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Kraft Shipping Paper: From Traditional to Modern Packaging
Kraft shipping paper is a versatile packaging material used for wrapping, void fill, interleaving, light cushioning, and surface protection.
Its usefulness comes from the way it can be converted and applied. A lightweight sheet used for interleaving performs a different job from crumpled kraft paper used to fill open space or a heavier paper pad used for cushioning.
The right kraft-paper solution depends on the product, the protective function, the paper weight or construction, and how the package will be handled.
What Is Kraft Shipping Paper?
Kraft paper is produced using the kraft pulping process, which creates strong paper fibers suitable for a wide range of industrial and packaging applications.
In shipping operations, kraft paper may be used for:
- Wrapping products.
- Filling open space inside cartons.
- Separating stacked products.
- Protecting surfaces from abrasion.
- Creating cushioning pads.
- Blocking light movement.
- Covering or masking products.
The term “kraft paper” describes a broad material family, so paper weight, recycled content, finish, coating, and converting method can vary considerably.
Kraft Paper for Void Fill
One of the most common uses for kraft paper is filling unused space inside a shipping carton.
Crumpled or converted paper can help:
- Reduce product movement.
- Fill gaps around products.
- Support lighter items inside the carton.
- Stabilize a packed order.
Void fill and cushioning are not the same function. Filling space can reduce movement, but a highly fragile product may still need a dedicated cushioning system to manage shock and impact.
For help deciding whether your package needs movement control, impact cushioning, surface protection or a combination of functions, use our Void Fill & Cushioning Selection Guide.
Kraft Paper for Cushioning
Paper can also be converted into pads, folds, or crumpled structures that provide more cushioning than a flat sheet.
Paper cushioning may be useful when the package needs:
- Shock absorption.
- Product support.
- Blocking and bracing.
- A thicker protective layer.
- A fiber-based alternative to another cushioning material.
Performance depends on how much paper is used, how it is converted, product weight, product fragility, and the available space inside the carton.
Kraft Paper for Wrapping and Surface Protection
Flat kraft sheets or rolls can be wrapped around products to provide a protective barrier against dust, light abrasion, and product-to-product contact.
Wrapping can be useful for:
- Finished metal parts.
- Glassware.
- Ceramics.
- Retail goods.
- Printed material.
- Products that need separation inside a carton.
If the surface is especially delicate, test the paper against the finish before standardizing the packaging method.
Kraft Paper for Interleaving
Interleaving means placing sheets between products or layers to reduce direct contact.
This can help with:
- Scratch reduction.
- Layer separation.
- Cleaner stacking.
- Protecting finished surfaces during handling.
Interleaving paper is not primarily a shock-cushioning material. Its main role is separation and surface protection.
Kraft Paper Rolls vs. Sheets
Rolls provide flexibility when packers need different lengths for different products.
Pre-cut sheets can simplify repetitive packing when the same size is used frequently.
The better format depends on the operation:
- Product size consistency.
- Packing volume.
- Available storage space.
- Dispensing equipment.
- Desired packing speed.
Paper Weight and Strength
Kraft paper is available in different basis weights and constructions.
Lighter paper can work well for:
- Wrapping.
- Interleaving.
- Light void fill.
- General surface protection.
Heavier paper may be useful when the application requires:
- Greater tear resistance.
- More structure.
- Heavier-duty wrapping.
- Converted cushioning pads.
Do not choose paper weight from product weight alone. Shape, edges, fragility, wrapping method, and protective function also matter.
Virgin Kraft vs. Recycled Kraft Paper
Kraft packaging may be made from virgin fiber, recycled fiber, or a combination depending on the product.
Recycled-content paper can be a good choice when it meets the strength, cleanliness, appearance, and performance requirements of the application.
Virgin and recycled papers can differ in:
- Fiber characteristics.
- Tear strength.
- Surface appearance.
- Consistency.
- Available grades.
The better choice depends on the packaging requirement rather than recycled content alone.
