Kraft paper is a strong, machine-produced paper made from wood pulp. It can be bleached to create a range of colors and is used for various purposes, including meat packaging, paper bags, crafts, book spines, and electrical insulation.
Deriving its name from the German word for strong, kraft paper is a sturdy machine-produced paper that is created using wood pulp. The finished product can be used in a number of different applications, ranging from meat packaging in the butcher shop to paper shopping bags.
Using a process that involves pulverizing wood pulp and blending the material into large sheets of sturdy brown wood filament, kraft paper is an expensive option when it comes to paper products. While natural paper has a brown appearance, it is possible to bleach the product and create a range of shades between natural brown and pure white. The method used to make it, called the kraft process, includes the use of sulfate in conditioning the pulp, which also helps increase the overall strength of the finished paper.
Kraft paper can be used for many different purposes. One of the more common uses of plain brown paper is in making paper bags for use in grocery stores. Their solid construction makes the bags ideal for use with all types of food products. While many grocery stores have switched to using plastic bags, many supermarket chains continue to offer customers the option of receiving their purchases in paper bags.
Butcher shops often use bleached kraft paper as a wrapper for fresh cuts of meat. For many years, consumers would put paper-sealed meats in the freezer if the intent was to prepare the meat over the next few days. While many supermarket meat counters now use plastic trays and plastic wrap with their meats, many grocery stores and independent butchers still use the familiar white paper.
Kraft paper is also sometimes used for home crafts. A section of it is an ideal medium for creating homemade costumes for Halloween or a fancy dress party. Kids can draw on bleached or unbleached paper without worrying too much about markers spilling off tabletops. People who want to be more natural and creative with their wrapping paper may choose to use this paper to wrap gifts, often embellishing it with other natural elements or using markers or stencils to create a unique design.
Other industries also use kraft paper. In the publishing industry, it is often used as a spine lining for the inside cover of hardcover books. In the world of electronics, paper is often used as an insulator on electrical components, providing a robust yet cost-effective means of protecting the material. Envelopes for both mail and interoffice communications are often made with it, due to the relative thickness and sturdy nature of the paper.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
