Kraft Paper Wrapping – The Stunning and Sustainable Option for Florists
As we all look for the best sustainable products for our businesses, Kraft paper offers a simple and effective solution. It strikes the perfect balance between sustainability, ease of use and outstanding quality. With our phenomenal range, you can select a Kraft paper that is perfect for your business.
With such a wide range, the Kraft paper rolls we offer come from different manufacturers. However, all meet the standards for us to confidently add these products to our Eco-Range. In this article, we explain why we’re confident they meet that benchmark. We’ll provide you with all the details you need to be fully aware of just how sustainable these products are. Let’s begin…
About Kraft Paper
Many will consider all paper to be recyclable and therefore sustainable, however, the credetials of our Kraft paper go much further than a superficial level.
All our Kraft paper highlighted as Sustainable | Eco in our webshop is made from FSC certified or PEFC certified paper. We’ll explain these details in full in the FAQ section below, but in short; both FSC and PEFC are the most credible, reputable, and globally recognised systems that promote sustainable and responsible forest management.
Sustainablity continues and includes as minimum the fact that all the Kraft Papers are 100% recyclable.
Many are also OK certified Home Compostable. Several use water-based inks. Others have a glassine paper coating (a natural product designed to be recycled or composted at the end of use that provides a moisture & grease resistant surface).
Our main Kraft paper manufacturer also holds ISO 50001 certification, demonstrating its commitment to responsible energy use. Much of this is achieved due to the installation of 257 photovoltaic panels (475 m²) on its roof, producing 89,000 kWh of energy every year and reducing CO₂ emissions by 2 tonnes annually. In their outdoor areas, they are promoting biodiversity and actively participating in the concept of “nature in the city” with tree planting, the planting of flowers for their four beehives. Other activities include composting, insect hotels, along with bird and bat nesting boxes.
You can now begin to appreciate why we’re confident that our Kraft Paper selection is the perfect Eco Friendly packaging solution for your business.
Our Kraft Paper Eco Range
Kraft Duo or Paper Patterned Rolls
All our Kraft paper rolls — whether patterned (with natural or white backing), Duo (two colours) or single colour, measuring 0.79m x 40m — are from a manufacturer and supplier that guarantees:
- PEFC certified paper source 10-31-1472
- OK Home compostable S2717
- 100% recyclable
- Printed with water-based inks
- French origin company with ISO 50 001 certification
Crafted with both practicality and aesthetics in mind, these rolls of papers are 60gsm to provide a strength and a touch of rustic charm. With a clear focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Beetroot Paper
The range of Beetroot Kraft wrapping paper rolls also measuring 0.79cm x 40m offer even greater sustainability. As before they too are:
- PEFC certified paper source 10-31-1472
- OK Home compostable
- 100% recyclable
- Printed with water-based inks
- French origin company with ISO 50 001 certification
But as they are made from 80% paper fibers and 20% beet fibers, this unique composition reduces its environmental impact by a further 16%. Each roll is biodegradable and supports sustainable practices.
There is absolutely no compromise on quality, as these rolls of papers are the thickest Kraft paper we offer at 80gsm.
Other Kraft Paper
The range of Kraft wrapping paper rolls measuring 0.50m x 100m also offer outstanding eco credentials at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Developed with durability in mind, the high-quality Kraft paper is FSC certified and protected by Glassine paper to provide a level of water resistance.
These Kraft Paper whether the Patterned (with natural or white backing, Duo (two colours), or Single colours rolls are from our manufacturer & supplier that can guarantee:
- FSC certified
- Protected by Glassine paper
- 100% recyclable
This paper ensures that your flower bouquets are well protected during transport and handling. 50gsm coupled with the Glassine coating makes it the perfect Eco Friendly packaging solution.
Kraft Paper Details
Sold
Per Roll
Length
100 or 40 metres long*
Width
79cm or 50cm wide*
Please note
* These are our standard size, occasionally measurements of other rolls may differ. Please see individual products for specific measurements.
Who Makes the Kraft Papers?
We source our Kraft papers from different manufacturers and supplier around the world. We are constantly reviewing our range and stockists to bring you the best, latest, and the most sustainable products available.
All Your Eco Questions Answered
Your customers could pose a questions about these sustainable products at any time, perhaps you or your team may be wondering about things yourself. In these FAQs we aim to pre-empt every question.
What is Kraft Paper, what makes it different?
What is Kraft Paper?
First and foremost, Kraft paper, like most other types, is manufactured from wood. The transformation of wood into wood pulp is called the “Kraft” process.
This process mainly involves heating softwood chips under high pressure in a mixture of solid alkaline chemicals. These chemicals, in particular sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, are responsible for separating the valuable cellulose. The process isn’t hugely dissimilar to making instant noodles. Consider the dry noodles that are rigid and packed tightly together as the wood. Then the noodles become pliable and start to break apart when you heat them in water; similar to the Krafting process, just on a far larger scale. The resulting kraft paper slurry is refined, cleansed, and shaped by passing it through enormous rollers that apply pressure.
What make Kraft paper a good option?
Paper made using the Kraft process is an excellent choice when you need strong and sturdy paper. Because it’s not been bleached to a great extent it’s structurally stronger and typically more affordable and durable than other varieties of paper.
Is Kraft paper generally more sustainable?
The manufacturing method of Kraft paper is more environmentally friendly than the process of bleached white paper production. As you know the natural and earthy appearance of Kraft paper provides a rustic charm. The addition of the creative printing techniques ensure there is a phenomenal range of colours, making it not only an appealing option but also a top choice for many florists.
