Materials
Kraft board packaging
Kraft is natural, unbleached brown paper and board with visible warm fibers and high tear strength. Brands in food, bakery, coffee, skincare, candles and apparel choose kraft for an honest, tactile look across card boxes, corrugated mailers, paper bags, pouches and tape.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- Rigid boxes from 50Gift and luxury boxes
- Mailer boxes from 250Corrugated mailers
- Labels from 500Labels and stickers
- Card boxes from 1,000Folding cartons
What is kraft board?
Kraft paperboard and corrugated liners are made with the kraft pulping process, which preserves long wood fibers for strength and skips heavy bleaching, leaving the stock its warm tan-to-brown shade. Because the surface is brown and uncoated, dark inks sink in cleanly with a flat matte look, while white ink can be added when light colors or crisp white logos need contrast.
How it works
How does kraft board work?
- 01
Pick the packaging format
Kraft comes as smooth kraft card for folding cartons, kraft corrugated for mailers and shippers, and kraft paper for bags and tape.
- 02
Match your ink to the brown tone
Dark Pantone or black inks print rich and crisp straight on kraft; white ink sits alone or under lighter colors.
- 03
Check your 3D mockup before paying
You see how your artwork sits on natural brown kraft on a digital proof and 3D mockup before production begins.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Handmade soap, candles, coffee, tea, bakery goods, organic skincare and pet treats
- Bold one- or two-color logos in black, forest green, navy, burgundy or crisp white ink
- E-commerce kraft mailers that hide minor postal scuffs better than stark white boxes
- Coordinated packaging sets across kraft cartons, kraft mailers, kraft bags and kraft tape
Skip it when
- Soft pastel pinks, baby blues or skin-tone photography without a white ink underbase: the brown board shifts pale inks darker and warmer
- High-gloss spot UV directly on raw uncoated kraft: rough fibers absorb liquid coatings unless laminated first
- Look-and-feel briefs calling for sleek, bright retail whiteness: pick coated white card or white corrugated instead
How it works
Request a quote with kraft board
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with kraft board ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Kraft board vs card and paperboard vs recycled board
| Material | What it is | Suits | Print look | Ships flat? | Minimum | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft board | Unbleached brown paper or board | Bakery, coffee, soap and candles | Earthy; white ink adds contrast | Yes, on boxes and bags | Card 1,000; mailers 250 | Get a quote |
| Card and paperboard | Single smooth sheet of thick card | Retail product boxes and sleeves | Sharp detail and bright color | Yes | Card boxes from 1,000 | Get a quote |
| Recycled board | Board made with recycled fibers | Everyday boxes and mailers | Soft natural tone | Yes | Card 1,000; mailers 250 | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have kraft board?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
- Card / product boxesGet a quote
- Mailer boxesGet a quote
- Rigid boxesGet a quote
- Shipping boxesGet a quote
Ready to order? See custom kraft boxes and custom kraft mailer boxes.
Want kraft board for your packaging?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for kraft board
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- Remember that white areas in a standard CMYK file leave the brown kraft showing through unless you request white ink
- Use high-contrast dark colors (black, deep navy, espresso, forest green) or add a white ink layer for light logos
- Skip subtle pale drop shadows and 5% tints, which disappear into natural fiber grain
- Want bright colors on part of the box? Mark a white ink underbase behind those elements, or ask our free design team to set it up
- Check small barcodes: print black barcode bars over a white ink box or stick a white barcode label so scanners read cleanly
Popular on
Packaging often ordered with kraft board
Get a quote for any of these right here.
Products 8
Custom Cosmetic Boxes
Custom printed cosmetic boxes for makeup tubes, compacts, palettes and jars.
From 1,000Custom Skincare Boxes
Custom printed skincare boxes for serums, jars and cleansers from 1,000 units.
From 1,000Custom Perfume Boxes
Custom printed perfume boxes from 50 rigid cases or 1,000 folding cartons.
From 50Custom Apparel Boxes
Custom printed apparel boxes from 250 mailers, 1,000 cartons or 50 rigid boxes.
