Corrugated Boxes: It All Starts With Paper

There are two main types of paper used for corrugated boxes – kraft and test.

Typically test paper is used for the inner liner and kraft paper for the outer liner of the box.

Kraft paper is more expensive than test paper, but is higher quality.

Kraft paper is made from softwood trees, such as Pine, Spruce, and Fir, and consists of 70-80% virgin chemical pulp fiber. It comes in several different versions, such as brown, white, mottled, fully bleached, and birch faced.

Kraft paper also has a smoother finish, which makes for better printability. It’s also more water-resistant, which affords added protection to the goods inside. And because of its higher tear and burst resistance, it’s stronger than test paper. Most of our kraft Paper are imported from New Zealand, which source of origin can be traced.

Recycled Kraft paper are common in nowadays, more environmentally-friendly than natural or virgin Kraft, This paper is available at a Lower price per pound. Recycled Kraft provides less tear and bursting strength and will break down more easily when exposed to friction or moisture, when compared to natural Kraft paper. It Is a more economical choice for outer liner of the box.

Test liners are usually made from hardwood trees that have short fibers, such as Oak, Sycamore, Birch or Chestnut, or recycled paper. Test paper is less expensive than kraft, but it’s less durable and harder to print on. That’s why test paper is often relegated to the inside of boxes, so it’s not as visible.

Contents are credit to refine packaging in the US.