Kraft Paper vs. Air-Bubble Cushioning
Kraft paper and air-bubble cushioning can both be used in protective packaging, but they do not perform exactly the same jobs.
| Function | Kraft Paper | Air-Bubble Cushioning |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapping | Yes | Yes |
| Void fill | Common use | Can be used, depending on format |
| Surface protection | Useful for many products | Useful for many products |
| Cushioning | Depends heavily on conversion and amount used | Air cells create cushioning directly |
| Sharp-edge resistance | Depends on material construction and the product; additional protection may be required | |
Neither material is universally better. Choose according to the protective function and the packed product.
When Kraft Paper May Not Be Enough
Kraft paper is useful for many shipping applications, but another protective material may be more appropriate when:
- The product is highly shock-sensitive.
- Precise cushioning performance is required.
- The product is very heavy.
- The item has sharp edges that may tear the paper.
- Rigid blocking or bracing is needed.
- ESD-control properties are required.
- Moisture protection is a primary requirement.
In those situations, paper may still be part of the package, but foam, air-bubble cushioning, corrugated structures, edge protection, or another material may need to handle the primary protective function.
See our Types of Protective Packaging guide for a broader comparison of protective materials.
Kraft Paper and Sustainability
Fiber-based packaging can fit well into operations that are trying to increase the use of paper-based materials.
However, environmental performance depends on more than the material name.
Consider:
- Recycled content.
- Fiber source.
- Coatings or treatments.
- How much material is required.
- Local recycling acceptance.
- Whether the package prevents product damage.
Clean, uncoated kraft paper is commonly accepted in paper-recycling streams, but recycling requirements vary by local program and contamination level.
Coatings, waxes, food contamination, adhesives, or other treatments can affect recyclability, so do not assume every kraft-paper product belongs in the same recovery stream.
Specialty Kraft and Paper Products
Not every brown paper product is interchangeable.
Specialty papers may be designed for:
- Moisture resistance.
- Oil or grease resistance.
- Food-contact applications.
- Cold-temperature use.
- Masking.
- Surface protection.
If the application involves direct food contact, moisture, chemicals, or another regulated or specialized use, select paper specifically rated for that requirement rather than relying on ordinary shipping kraft.
How to Choose Kraft Shipping Paper
Before selecting a paper grade or format, ask:
- What job does the paper need to perform?
- Is it wrapping, void fill, cushioning, interleaving, or surface protection?
- How heavy and fragile is the product?
- Does the product have sharp edges?
- How much paper will be required per package?
- Would rolls or pre-cut sheets fit the packing process better?
- Are recycled content or fiber-based packaging goals important?
- Does the application require a specialty coating or food-contact grade?
The Bottom Line
Kraft shipping paper can perform several packaging functions, including wrapping, void fill, interleaving, light cushioning, and surface protection.
The key is matching the paper to the job. A lightweight wrapping sheet, a crumpled void-fill material, and a converted cushioning pad may all be made from paper, but they do not provide the same protection.
Choose by protective function, product requirements, paper construction, and packing process rather than assuming one kraft-paper grade fits every shipment.
Need Help Choosing Paper Packaging?
Packaging HERO offers kraft paper, paper cushioning, protective sheets, and other packaging materials for wrapping, void fill, cushioning, and warehouse applications.
Contact Packaging HERO if you need help selecting the right paper format for your product or packing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kraft shipping paper used for?
Kraft shipping paper can be used for wrapping, void fill, interleaving, surface protection, light cushioning, and blocking depending on the paper grade and how it is converted.
Can kraft paper be used as cushioning?
Yes. Crumpled, folded, or converted paper can provide cushioning, but performance depends on product weight and fragility, paper construction, amount used, and package design.
Is kraft paper better than air-bubble cushioning?
Neither is universally better. Kraft paper and air-bubble cushioning provide different combinations of wrapping, void fill, cushioning, and surface protection. Choose according to the product and protective function.
Is kraft shipping paper recyclable?
Clean, uncoated kraft paper is commonly accepted in paper-recycling programs, but local acceptance and the presence of coatings, waxes, adhesives, or contamination can affect recyclability.
Should I use kraft paper rolls or sheets?
Rolls provide flexibility when required lengths vary, while pre-cut sheets can simplify repetitive packing. The better option depends on product size consistency, packing volume, storage, and workflow.
