UBCNews - Business - Is Kraft Paper Better For Business? Why UK SMEs Opt For Strong Wrapping Options

Episode Date: November 17, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that might seem pretty straightforward on the surface—kraft paper, that brown wrapping material you see everywhere. But here's the thing: UK small and medium-sized businesses are choosing it in droves, and it's not just because it looks rustic. So, why are SMEs making this switch? Let's unpack this. Globe Packaging City: Hayes Address: Unit 5, Caxton Trading Estate Website: https://www.globepackaging.co.uk/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that might seem pretty straightforward on the surface. Craft paper, that brown wrapping material you see everywhere. But here's the thing. UK small and medium-sized businesses are choosing it in droves, and it's not just because it looks rustic. So why are SMEs making this switch? Let's unpack this. Yeah, it's a great question. You know, craft paper has really become a go-to for businesses handling parcels and there are some solid reasons behind that. First off, the strength. Pure craft paper is made from unbleached virgin fibres, which gives it superior durability and puncture resistance. So when you're shipping products, you want something that can actually protect

what's inside during transit. Right. And I imagine that durability matters a lot when you're dealing with high volumes of parcels every day. Absolutely. Craft paper is incredibly versatile too. Businesses use it for wrapping, void filling and surface protection. It's strong enough to handle stresses during shipping, but it's also lightweight, which helps keep shipping costs down. The simple design doesn't add excessive weight to packages, so SMEs can save money there. That's a practical advantage. Now, we hear a lot about sustainability these days. How does craft paper fit into that conversation for businesses trying to go greener? That's where craft paper really shines. It's made from wood pulp, which is a renewable resource,

and it's fully recyclable and biodegradable. In fact, it decomposes naturally within weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions, leaving no harmful residues. Compare that to plastic alternatives, and you can see why eco-conscious businesses are making the switch. Plus, craft paper can be recycled multiple times, which reduces environmental impact significantly. Mm-hmm, that's interesting. So it's renewable, recyclable and breaks down quickly. That's three big wins for the environment. Exactly. And there's another angle here, branding. Craft paper offers businesses a chance to customize their packaging. They can

print logos and marketing designs on it, which boosts brand awareness. That natural, rustic aesthetic also resonates with environmentally sensitive customers, so it's a way to improve your company's reputation while staying practical. I like that. It's functional but also gives you a marketing tool. Now, let's talk numbers for a second. How does the cost effectiveness of craft paper stack up, especially when businesses are buying in bulk? Well, here's the thing. Craft paper can be more cost-effective than plastic in the long term, partly because it's reusable. And when you're purchasing in mass

quantities, the price per unit drops. There are different types available too, like craft paper made from recycled fibres, which offers varying levels of recycled content. That's a more affordable option and still sustainable, so businesses can tailor their choice to their budget and needs. That point about cost savings in bulk quantities sets up our next piece, how businesses balance affordability with quality. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're a small or medium-sized business in the UK looking for reliable packaging materials, globe packaging offers premium craft paper, envelopes, tape and eco-friendly selections. With large quantities readily available and next day delivery options depending on timing and order costs, you can find what you need without the weight.

Browse their inventory at globepackaging.co.uk. Picking up on those bulk quantity cost savings, how do businesses handle choosing the right weight and type of craft paper for their specific needs? Good question. The weight of craft paper measured in grams per square meter or GSM, directly impacts its strength. Higher GSM papers offer superior puncture and tear resistance, so if you're shipping heavier or more fragile items, you'd go with a heavier grade. But if you're just filling voids or wrapping lighter products,

a lower GSM works fine and keeps costs down. Basically, higher GSM means more protection. It's the same idea just from a different aspect. So matching the paper to the job is what matters. That's pretty straightforward. Are there other types beyond the standard brown craft paper that SMEs should know about? Definitely. There's natural craft paper, which is the classic version, strong and versatile.

Then you have embossed craft paper, which has a crosshatch texture that provides cushioning and helps grip items. There's also recycled craft paper options, options with varying recycled content that are more economical. And for specialised uses, like the automotive industry, there's even waxed craft paper that's resistant to grease and moisture. Wow, so there's really a type for every application. I had no idea there was that much variety. Yeah, it's surprisingly diverse. And when you think about it, craft paper is used across multiple industries, retail, e-commerce, automotive, even food. For food packaging, you'd want to use first-grade craft paper, which is made from Virgin Pulp, to meet safety regulations. That versatility

is a huge part of why it's so popular. Let me ask you this. Have you ever seen a business make the switch to craft paper and then regret it? Honestly, rarely. I mean, there was one small online shop I worked with. They sold handmade candles, and they initially bought the wrong GSM for their products. They went too light and had some items damaged in shipping, but once they adjusted to a heavier grade, they were golden. Understanding your needs up front is what really matters. I see, go on. Well, it taught me that testing is critical. You don't want to learn the hard way like they did by having customer complaints roll in. That's a good lesson.

So to everyone listening, if you're considering craft paper for your business, think about what you're actually shipping and choose accordingly. Have you ever wondered how much you could save just by switching your packaging material? Now, one thing we haven't touched on yet, certifications. How important are those for SMEs? Very important, especially if you're not. sustainability is part of your brand message. FSC certification, for example, ensures that the craft paper comes from responsibly managed forests. That's a signal to customers that you're serious

about environmental responsibility. It also helps businesses meet current regulations, which are getting stricter around packaging waste. Right, and meeting those regulations can save you headaches down the line. Plus, it's just good practice. I mean, nobody wants to be the company that ignored the rules and got fined, right? Exactly. And the manufacturing process itself is more sustainable. Craft paper requires fewer chemicals in production, and most of those chemicals are recovered and reused for future batches. It's a cleaner process compared to a lot of plastic manufacturing. So we've established that craft paper is strong, versatile, cost-effective and sustainable. But let me play devil's advocate for a second.

Are there any downsides? Any situations where craft paper might not be the best choice? Well, craft paper isn't waterproof on its own, though it can be made water-resistant through treatments like waxing or coating. And in some high-protection scenarios, like heavy industrial machinery, you might need more specialized materials, but for the vast majority of SME shipping and packaging needs, craft paper handles the job beautifully.

That's fair. It's not a one-size-fits-all, but it covers a lot of ground. Before we wrap up, what's one piece of advice you'd give to a business owner who's on the fence about switching to craft paper? I'd say start small. Order a smaller quantity, test it with your products,

how it performs. Pay attention to the GSM and type that works for you. Once you find the right fit, you can scale up and start seeing those cost savings and sustainability benefits. It's a low-risk way to make a positive change. That's solid advice, test before you commit. Well, we've covered a lot today, from the strength and versatility of craft paper to its environmental advantages and cost effectiveness for UK SMEs. If you're looking for packaging solutions that align with sustainability goals without breaking the bank, craft paper is definitely worth a closer look. Check out globepackaging.com. uk for details. Thanks for joining us today and we'll catch you next time.