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Kraft Paper: Wrap and Fill for Shipping
Kraft paper is the brown paper used to wrap items and fill boxes. It's cheap, renewable, fully recyclable, and works as both primary wrap and void fill. Increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap and plastic.
Types of Kraft Paper
Kraft roll (flat)
Rolls of brown kraft paper, standard thicknesses from 30-50 lb.
Best for: Wrapping items and void fill
Kraft void-fill paper
Pre-crumpled or machine-crumpled for loose fill.
Best for: Quick box filling
Recycled kraft
Made from recycled content, typically darker brown.
Best for: Eco-focused brands
Kraft mailer inserts
Pre-cut paper designed to cushion specific item types.
Best for: Standardized DTC shipments
Practical Tips
- •30 lb weight is standard for wrapping; 50 lb for heavy-duty
- •Crumple kraft to create void fill — the crumples absorb impact like peanuts
- •Amazon Basics and Uline have the best bulk kraft pricing
- •Kraft is curbside-recyclable with regular paper — big sustainability win
- •Mix kraft with reinforced paper tape for 100% recyclable shipments
Frequently asked questions
Is kraft paper as protective as bubble wrap?
Not quite — bubble wrap absorbs more impact. But kraft is sufficient for non-fragile items and significantly better for the environment.
Can I recycle kraft paper?
Yes — kraft paper is fully curbside-recyclable with regular paper recycling programs.
Where can I buy kraft paper in bulk?
Uline, Amazon Business, and Paper Mart offer bulk kraft rolls. 30 lb weight in 1,000+ ft rolls is most cost-effective.
Kraft vs tissue paper?
Kraft is tougher and suitable for shipping. Tissue is thinner and decorative — use both for premium unboxing with kraft as the protective layer and tissue as the presentation wrap.
Kraft paper vs bubble wrap for void fill — which is better?
Depends on the goods. Crumpled kraft paper is recyclable, curbside-friendly, and great for void fill and wrapping non-fragile items; bubble wrap cushions shock better for fragile goods but is a plastic-film disposal problem. Many sellers use kraft for void fill and reserve bubble for the fragile item itself — best of both.
What weight (basis weight) of kraft paper should I buy?
Lighter (30-50 lb) for wrapping and light void fill; heavier (60-70 lb) for reinforcement, wrapping heavier items, or when you want the paper to hold a crumple. Rolls sold for shipping usually indicate the use; if you're buying one weight, a mid-range basis weight covers the most tasks.
Is kraft paper strong enough to ship without a box?
For flat, durable, non-fragile items sometimes — heavy kraft or a padded kraft mailer can survive the network for books, apparel, and similar. But loose kraft paper is a wrap-and-void material, not a shipping container; it needs a box or mailer around it for anything the carrier will toss, stack, and conveyor.
Recycled vs virgin kraft — does it matter?
For most shipping uses, no functional difference — recycled kraft is standard and marketing-positive. Virgin kraft is marginally stronger and cleaner-looking for premium unboxing. If sustainability is part of your brand, recycled kraft is the obvious pick and buyers notice the choice.
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