A Brief Guide on Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is an excellent material with high flexibility and tear-resistance, which is mainly used for packaging products. It is available everywhere, and we must have used it several times without even realizing it. You have come across grocery bags, paper towels or cardboard boxes, etc., in your routine, which are all Kraft-crafted things.

 

We shall shed some light on Kraft, how it is made, and its pros and cons. Read the following to apprise yourself with Kraft knowledge: 

 

The Kraft Paper

 

A German named Carl F. Dahl was behind this useful invention. He experimented with a new process to produce paper. This process created a robust brown-colored piece, which is visible everywhere now. He called it Kraft because “Kraft” is the German version of “strong.” 

 

It is a powerful paper without even adding thick layers. It is obtained by chemically separating the main two elements, cellulose and lignin, of wood. Cellulose is a component that is used to make effective paper, whereas lignin is brittle and has to be separated. 

 

Production Process

 

It is prepared in the same way as a standard paper except for one condition. Wood is generally crushed into pulp to make a paper with the same. However, Dahl cooked the wood chips in a solution of sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide to make a substance, which he named white liquor. Through this method, both main components were separated at the molecular level. 

 

He remained with a rigid pulp at the bottom of the container and an unpleasant black liquor. It achieves this color by intaking all types of semi-decomposed lignin. The remaining pulp of cellulose is then filtered to remove any wood chunks before washing it. Thus, the Kraft paper is made through this process. 

 

Advantages of Kraft Paper

 

Kraft is recognized for its durability and strength. It can perform in every condition despite its dull appearance or sometimes too-thick use. You can find several papers stronger than it, but it will also cost higher. For instance, graphene is the strongest paper globally, but it is ridiculously expensive, which makes it useless. 

 

Kraft packaging is a popular choice because of its affordability and eco-friendliness. It can be recycled and come with great biodegradability. Despite the use of chemicals in its production, Kraft has a very minimal effect on the environment. It is the most nature-friendly option you can avail currently. 

Disadvantages of Kraft Paper

 

Everything has its strengths and weaknesses. Kraft paper might have good quality and firmness, but it is not consistent with it. It entirely relies on the wood and can end up with a little bit of variation. Moreover, it also depends on the abilities with which the process is performed.  

 

Furthermore, it is pertinent to remember that there could be wrong production chances during bulk processes. It is natural as the risk of problems grows with the production scale. A single person invented it in a small room, so there could be problems expanding it to the industrial stage. 

 

Its dull appearance is another con that does not fascinate the eyes. You can get bleached Kraft paper, which is white, but about 15 percent weaker than standard Kraft. 

 

Conclusion

 

It has managed to stay in the game for a very long time due to its strength and durability, and it is prevalent in today’s time. It is easy to produce and offer protection to the ecosystem. If you are looking for inexpensive and versatile paper for packaging, opt for Kraft paper without any second thought. However, it will not be good if you are looking for something artistic. Make your choice according to your requirements.