Packing Paper

Types of packing paper

Kraft paper rolls and sheets are the everyday workhorse. Made through a chemical pulping process that converts wood into strong, burst-resistant paper, kraft paper is robust enough to wrap and protect most products in transit. The distinctive brown colour has become a recognised mark of sustainable, plastic-free packaging. Available in rolls for continuous wrapping and sheets for individual product wrapping.

Virgin kraft paper is made entirely from virgin fibres rather than recycled content, giving it superior tear resistance and a cleaner, stronger appearance. The better choice when packaging needs to look as good as it performs — popular for premium retail despatch and branded unboxing experiences.

Imitation kraft rolls are made from recycled and sustainable materials, offering a similar appearance to kraft at a lower price point — a practical choice for high-volume operations where cost per unit matters.

Specialist packing papers cover more specific needs — including anti-tarnish paper for untreated metals and silver items, and moisture-resistant options for humidity-sensitive products. If you're wrapping items that standard kraft paper could affect, these are worth considering.

News offcut sheets are an economical option for general void fill and interleaving — particularly useful for house moves where you need large quantities of paper to wrap crockery, glassware, and other breakables without spending much.

What to use packing paper with

Packing paper rarely works in isolation on a busy packing line. A few natural combinations worth knowing about:

For fragile items, packing paper works well alongside bubble wrap — paper wraps the surface and prevents scratching while bubble wrap absorbs impact. For a fully plastic-free alternative to bubble wrap, our eco alternatives to bubble wrap range includes paper-based cushioning options that pair well with kraft paper wrapping.

For void fill, crumpled packing paper is one of the most effective and recyclable options available — used inside cardboard boxes to prevent contents shifting in transit. For a more premium void fill presentation, tissue paper or shredded paper may be more appropriate depending on your brand.

For house moves, packing paper teams well with moving boxes — news offcut sheets for general wrapping and kraft paper for anything more fragile or valuable.

To seal wrapped parcels efficiently, our packing tape and paper tape ranges cover both standard and eco-friendly sealing options.

Frequently asked questions

What is kraft paper?

Kraft paper is a strong, burst-resistant paper made through the kraft process — a method of converting wood into wood pulp via chemical pulping. The result is a thick, durable paper with a distinctive natural brown colour, widely used for wrapping, packaging, and void fill across ecommerce and industrial despatch operations.

Can packing paper be recycled?

Yes — all packing paper in our range can go straight into standard paper recycling, including kraft, imitation kraft, and news offcut sheets. Unlike most wrapping paper, packing paper is uncoated and plastic free, making it genuinely easy to recycle. Use our recycling locator to find your nearest facility.

Is kraft paper eco friendly?

Yes — kraft paper and all packing papers in our range are plastic free, recyclable, and biodegradable. Our imitation kraft rolls are made from recycled and sustainably sourced materials. For operations looking to eliminate plastic from their packaging entirely, packing paper is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to do it.

Can I get custom printed packing paper?

Yes — if you'd like your logo or brand pattern printed onto packing paper or kraft rolls, our bespoke team can help. Get in touch for a quote.