Table of Contents
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 30/2026
Quick summary:
- What kraft paper is: a virgin paper with outstanding mechanical strength, toughness and load resistance, made from chemical pulp via the Kraft process. Its natural golden-brown color makes it an economical, eco-friendly choice.
- Key traits: high tear and tensile strength, fully recyclable. In dunnage bags, kraft paper forms the multi-ply outer shell that resists compression and friction.
- Grammage (GSM): a wide range from 50 to 450 gsm. Grammage governs strength, stiffness and the AAR level of a dunnage bag.
- Main uses: kraft packaging (zip and stand-up pouches), kraft boxes, and the load-bearing outer shell of Level 1-4 kraft dunnage bags for container shipping.
What is kraft paper? Process, properties and why it is strong
Kraft paper is a paper made from chemical pulp processed through the Kraft process - the dominant pulping method worldwide, known for retaining almost all of wood’s long, strong cellulose fibers. That fiber retention is exactly what gives kraft its strength.
The Kraft process and its strength advantage
The Kraft process uses chemicals (sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide) to separate lignin from cellulose. Unlike other paper-making processes, it bleaches the pulp less, which:
- Preserves cellulose fibers: fibers keep their full length and are not destroyed, giving the finished paper high mechanical strength - especially tear and tensile resistance.
- Gives a natural color: the characteristic golden-brown comes from minimal bleaching, producing a rustic, eco-friendly look.
Core packaging traits
Kraft paper withstands strong forces and mild moisture, ideal for packaging that must carry load and protect goods. It is also tough and flexible - easy to shape, fold and roll - so it forms everything from consumer packaging to industrial dunnage.
Key technical metrics of kraft paper
Grammage (GSM)
Grammage is the single index that decides thickness, stiffness and, above all, load resistance. See our detailed kraft paper grammage (GSM) guide. Common ranges and uses:
| Grammage | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 50-80 gsm | Wrapping, lining, kraft labels and decals |
| 90-150 gsm | Kraft liner (carton facing), standard kraft zip pouches |
| 170-450 gsm | Multi-ply outer shell of dunnage bags and high-strength cartons |
Strength, tear resistance and the AAR standard for dunnage bags
In dunnage-bag manufacturing, kraft strength is measured against strict standards such as AAR. From ICD Viet Nam’s experience:
- Multi-ply kraft structure: to reach Level 1 (AAR), the bag’s outer shell is not a single sheet but a multi-ply structure - typically 2 to 6 plies of high-grammage kraft pressed together. This maximizes absorption of dynamic compression (vibration, hard braking) without tearing.
- Real load figures: ICD Level 1 kraft dunnage bags withstand compression up to 15,000 lbs (nearly 7 tonnes) when inflated at a working pressure below 2.9 PSI (under 0.2 bar). A burst pressure of 9.1 PSI proves the multi-ply structure’s strength.
- Role of grammage and plies: grammage and ply count decide the AAR level. A higher level (e.g., Level 3) uses more plies or higher-grammage kraft to absorb greater impact.
Types and applications of kraft paper
Kraft paper is surface-treated to suit different environments and functions. See the full breakdown of kraft paper types.
Kraft liner
Kraft liner is a high surface-quality kraft used as the top or bottom facing of corrugated cardboard. It significantly raises a carton’s stiffness and stacking strength.
PE-coated kraft
PE-coated kraft is kraft paper covered with a thin polyethylene layer. From ICD’s experience:
- Total moisture barrier in logistics: in ocean container shipping, condensation and high humidity are major risks. The PE layer acts as a complete waterproof, moisture-proof barrier, stopping the kraft from softening and losing strength - a mandatory standard for dunnage bags used in export.
- Food packaging: the PE coating is ideal for kraft zip pouches and kraft food boxes that need a grease and moisture barrier to keep contents fresh.
Kraft packaging (bags and boxes)
Kraft products are popular for being economical and meeting the demand for eco-friendly packaging: shopping bags, food bags (zip or stand-up pouches), and kraft cartons and gift boxes.
Kraft dunnage bag specifications
In logistics, the kraft dunnage bag is the standard solution for bracing and securing loads inside a container.
| Spec | Detail (per ICD Viet Nam) |
|---|---|
| Outer shell | Multi-ply kraft (2-6 plies), PE-coated |
| Inner air-holding layer | PA/PE film - guarantees airtight sealing |
| Load rating | Level 1 (common), Level 2-4 (optional by load) |
| Max compression | 15,000 lbs (~6.8 tonnes) for Level 1 |
| Working pressure | Under 2.9 PSI (below 0.2 bar) |
| Color | Natural golden-brown |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is kraft paper stronger than ordinary paper?
The Kraft process keeps cellulose fibers long and intact and bleaches less, so the finished paper has far higher tear and tensile strength than bleached or recycled paper.
What grammage should a dunnage-bag outer shell use?
High-grammage kraft in the 170-450 gsm range, layered 2-6 plies, to reach the required AAR level and withstand dynamic compression in transit.
Is kraft paper recyclable?
Yes. Kraft is fully recyclable and biodegradable, which is a major reason it is favored for sustainable packaging.
What does the PE coating do?
It forms a complete waterproof, moisture-proof barrier - essential for sea-freight dunnage bags and for food packaging that needs a grease and moisture barrier.
Contact ICD Viet Nam
For kraft dunnage bags and packaging advice, contact our team for specifications and a quote.
- Northern Vietnam: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
- Southern Vietnam: 098 6784 186
- Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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