Is kraft paper always made from recycled paper?

What Is Kraft Paper?

First and foremost, Kraft paper, like most other types of writing, is manufactured from wood. The transformation of wood into wood pulp is called the "Kraft" process. This process mainly involves heating softwood chips under high pressure in a mixture of solid alkaline chemicals.

These chemicals, in particular sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, are responsible for separating the cellulose, which is valuable, from the lignin, which is not as helpful as found in wood fibres. Consider that the noodles are rigid and packed tightly together at the beginning of making instant noodles, just like wood. The noodles become pliable and start to break apart when you pour boiling water over them; a similar process is happening here but on a smaller scale.

After that, the kraft paper slurry is refined, cleansed, and shaped by passing it through enormous rollers that apply pressure.

What Is Kraft Paper Used For?

Kraft is an excellent choice when you need strong and sturdy paper because of its heavy-duty nature and high resistance to tearing. You'll find kraft being used for all kinds of stationery, including greeting cards, invitations, flyers, and pretty much any other type of stationery you can think of.

Paper made from Kraft is often more helpful than white or coloured paper, primarily because Kraft is structurally stronger. This is because it has not been bleached to a great extent, a process that makes the structure of white paper stock more fragile.

Kraft is typically more affordable and durable than other varieties of paper. The manufacturing method is, in and of itself, often more environmentally friendly than the one that is used to produce bleached white paper. The natural and earthy appearance of kraft lends it a rustic and bohemian charm that many people genuinely appreciate. Additionally, creative printing techniques may generate finished stationery on brown kraft that looks as nice as coloured or bleached white paper.

One of the most common uses for kraft paper is kraft paper bags; they are better for the environment than the traditional plastic single-use bags you see at many supermarkets. Kraft paper bags with handles also come in various colours, making them much more appealing and opening them up for other uses such as branding and marketing. Party bags for kids are often made from kraft paper, making them a great cheap and appealing option when hosting large parties. Although white paper bags and brown paper bags with handles are the most common, they are made in various colours, including black, red, purple, blue and many more. Party bags for kids are a sure way to give that extra touch on their special day.

Is Kraft Paper Recyclable?

The answer is yes; Kraft paper can be recycled as a whole. Although it is possible to create Kraft paper from paper that has been recycled one hundred per cent, the article itself must initially be made from wood. However, because this wood can be reclaimed, Kraft paper can be recycled from the beginning of the process. The procedure used to convert recycled Kraft paper into new sheets is extremely similar to the one described at the outset of this blog post; however, it is gentler and uses fewer chemicals.

As previously mentioned, kraft paper is easily made into new sheets as it is made into products such as paper bags and other simplistic forms.

In what ways are recycled paper and kraft paper distinct from one another?

After the used paper that is going to be recycled has been dumped and piled up in enormous heaps, it is sorted into the many grades and categories that it belongs to. This waste material may contain everything printed, from high-end office stationery and glossy magazine sheets to low-cost card stock, newspaper stock, and other printed items.

This waste paper material is submerged in vats of soapy water, churned and soaked before being processed to remove any undesired inks, metals, or adhesives that it may contain. After that, it is bleached white so the slurry can generate a bright white paper. Because the bleach degrades the paper fibres and makes them more fragile, this is the primary distinction between the two processes. Because of this, the paper is white, whereas the kraft paper is brown. 

The resulting slurry is sent through a succession of big heated rollers, where it is dried, stretched, and flattened. This process transforms the pulp into a paper that can be used and is manufactured from recycled paper.

Utilising Both Kraft and Recycled Paper to Its Full Potential

When combined with the appropriate printing methods, papers made from kraft and recycled materials have a lower impact on the environment throughout the manufacturing process and generate exceptional stationery products. Kraft works particularly well as a complement to designs and text that are solid black or vivid black, resulting in exceptionally crisp finished results.

Even though it may not provide the same amount of contrast as traditional black ink on white paper, printing on kraft paper provides you with something that has an entirely other personality: printed goods that feel natural, raw, and authentic.

Concerning recycled paper, its appearance is typically identical to that of conventional uncoated paper stock, albeit with a few slight defects contributing to the paper's unique allure. If you are interested in becoming more environmentally responsible, using recycled paper for your flyers or business cards is an excellent method to maintain the same print quality while also contributing to the prevention of deforestation. Read more to understand why you should switch to paper bags for sustainability.

Conclusion

While both Kraft paper and recycled paper offer eco-friendly options, they differ in key ways. Kraft paper is produced directly from the wood pulp through the Kraft process, resulting in a strong, durable material that retains its natural brown colour due to minimal bleaching. That is why brown kraft bags often have a rustic and earthy aesthetic, making them ideal for heavy-duty uses like packaging and stationery. In contrast, recycled paper is made from repurposed paper products that go through additional processes like bleaching, which weakens the fibres and makes the paper more fragile.

Kraft paper stands out for its strength and organic appeal, while recycled paper is valued for its sustainability and wide variety of uses. Both have their unique advantages, but Kraft paper’s sturdiness and natural charm make it a versatile and environmentally responsible choice. Shop the kraft paper bags at Mr Bags for the best value and at affordable prices!