Let's be honest, plastic packaging has had a good run, but it's time to move on. If you're a small business owner, maker, or creative entrepreneur, you've probably noticed that customers are increasingly voting with their wallets for brands that care about the planet. The good news? Switching to brown kraft paper doesn't mean sacrificing quality or that premium look. In fact, it can actually elevate your brand.
We believe that sustainable packaging should be accessible, affordable, and genuinely better for everyone involved. That's why brown kraft paper and recycled card have become our go-to materials, and why they should be yours too. Here are seven practical ways you can ditch plastic and still look (and feel) premium.
1. Build Strength with Multi-Layer Construction
Think brown kraft paper is too flimsy for your products? Think again. Multi-layer kraft paper packaging delivers serious durability, often comparable to plastic, without any synthetic nasties.
By layering sheets of kraft paper together, you create a surprisingly robust material that can handle heavier items, sharp edges, and the general rough-and-tumble of shipping. This approach works brilliantly for everything from hardware supplies to bulk food items.
How to do it: Look for double or triple-walled kraft paper bags, or create your own layered pouches by combining sheets of different weights. For heavier products, recycled card can be used as an inner liner for added rigidity.
2. Let Your Brand Message Shine Through
Here's where things get exciting. The natural, earthy look of brown kraft paper isn't a limitation, it's actually a blank canvas that screams "we care about the environment" before your customer even reads a word.
That simple, unbleached aesthetic gives you the perfect platform to add complementary colours, stamps, stickers, or minimalist printing that really pops. A single-colour logo on brown kraft paper? That's premium. A hand-stamped "thank you" note? That's memorable. A simple twine tie with a small kraft tag? That's Instagram gold.
Pro tip: Customers associate natural kraft tones with authenticity and sustainability. By keeping your design clean and purposeful, you're not just packaging a product, you're telling a story about your values.
3. Protect Fragile Items the Old-School Way
If you're shipping pottery, jewellery, glassware, or anything delicate, crumpled kraft paper is your new best friend. It's versatile, cushioning, and completely plastic-free, no bubble wrap required.
Simply scrunch up sheets of brown kraft paper to create a protective nest inside your boxes. It absorbs shock during transit, fills empty space to prevent items shifting, and adds a lovely rustic touch when customers unbox their goodies.
4. Make Food Packaging Safe and Stylish
Got a food business? Bakery? Catering service? Kraft paper works beautifully for food and takeaway packaging, and it's completely food-safe when sourced properly.
High-quality, food-grade eco friendly paper is non-toxic and odorless, which means it won't transfer any unwanted smells or tastes to your lovingly made treats. Use it for sandwich wraps, bakery bags, deli paper, or even as grease-resistant liners.
5. Let Your Products Breathe
One thing plastic can't do? Let air circulate. But brown kraft paper? It's naturally breathable, which prevents condensation build-up and keeps organic materials fresh.
- Baked goods that benefit from air circulation
- Organic soaps and bath products
- Dried herbs, teas, and spices
- Seeds and bulbs
6. Go Big with Industrial and Bulk Packaging
Brown kraft paper isn't just for boutique brands and craft markets. It's tough enough for industrial applications, agricultural products, and bulk materials too.
Multi-wall kraft paper sacks are commonly used for flour, grains, pet food, and garden supplies. These bags can hold significant weight while remaining fully recyclable.
7. Save Money on Shipping
Brown kraft paper packaging is typically lightweight, which means lower shipping costs across your entire supply chain. Less weight = less fuel = lower delivery charges. It's a win-win.
Why Sustainability IS Premium
- ✅ High recyclability – can be reprocessed multiple times
- ✅ Biodegradability – naturally decomposes
- ✅ Renewable sourcing – made from trees that can be regrown
- ✅ Minimal impact – significantly less pollution than plastic
Ready to Make the Switch?
Ditching plastic doesn't have to be complicated. With brown kraft paper and recycled card, you get packaging that's strong, versatile, and genuinely kinder to the environment.
At The Recycled Paper Company, we help makers access quality eco-friendly materials with quick delivery and no hassle. Let's ditch the plastic together.