Kraft wrap
Kraft wrap is unbleached brown kraft paper glued over rigid board or tube stock, and the same natural kraft look runs through Tria cartons, tubes and paper bags. It prints one or two strong colors well and reads as natural and small-batch. Ink sinks into the brown fiber, so bright colors, fine gradients and spot UV are not its strengths.
Kraft wrap at a glance
| What it is | Unbleached kraft paper, natural brown |
|---|---|
| Used on | Rigid box wraps and paper tubes; kraft board on cartons, bags and tags |
| Best print | One or two solid colors; white ink and foil stand out |
| Color | Ink prints darker and duller than on white stock |
| Coatings | Matte aqueous on cartons; spot UV is not suited, uncoated kraft absorbs it |
| Pairs with | Gold or champagne foil, blind deboss, water-based ink |
| Food contact | Grease-resistant and food-contact kraft grades on specific food products, with documentation supplied with the quote |
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose kraft when the brand is built on materials rather than color: candles, soap, coffee, tea, natural food, apparel shops. A one color logo in black or a deep brand color, or a single foil mark, looks deliberate on kraft in a way it rarely does on white.
Skip it for bright, multi-color artwork or photography, because the ink dulls on brown fiber. For a rigid box that needs full color, matte art paper is the printed wrap; for a carton, use white 18pt SBS.
Read nextProducts made with kraft wrap
These are the products whose pages list kraft wrap as a material that suits them. Across these products, minimums run from 200 to 1,000 units, with lead times of 7 to 14 business days after proof approval. Each product page states its own.
Also offered in kraft wrap: kraft folding carton, suitcase box, gusset paper bag, kraft drawstring bag, paper tube with lid, push up paper tube, candle tube, pre roll and vape tube, custom tissue paper, hang tag, sticker and label sheet, thank you card, popcorn bag, rigid mailer envelope, gift tags, incense packaging.
Questions about kraft wrap
Can kraft be printed in full color?
It can, but colors print darker and duller because the ink sits on brown fiber. One or two solid colors, white ink, or a foil mark give a cleaner result.
Does spot UV work on kraft?
Not on uncoated kraft. The fiber absorbs the varnish, so the gloss contrast disappears. Use foil or a blind deboss for a highlight instead.
Is kraft packaging recyclable?
Plain kraft paper and board without film lamination is recyclable with paper. If you plan to print an environmental claim, keep it specific and check it first; our eco claims guide covers what you can back.
Is kraft cheaper than white board?
Not always. The look is the reason to choose it, not the cost. Price both on the quote if budget decides it.
Hold it before you choose
The Swatch Book is a free set of board, wrap and finish samples, so you can feel kraft wrap next to the alternatives before you decide. Name the materials you are weighing in the request. When you are ready, send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day, with a complimentary digital proof on every order.