What is Kraft Paper?

Deriving its name from the German word for strong, kraft paper is a sturdy machine-made paper that is created using wood pulp. The finished product can be used in a number of different applications, ranging from wrapping meat at the butcher shop to paper grocery bags.

Using a process that involves pulverizing the wood pulp and blending the material into large sheets of strong brown wood filament, kraft paper is an expensive option when it comes to paper products. While the natural paper is brown in appearance, it is possible to bleach the product and create a range of shades between the natural brown and pure white. The method used to make it, called the kraft process, includes the use of sulfate in the conditioning of the wood pulp, which also helps to add to the overall strength of the finished paper.