Is Kraft Paper Recyclable?
The answer is yes; Kraft paper can be recycled as a whole.
It’s also possible to create Kraft paper from paper that has been 100% recycled, but, it must initially be made from wood. However, because Kraft paper wood is sustainable from the outset it’s an extremely environmentally friendly option regardless.
As is often the case, whilst all Kraft paper is recyclable, it does rely on individual councils or recycling centres, as well as consumer households to implement this.
What is FSC & PEFC Wood and Certification?
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) are both leading global forest certification systems that ensure sustainable wood sourcing.
PEFC
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a global non-profit organisation. Its aim is to promote sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.
PEFC is the largest certification system in the wood: it covers more than 280 million hectares of forest. It was founded in 1999 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Wood carrying the ‘green trees’ PEFC logo comes from a certified forest that is managed in line with a number of environmental, social and economic requirements. The criteria are based on internationally accepted conventions and guidelines. The provenance of products must be completely traceable throughout the entire supply chain, from forest to end use.
Choosing to be certified is entirely voluntary and market-based. Inspections are carried out by accredited, independent companies. PEFC has many types of members: these can be national systems, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), labour unions, businesses, forest management organisations and individuals.
FSC
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global non-profit organisation and certification scheme promoting sustainably-managed woodland.
The organisation was founded in 1994. Its focus was initially on tropical woodlands where illegal, unsustainable harvesting was a concern. These days, it applies to all types of forests. FSC’s certification system is recognised in over 80 countries, covering 180 million hectares.
FSC has two certification standards: one is aimed at forest management companies. This aims to ensure that they are managed according to certain environmental, social and economic standards — their 10 principles.
The other is chain of custody certification, which emphasises supply chain integrity. This verifies that FSC-certified wood remains separate from uncontrolled material throughout its journey to consumers. Any company processing FSC timber must also be FSC certified.
The recognisable FSC’s ‘tree tick’ logo signifies that wood comes from an ‘environmentally appropriate’, ‘socially beneficial’ and ‘economically viable’ source.
What makes the Kraft Papers compostable?
Kraft paper is always recyclable but not compostable. Many keen gardeners will compost most paper products, however, there is a specific criteria that must be met for any products to receive and promote a ‘Home OK Compost’ label and certificate.
The strict requirements for a product to meet ‘compostable’ standards, are set out in the European standard EN 13432. The Kraft Paper we’ve highlighted is certified according to this standard.
The legal requirement to meet the ‘compostable standards’ say it must disintegrate after 12 weeks, which is just as long as an orange or a banana peel. After 12 weeks no more than 10% of the wrap fragments will be larger than 2mm. The wrap must completely biodegrade after six months. (That means that 90 percent or more of the material will have been converted to CO2. The remaining share is converted into water and biomass – i.e. valuable compost. without any negative effect on the composting process).
The material will compost under temperatures of >65 degrees Celsius. Compostable wrap composts in a maximum of 12 weeks
These ‘Home Compostable’ levels are far more stringent than those of OK compost INDUSTRIAL.
You can find more details about the standards for composability HERE.
Who gives the certificates and makes the rules?
TÜV AUSTRIA is an independent Austrian service provider founded in Vienna in 1872. They are international leaders in the fields of testing, inspection, certification as well as training and further education – based on the principles of objectivity, impartiality and integrity.
TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK environment product verification marks are the only ones of their kind to offer a customised certification label for each biodegradation environment. More details can be found here.
What is What is Glassine?
As we’ve highlighted many of our Kraft Papers have a glassine paper coating. Whilst this does not make the paper anywhere near water proof, it does give it a slight waxy advantage, making it ideal for floristry and still the ideal sustainable and eco friendly option.
What is Glassine?
Is this instance Glassine is a smooth, glossy, translucent coating which provides a level of dust, water and grease resistance.
It is made from wood pulp and goes through the same pulping, sheet formation, pressing and drying process as we explained in ‘What is Kraft Paper? However, there is an additional step called the supercalendering process. This is where the dried sheets are passed through heated or cooled pressurised rollers. A treatment called supercalenders.
If the process is done to a great extent all the celluar fibres go in one direction. It increases the paper’s density, reduces it porous nature, and giving it a transulent and glossy finish.
Why is Water Based Ink Better?
Water-based inks are considered more environmentally friendly as they contain significantly lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are found in solvent inks. Whilst the drying and cleaning times increase with water-based inks, they are considerably less harmful to the atmosphere. Water-based inks also guarantee the health of manufacturers’ staff and workplaces, as the toxicity and flammability of inks are eliminated.
What is gsm?
GSM refers to the grams per square metre. It’s a measure that shows the Kraft paper’s weight and feel. Generally the higher and therefore heavier the gsm the stronger the paper, however, glassine paper coating can also provide extra protection whilst not making the paper weight have a higher gsm.
It’s always worth trialling different Kraft papers, some will be ideal for different tasks and of course, personal preference.
There are so many aspects about environmentally friendly products that we may not really consider. Whilst we hope we’ve tackled any questions and queries about this sustainable eco product, we’d really like to make this information as comprehensive as possible. With that in mind, if you have further questions, do get in touch. At Westflor, we always want to help as much as possible and would be happy to research and add more details as necessary.
In a (Sustainable) Nutshell
There you have it – you’re now armed with all the information, insights and guidance to confidently use this range of products and know you won’t be compromising on the quality or the aesthetics of your gift wrapping.
You’ll not only satisfy growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, but also offer a fantastic range with something for every colour scheme. You can find the whole range within our sundries categories or by search through all our Sustainable Products.
