Kraft bags – a revolution in packaging

What is a Kraft bag?
Kraft is German for “strength”, and the given type of gift wrapping fully justifies its name. Kraft bags and sacks over decades of active use proved to be strong and durable wrapping material.

Until the second half of the 19th century wholesale was the main kind of trade, and for packing purchased goods customers mostly used sacks or baskets. But then wholesale lost its leadership, giving way to retail sales.

With the increase in small purchases, sellers and shoppers were faced with the problem of packaging. How to pack the goods that would be simultaneously reliable, presentable and inexpensive?

The first patent for paper bag technology was granted to William Goodale in 1859. Although British manufacturers quickly established mass production of paper bags, consumers were dissatisfied because the quality of the products was poor.

That’s when Luther Crowell stepped in. It was he who invented the paper bag with a flat bottom. Bags were made on a special machine. This was the beginning of a real “packaging” revolution.

The advantages of Kraft bags.
Why are Kraft bags so popular? For manufacturers and sellers, the main advantage is reasonable price, and the low price doesn’t affect durability in any way. Here lies the secret of its popularity among buyers: in spite of apparent flimsiness bags are able to withstand serious loads. By its durability Kraft paper exceeds by times other paper products, and is not inferior to laminated companions.

But the list of advantages does not end here:

• eco-friendliness. Neither the production of this type of paper, nor its disposal does not harm the environment. Modern people and whole enterprises refuse to use polyethylene bags, buying Kraft bags in bulk not only for packing their goods, but also as a part of promo-actions. This promotes business development without harming the environment.
• ventilation. Of course, not in direct sense of the word, but due to air permeability Kraft bags are actively used for products packing.
• versatility. It is possible to wrap loose cereals, charcoal, vegetables or presents for relatives in such a package.
  easiness of decoration. This type of wrapping has superior printing properties: it is possible to put absolutely any pattern, inscription, emblem. Kraft bags with an image can become a means of self-expression, advertising carrier, and simply an original wrapping.

Today “strong” packaging is actively used everywhere. It is fashionable, stylish, available and reliable.

Medical instruments are kept in special Kraft bags after sterilization. If the bag is fixed only with clips, the instrument is sterile for 3 days, with sealed sealing – 20 days. On the outside of the bag there are special indicators to control the timing.

Do you think Kraft bags were bought only in the 19th century, and in the century of modern technologies paper bags haven’t found their place under the sun?

Modern Kraft bags differ in their size, quality of paper and glue, method and way of decoration (flexography, silk-screening, offset, embossing).