Materials · 6 min read · April 2026
Brand Owner's Guide to Recycled Kraft Paper
Why recycled kraft has become the default for sustainable premium packaging — fibre sources, barrier options, print quality and what to ask suppliers.
Recycled kraft is everywhere — for good reason. It carries a distinctive natural look, recycles cleanly, and pairs with bio-barrier coatings that rival plastic laminates. But not all kraft is created equal.
Where the fibre comes from
Premium recycled kraft uses post-consumer waste (PCW) fibre blended with virgin FSC-certified pulp for strength. Ask suppliers for the exact PCR percentage — anything below 30% offers limited environmental upside.
Mill location matters. EU and Nordic mills generally run on renewable electricity and closed-loop water systems; price differences usually reflect this.
Adding barrier without losing recyclability
Modern dispersion coatings (water-based) and bio-PE liners deliver moisture and oxygen barriers while keeping the pack repulpable in standard paper streams.
Avoid PE-laminated kraft if you want to keep curbside paper recycling claims — switch to compostable PLA or aluminium-free metallised paper instead.
Printing on kraft
Kraft absorbs ink — colours print 15–25% darker than on white stock. Build artwork on a kraft-tone proof and prefer 1–2 spot colours for clean, premium results.
White ink underlays unlock photographic imagery, but they add cost. Many premium brands lean into kraft's natural tone with deboss, foil or single-colour silkscreen.