Kraft folding carton
18pt natural kraft board300 minimum · 10 to 12 business daysA kraft folding carton is a standard tuck-top or auto-lock carton built on natural, unbleached kraft board instead of white SBS, giving it the brown, recycled-fiber look brands reach for when they want packaging to read as simple and unbleached rather than glossy. We produce them on 18pt kraft board from 300 units, ready in about 10 to 12 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a kraft carton when the brown, unbleached look is part of your brand's visual identity, or you want packaging that visually reads as simple and closer to raw material rather than printed white board.
Choose standard white SBS instead if your design relies on bright, saturated colors or a lot of white space, since ink printed on kraft always reads a bit more muted and earthy than the same ink on white board.
Specifications
| Board | 18pt natural kraft paperboard, unbleached |
|---|---|
| Offset CMYK prints directly on kraft, colors read slightly muted against the brown base | |
| Closure | Tuck-top or auto-lock bottom, same as our SBS cartons |
| Finish | Uncoated for a natural feel, or matte aqueous coating for added durability |
| Look | Visible fiber flecks and natural color variation are part of the material, not a defect |
| Minimum | 300 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 12 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 3 x 3 x 4 in (small item) 6 x 6 x 2 in (standard) custom size to your product |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Will my logo colors look the same on kraft as they do on white board?
No, and this is worth planning for. Ink on kraft picks up a warmer, more muted cast from the brown base underneath, so a color that reads bright on white will read a bit duller on kraft. We'd suggest a proof specifically to see your actual colors on the material before committing.
Is the natural color variation across sheets something I should expect?
Yes, kraft is a natural fiber material and some sheet-to-sheet variation in tone and visible flecking is normal. It's part of the material's character rather than an inconsistency to flag as a defect.
Can I get white ink to print on top of the kraft for contrast?
Yes, white ink is available and is a common way to get crisp, legible text or graphics against the brown base without the muting effect regular CMYK ink has on kraft.
Is kraft actually more sustainable, or is that just a branding thing?
Kraft board is typically made with a higher recycled or unbleached fiber content than bright white SBS, which is genuinely a lower-processing material. We can share what we know about the specific stock but wouldn't want to overstate a sustainability claim beyond what's confirmed.
Does kraft cost more or less than your standard white board?
It's roughly comparable in cost to our standard 18pt SBS. The price difference between kraft and white board on a folding carton is usually smaller than people expect.
Can I add a matte coating to kraft for a smoother printed finish?
Yes, a matte aqueous coating over the kraft print is available if you want a slightly smoother, more durable printed surface rather than the plain uncoated finish.
Kraft carton or kraft mailer box: which should I choose?
Choose by where the box goes. The kraft carton is 18pt natural kraft paperboard, a folding carton for a shelf or for a product that ships inside another box; it starts at 300 units in 10 to 12 business days after proof. The kraft mailer box is E-flute corrugated with a tuck-in lid, built to go through a carrier on its own; it starts at 200 units in 10 to 12 business days after proof. If the box travels alone, pick the mailer. If it sits on a shelf or inside a shipper, pick the carton.
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Ready to price your kraft folding carton?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.