When choosing packaging materials, it is important to take into account their performance characteristics and key features, which determine strength, durability and appearance. And craft cardboard has deservedly become one of the popular solutions. What is this? A special variety that is made from wood cellulose, which ensures its environmental friendliness and practicality. Due to the special properties and association with natural, safe ingredients, packaging made from recycled materials is actively used for cosmetics, food, children's products and many other product categories. And having entrusted its production to ATTOLIS – the customer can be confident in the result.
What is kraft cardboard
This material is associated with exclusive, expensive, sophisticated products. But at the same time it is a highly durable material that can withstand heavy use. Biodegradable packaging is made from long fibers of wood pulp. This structure ensures its reliability and resistance to any external influences. Kraft cardboard packaging can be used in various fields due to the following advantages:
- practicality – this characteristic makes it an excellent choice for long-term storage or transportation of goods;
- environmentally friendly – cardboard boxes are highly recyclable, which ensures the rational use of natural resources and reduces harm to the environment;
- versatility – Eco-friendly solutions are suitable for most product categories, including jewelry, all kinds of accessories and other industries.
For the customer, such a choice becomes a profitable investment in the development of his own brand, as well as the struggle for product recognition and its promotion on the market. An effective presentation attracts customers' attention while increasing their loyalty, which will ensure stable demand.
Difference between kraft cardboard and regular cardboard
We can highlight several key parameters due to which this material outperforms its analogues:
- composition and structure – special raw materials and production technology ensured the necessary strength and resistance of the finished product to tears and mechanical damage;
- environmentally friendly – Kraft decomposes faster than regular cardboard, so it is popular among brands that focus on sustainable development;
- aesthetics and style – the combination of naturalness and minimalism looks amazing, making eco-packaging for cosmetics look prestigious, fully in line with current fashion trends.
And this is just a basic list of reasons why you should choose craft cardboard. What is the price difference between it and regular material? Despite all the advantages, this option is quite affordable and affordable, so ordering packaging containers will not require significant financial costs.
Brown or White Kraft Paperboard: Which One Should You Choose?
Many customers are unaware that kraft paperboard is available not only in brown but also in white. The comparison below will help you choose the option that best matches your brand positioning.
| Parameter | Brown (Natural) Kraft Paperboard | White Kraft Paperboard |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural brown wood-like shade with a textured surface. | Clean white color with a subtle natural texture and a matte finish. |
| Brand Image | Eco-friendliness, handcrafted products, farm goods, hand-made items, and organic brands. | Elegance, cleanliness, pharmaceutical cosmetics, and minimalist premium branding. |
| Printing Characteristics | Colors appear darker; a white underprint is recommended for vibrant graphics. | Excellent color reproduction without distortion, even for light and pastel shades. |
| Typical Applications | Fast food, coffee, natural soap, clothing and footwear packaging. | Premium cosmetics, perfumes, children's products, and confectionery packaging. |
Both types of kraft paperboard offer unique advantages, but each requires a specific approach during the packaging design stage.
Key Considerations When Printing on Kraft
Because kraft paperboard has a distinctive fibrous texture that readily absorbs ink, conventional printing methods behave differently than on coated paperboard. To ensure the finished packaging looks attractive and premium, ATTOLIS designers and production specialists recommend considering the following factors:
Using a White Underprint (Opaque White Ink)
Natural brown kraft absorbs bright inks, making colors appear darker and less vibrant. If accurate brand colors or vivid graphics are required, a layer of opaque white ink is applied first, followed by the color artwork.
Elegant Minimalism (One or Two Colors)
Kraft paperboard has a distinctive appearance on its own. Minimalist graphics printed in black, dark blue, or dark green create the strongest visual impact. This approach emphasizes the eco-friendly character of the packaging while also reducing printing costs.
Screen Printing for Rich, Vibrant Colors
When a design includes large solid areas or bold typography, screen printing is the preferred solution. This process applies a thicker ink layer that remains on the surface instead of being absorbed into the paperboard, resulting in richer colors.
Foil Stamping for Strong Visual Contrast
Combining the matte, textured surface of kraft paperboard with glossy metallic foil stamping in gold, silver, or copper creates a striking premium appearance. This technique is especially popular among organic and premium lifestyle brands thanks to its unique visual and tactile contrast.
Blind Embossing (Emboss/Deboss)
Embossing or debossing a logo without using ink gives heavy kraft paperboard a refined, sophisticated look while creating an elegant three-dimensional effect.
Understanding these printing characteristics helps prevent unexpected results in the finished production run. That is why ATTOLIS designers always adapt customer artwork to the specific properties of kraft paperboard.
Order a package from ATTOLIS
| Appearance | Manufacturing Material | Scope of Application |
|---|---|---|
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| Self-assembling boxes | cardboard, corrugated fiberboard, designer cardboard 200 mg (brand: T-22 E-wave) | packaging for food products; boxes for confectionery; children's goods packaging; for small appliances |
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| Lid bottom | laminated cardboard, laminated corrugated cardboard, binding cardboard, micro-corrugated cardboard brands: T-22, T-24 (E-wave) | perfume packaging; boxes for jewelry; confectionery; gift products; bed linen |
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| Penal boxes | thin or thick cardboard (craft, plain, colored, or printed), cellulose cardboard (brand: T-22 cardboard density 275 g/sq. m.) | packaging for gift products; confectionery; children's goods |
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| Pillow boxes | Cardboard, brown kraft-catron (cardboard of 250 g/sq. m.) | sock packaging; jewelry or ornaments |
Varieties of kraft cardboard
The material is used as one of the layers of corrugated cardboard – its outer, smooth part. But it is also in demand in its own version:
- two-layer series with coating;
- packaging materials of various densities (entirely based on cellulose fibers without the addition of recycled materials).
All kinds of drawings or images can be applied to the surface of the finished box, which will be the final touch in the design. And if you need really practical and durable paper packaging, you should choose kraft cardboard. ATTOLIS managers will tell you in detail what is special about this material, and they will offer current design options in accordance with the product characteristics.