already have a natural, eco-friendly option. However, you might want to consider variations in thickness or finishes like matte or glossy.
Determine whether you want to print directly onto the boxes or use labels. Printing can offer a more professional look, while labels provide flexibility for smaller batches or changing designs.
Explore additional customization options such as embossing, foil stamping, or spot UV coating to add texture and visual interest to your boxes. You can also add QR codes, hang tags, inserts, dividers, ribbons, etc., for increased practicality.
Incorporate your branding elements, such as logo, colors, and taglines, to ensure your boxes align with your brand identity and enhance brand recognition.
Before finalizing your order, make sure that the design meets your expectations by reviewing samples and conducting quality checks.
When preparing to print on Kraft boxes, it’s essential to acknowledge the unique characteristics of the brown substrate. Achieving a design that stands out against this backdrop demands careful consideration. From color selection to design intricacies, each element plays a central role in crafting captivating and impactful packaging.
Remember the following points before printing on kraft boxes:
There are numerous styles of kraft packaging with different closure mechanisms. Each type of Kraft box offers unique features and benefits, allowing you to choose the most suitable option based on your:
These include:
These boxes have a tuck-in top closure, providing a sleek and professional appearance. Tuck-top boxes are versatile and can be used for a wide range of products, including food items, cosmetics, and gifts.
Also known as detachable lid boxes, two-piece boxes consist of a separate base and lid that fit together snugly. They offer a luxurious packaging option for high-end products and are often used for gift packaging, premium cosmetics, and gourmet food items.
These boxes have a reinforced bottom that securely locks into place when assembled. They are best for additional stability and strength. Moreover, lock bottom boxes are ideal for heavier items or products that require extra protection during transportation and storage.
Also known as auto-bottom boxes, they feature a pre-glued base that automatically pops into place when the box is assembled. This design saves time during packaging and ensures a sturdy bottom closure, making crash bottom boxes suitable for quick and efficient production lines.
Kraft holster boxes are designed with an open top and bottom, resembling a holster. They are often used for packaging products like bottles, jars, or tubes, providing a secure fit while allowing easy access to the contents.
Kraft sleeves are open-ended cylindrical or rectangular tubes that slide over another container or product. They provide additional protection and branding opportunities. They are commonly used for packaging items like candles, chocolates, or gift sets.
These boxes feature flaps on both the top and bottom that tuck into the front panel. The flaps are straight, providing a clean and simple closure. Further, straight tuck end boxes are commonly used for retail packaging of various products.
Similar to straight tuck end boxes, reverse tuck end boxes have flaps on both the top and bottom, but they tuck into the rear panel instead of the front. This design provides a secure closure and easy access to the contents. Also, reverse tuck end boxes are often used for items like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions? At Custom Packaging Lane, we specialize in crafting FSC-certified Kraft boxes to meet your exact specifications. With our expertise in customizable designs and sustainable materials, we deliver packaging that reflects your brand’s commitment to the environment. Let us create bespoke Kraft boxes that align perfectly with your vision and values.
To request a free quote, contact us now at (650) 761-6703 or email [email protected] and enjoy our special discounts and deals on bulk orders!
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Kraft paper is made by chemical pulping that keeps much of the wood fiber structure intact. That fiber structure gives kraft paperboard good tear resistance and fold strength. GSM means grams per square meter, the standard way paper weight is compared. Natural kraft is brown because the fibers retain their wood tone. Bleached kraft is lighter, so printed colors look cleaner and small type stays easier to read.
The choice is practical. Natural kraft suits a plain, fiber-forward look, but its brown base changes the color of ink. A bright blue printed on brown will look quieter than the same blue on white board. White ink under a color area creates a brighter base. Ask for that treatment when a logo needs to match a digital file closely.
Choose the board after you know the packed product weight, how the box will travel, and whether the box needs to fold flat. Paperboard works for many retail cartons. Corrugated board adds a fluted inner layer between liners, so it gives a shipping box more thickness and stacking strength.
| Board choice | Typical industry range | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Folding kraft paperboard | 250 to 400 GSM | Light retail cartons and sleeves |
| Heavier folding paperboard | 400 to 600 GSM | Stiffer presentation cartons |
| E-flute corrugated | About 1.5 mm | Fine print with added protection |
| B-flute corrugated | About 3 mm | More cushion for shipping |
These are typical industry ranges, and the actual caliper varies by mill and construction. E-flute has a tighter flute profile, which gives a flatter print surface. B-flute has deeper flutes, which gives the box more cushion. A sample folded around the real product settles the choice faster than a board label alone.
Matte lamination, gloss lamination, spot UV, and foil are common finishes for kraft boxes, and each changes how the surface handles light and ink. Uncoated kraft absorbs more ink than coated white board, so large dark areas can look softer and show more variation. Matte lamination lowers surface shine and hides some handling marks. Gloss lamination reflects more light and makes printed color look brighter. Spot UV puts a localized glossy coating over selected artwork. Foil adds a metallic film to a defined area. Finishes add steps, so place them after the structure and artwork are settled.
For a starting point, compare the construction on custom kraft cardboard boxes with the shipping format on custom kraft mailer boxes. A soap carton and a mailer face different handling conditions. The right reference is the one closest to the product, not the one with the loudest finish.
Prepare kraft packaging artwork on a dieline that matches the packed product and its closure. A dieline is the flat cutting and folding template for a box. It shows panels, glue tabs, scores, cuts, and safe areas before the artwork is placed. Send the packed product dimensions, not a guess based on a product photo. Leave clearance for an insert, but do not leave enough room for the product to rattle. A hand mockup catches that problem before the press run.
Keep type and barcodes away from score lines and glue tabs. Extend background color past every cut edge by the bleed allowance specified on the dieline. RGB artwork can shift when it is converted for press, especially in dark colors. A digital proof is the checkpoint for panel order, logo placement, ink coverage, and barcode size. We draw the dieline free and send the proof before anything prints.
The minimum order quantity is 100 units. Pricing is from $0.49 per unit at volume, quoted to the box size, board, print, and finish. Production is typically 10 to 14 business days after proof approval, plus delivery. The clock starts at proof approval, not when an inquiry form is sent. Free US shipping is included, and the $19.99 sample kit is credited toward the first order.
Send product dimensions and the intended quantity to start a quote. If you are still comparing board and finishes, compare custom packaging design support or look at custom kraft soap boxes for another structure reference.
Kraft paperboard cartons suit many retail products, while corrugated kraft boxes add a fluted layer for more cushion and stacking strength. E-flute is typically about 1.5 mm thick and prints with a flatter surface. B-flute is typically about 3 mm thick and gives more cushion. Test the folded box around the packed product before ordering.
Kraft boxes can be printed in color, but the natural brown paper base changes how ink looks. Dark or muted colors can appear softer than they do on white board. White ink under a color area creates a brighter base. A digital proof shows panel order, ink coverage, logo placement, and barcode position before printing.
Custom Packaging Lane needs the packed product dimensions and artwork, or the information needed to draw the artwork structure. A dieline is the flat cutting and folding template for a box. Free design support includes drawing the dieline, and a digital proof comes before anything prints so scores, glue tabs, bleed, and type placement can be checked.
The MOQ for custom kraft boxes is 100 units. Pricing is from $0.49 per unit at volume and is quoted to the box size, board, print, and finish. Free US shipping is included. A $19.99 sample kit is available and is credited toward the first order.
Custom kraft box production is typically 10 to 14 business days after proof approval, plus delivery. The production clock starts when the digital proof is approved, not when the quote request is sent. Custom Packaging Lane sends the proof before printing and provides free design support for the dieline.
