Materials We Can Count On

Kraft Paper + Recycled Kraft Paper

If there was a multipurpose, reusable material from above, this would be it. Kraft paper ranks among our favorite biodegradable material. From its naturally organic source, to the incredible strength and long life, we opt to use Kraft with all applicable products. In fact, the term Kraft was first coined by Carl F. Dahl from Germany in the 1880s, originating from the German word “strength”, and still living up to its name today. 

Often you’ll see terms like ‘Virgin Kraft Paper’, ‘Recycled Kraft’, ‘bleached’ or ‘unbleached’, these are all variations of the pulp fibers that make up what is known as a Kraft material, some of which are more eco-friendlier than others.

 

Virgin Kraft Paper

Recycled Kraft Paper

Bleached + Unbleached

Virgin Kraft Paper comes from the original source of Kraft, that is when the pulp fibers are blended and heated together with other organic materials, such as sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide. This is what gives it the superior strength and crispness. Because Virgin Kraft is inherently the strongest variation, it is often produced at a lower gsm (grams per square meter), around 70-80gsm. In addition to its natural strength, Virgin Kraft is water resistant, which makes for a perfect all-around takeaway bag.

The Recycled Kraft is derived from post-consumer material that has previously been recycled and processed in a specific way. In many respects, this is favored for its eco-friendliness and often preferred by conscious companies. The recycling process will have some effects on the pulp composition, this is why we choose high gsm, ranging from 120-150gsm. The best part about recycled Kraft paper, is knowing you can conveniently recycle it for another lifecycle! Alternatively, you can compost the material, providing healthy soil and reducing harmful toxins.

 

The natural color for Kraft Paper is a soft brown, often seen in mail packaging or paper bags. This has grown to be the preferred style of Kraft mainly for the reduced cost in comparison to Bleached paper, and for its highly recognizable organic properties. However, the bleached paper provides a beautiful plain canvas to display your business logos and attract new customers. We focus on providing unbleached Kraft Paper to small and medium customers. However, we’re happy to hook you up with the seamless white bleached Kraft Paper bags. Drop us a line to talk more

Bagasse / Sugarcane

Emerging as the number one disposable products material, Bagasse provides many solutions to growing waste and deforestation problems. Known as a ‘tree-free’ material, it is derived from sugarcane, sorghum or agave, which previously would have been considered waste. Luckily, with modern technology, we are able to create biodegradable products and even use it as a power source when burned

The incredible properties of Bagasse make it naturally biodegradable, grease and water resistant, freezer safe, microwavable, and tolerant of high temperatures. Of course, this makes it the perfect material for eco-conscious consumers and business owners! The noticeable organic materials are preferred by customers when compared to the plastic and Styrofoam counterparts, which are becoming less and less tolerated by local governments.

Paper Cups 

Paper cups are the most debated topic when it comes to compostability, this is because the majority of the cups available are made with a thin interior plastic lining to maintain the shape and moisture resistance 🙁  

Luckily, there are solutions! And some of the leading coffee brands, like Starbucks, have adopted biodegradable alternative solutions, simply because customers are growing in eco awareness. Let’s not forget that uncoated paper is indeed recyclable and compostable. Many will argue that recycling it is the most ecological option because it reduces the need for deforestation. However, when paper becomes overly used or greased, it’s better off heading to the composting facility to avoid gunking up the recycling machinery.

This brings us to the coating. To maintain a sturdy structure, remain waterproof and provide insulation, compostable paper cups must be coated with a bio coat to match their plastic counterparts. For this, we use an aqueous coating or PLA, polylactic acid, which is a corn derived bio plastic. Both are wonderfully biodegradable and provide the right amount of protection in the cup, while still being a cost effective solution.