Where Is Kraft Paper Used: Common Locations and Supply Chain Points

Asking "where is kraft paper used?" opens a surprisingly broad list of locations. Kraft paper’s combination of strength, low cost, and versatility makes it suitable for many environments. Below is a friendly tour of typical places you’ll find kraft paper and why it’s used there.

Warehouses and distribution centers

Kraft paper is a staple in warehousing. It’s used for pallet wrap, interleaving between layers of product, surface protection during handling, and lightweight void fill to prevent movement during shipping. Distribution centers favor kraft for its low cost and quick deployability on packing lines.

Manufacturing plants

Manufacturers use kraft paper for wrapping finished goods, protecting surfaces during assembly, and creating sacrificial layers between parts. Heavy-gauge kraft offers abrasion resistance for metal parts, timber, and furniture during storage and transit.

Retail and e-commerce

Retailers use kraft for shopping bags, product wrappers, and branded packaging. E-commerce sellers use kraft mailers, kraft-based padded envelopes, and kraft void fill to secure items in transit. Brands that emphasize sustainability often select kraft to enhance their packaging story.

Food businesses

Butchers, bakeries, delis, and food trucks frequently use coated or grease-resistant kraft paper for wrapping food purchases. It’s breathable yet protective, and certain grades are specifically treated to meet food-contact requirements.

Construction and renovation sites

On job sites, kraft paper acts as temporary floor protection, masking, and surface covering to catch paint drips and dust. Contractors lay rolls of kraft down in high-traffic areas to protect flooring and finishes during remodels.

Art studios, schools, and offices

Art rooms and classrooms use kraft rolls for drawing, painting, and craft projects because it’s inexpensive and easy to tear to size. Offices may use kraft for mailroom wrapping and internal packing during moves.

Gardens and nurseries

Gardeners employ kraft as biodegradable weed suppression, pot liners, and seedling covers. Its ability to break down over time makes it practical for temporary ground coverage that won’t leave long-lasting plastic waste.

Logistics and transportation

Carriers and freight companies use kraft for cushioning and wrapping to reduce transit damage. In LTL and parcel shipments, kraft is used when lightweight, low-cost protection is sufficient. For heavier or moisture-sensitive cargo, kraft may be combined with other materials like plastic film or corrugated inserts.

Urban, craft, and home settings

At home, kraft paper shows up as gift wrap, drawer liners, or moving wrap. Urban gardeners and DIY enthusiasts use kraft for temporary barriers, pattern-making, and craft projects that need a rustic look.

Supply chain points where kraft paper moves

• Pulp and paper mills — where kraft rolls are produced.
• Converting facilities — where rolls are cut into bags, envelopes, and sheets.
• Distributors and wholesalers — who supply retailers and manufacturers.
• Online marketplaces — retailers selling kraft by the roll to small businesses and consumers.

Geographic production and distribution

Kraft paper production is common in regions with robust forestry industries: North America (Canada, U.S.), Scandinavia, parts of Europe, Brazil, and China. From mills, kraft moves through a network of converters and distributors to reach end users locally and internationally.

Key considerations depending on location

• Indoor storage — keep kraft dry to preserve strength and prevent mold.
• Climate — humidity can affect coil shape and curl; climate-controlled storage helps.
• Food-related use — ensure coated or food-grade kraft is used in kitchens and food retail.
• Construction sites — choose heavier gauges for high-traffic protection.

In short, kraft paper is everywhere: in industrial settings protecting goods, in retail stores presenting products, in homes for crafts and moves, and in outdoor or garden uses where biodegradability helps. If you’re wondering where to source it locally, start with packaging distributors, art supply stores, and online sellers — they’ll usually carry a range of weights and finishes suited to specific locations and tasks.