From 250Custom PR Boxes
Custom printed PR boxes and media kits with fitted foam or card inserts from 250 mailers.
From 250
Cost
Does kraft board cost more?
Kraft board prices closely to standard white board in the same box style, and printing a simple one- or two-color logo on uncoated kraft avoids lamination costs. Every option is priced per quantity in your quote with no die or plate charges. Common searches we quote include natural brown kraft boxes (kraft board), printing on kraft paperboard, kraft vs white boxes, unbleached brown kraft board, virgin kraft paperboard and corrugated, earthy brown packaging material, how ink looks on brown kraft stock, kraft board with white ink underbase, natural fiber kraft box material, brown kraft card mailers and bags, uncoated natural kraft packaging, rustic brown kraft box stock and when to choose natural kraft board.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with kraft boardWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- No die or plate charges
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Kraft board at a glance
- Works on
- Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, shipping boxes, stand-up pouches, mylar bags, paper shopping bags, box inserts, tissue / wrapping paper, insert cards and packaging tape.
- Best for
- An earthy, natural look paired with bold dark inks, Pantone colors or crisp white ink.
- Cost
- Kraft board prices closely to standard white board in the same box style, and printing a simple one- or two-color logo on uncoated kraft avoids lamination costs.
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Kraft board: questions
Why do colors print darker on kraft board than on white boxes?
Standard CMYK inks are translucent and rely on white paper underneath to reflect light back. On brown kraft, the warm brown tone shows through every ink, making yellows warmer and blues deeper unless white ink is printed underneath.
Can you print bright white logos or text on brown kraft?
Yes. Choose White ink on kraft in the quote form. We can print crisp white logos by themselves, or print a white ink base underneath colors so they pop against the natural brown background.
What are the minimum order quantities for kraft boxes and bags?
Minimums follow the packaging format: kraft card boxes start at 1,000, kraft corrugated mailer boxes start at 250, and kraft paper bags, pouches and tape are quoted for your size and run.
Can kraft boxes have clear windows or foil stamping?
Yes. Die-cut windows (open or with clear film) and metallic hot foil stamping both pair well with kraft card boxes and rigid kraft wraps.
Will barcodes scan reliably when printed straight onto brown kraft?
Black bars on medium or light kraft often scan, yet dark brown kraft lowers contrast for retail laser scanners. Printing a solid white ink rectangle behind black barcode bars keeps scan contrast sharp.
Is kraft packaging recyclable?
Uncoated kraft card and kraft corrugated boxes without plastic films, magnets or foil are widely accepted in curbside paper recycling. Tell us your sustainability goals with your quote and your account manager suggests matching options.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing kraft board on my box?
Yes. Every order with kraft board includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding kraft board to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on kraft board, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without kraft board?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Can I see kraft board in person inside the CubitPack sample kit or on a physical prototype?
Yes. You can order our physical sample kit (credited to your first order) to feel board and finish swatches, or request a custom pre-production prototype before a full run.
Guides
Guides about kraft board
Sources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Kraft paper: how the kraft process produces high-tear-strength unbleached brown paper and paperboard with long wood fibers
- GS1 US: Barcode Color and Contrast: why dark bars require a light, high-contrast background on natural brown substrates for reliable retail scanning
Materials
More materials
Corrugated board
Fluted paper between flat liners for mailers and shipping boxes.
Mailer boxes, shipping boxes, die-cut corrugated boxes and corrugated box inserts.Get a quoteDetails about corrugated boardCard and paperboard
Smooth, single-sheet card for retail folding cartons and sleeves.
Card / product boxes (folding cartons), box sleeves, retail display boxes, card inserts and thank-you or insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about card and paperboardRigid board
Thick chipboard wrapped in paper for sturdy gift and luxury boxes.
Rigid boxes: magnetic closure boxes, collapsible rigid boxes, two-piece lift-off lid boxes, shoulder-neck boxes and drawer boxes.Get a quoteDetails about rigid boardRecycled board
Board made with recycled paper fibers for everyday boxes and mailers.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, shipping boxes, box inserts and thank-you or insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about recycled board
Get started
Get a price with kraft board.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.