What Are Kraft PLA Bags?

The pressure to be environmentally responsible has never been more tremendous in the modern world. In today's day and age, consumers have heightened awareness regarding the environmental impact of their purchases, and they seek out companies that align with their values. For manufacturers, this means finding ways to reduce their environmental footprint while still meeting […]

The pressure to be environmentally responsible has never been more tremendous in the modern world. In today's day and age, consumers have heightened awareness regarding the environmental impact of their purchases, and they seek out companies that align with their values.

For manufacturers, this means finding ways to reduce their environmental footprint while still meeting the needs of their customers. This includes using eco-friendly packaging options for their products.

One such option that has been gaining traction in recent years is Kraft PLA bags. But what are they exactly? And how can they benefit your business now and in the long run? 


What Are Kraft PLA Bags?

If you're on the hunt for eco-friendly packaging options for your brand, you've probably stumbled upon PLA. This bio-sourced plastic is quickly gaining popularity as a sustainable choice for shipping materials.

But what exactly is "PLA," and why is it such a buzzword in the sustainable packaging industry?

At first glance, Kraft PLA bags might look like any other packaging option. But take a closer look, and you'll see that we build these packaging pouches from a unique combination of materials that make them both eco-friendly and functional. 

Kraft paper, made from renewable wood pulp, forms the bag's outer layer. Inside, a thin film of PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable and compostable polymer material derived from renewable plant resources such as cornstarch, cassava, wheat, and sugarbeet, acts as a moisture barrier.

PLA bags are becoming increasingly popular in the industry due to their biodegradability and environmentally-friendly properties. 


What Are Kraft PLA Bags, and What Impact Do These Have in General?

The process of making PLA bags involves spinning the polylactic acid fiber from the plant-based starting materials, which we can then use to create a variety of different types of customized packaging, including laminated composite kraft paper bags.

So why should you consider using Kraft PLA bags for your products? 

For starters, they're completely biodegradable and compostable, meaning they won't contribute to the buildup of waste in landfills. Once consumers discard these bags, they can decompose naturally into carbon dioxide and water with the help of microorganisms in the soil and water, making them an ideal solution for companies that prioritize sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.


Kraft PLA Bags Are a Renewable Resource

They're also a renewable resource, as both the kraft paper and PLA film are made from renewable materials. And because they're so versatile, they can be used for a wide range of products, from food and beverages to cosmetics and personal care items.

Kraft PLA bags are an excellent alternative to traditional plastic packaging because they don't come from non-renewable fossil fuels.

All these qualities, combined with their superior packaging functions and printability, make them a strong contender in the market for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

What Are Kraft PLA Bags, and Where Did They Come From?

If you've ever received a package with that iconic light brown paper, then you're already familiar with kraft paper. This packaging material has been around since the 1800s, but it's still a popular choice today thanks to its eco-friendliness and versatility.

Carl F. Dahl invented and developed kraft paper, which he named after the German word "kraft," which means "strength." Kraft PLA bags use this material, and while most are brown, we can also bleach them to create a more neutral canvas for your custom packaging.


How We Make Kraft Paper

The process of making kraft paper is actually pretty fascinating. 

The initial step in the process involves boiling wood chips in a mixture of sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide. This chemical treatment facilitates the conversion of the chips into wood pulp by eliminating lignin, a polymer that binds cellulose fibers together at a microscopic level.

The resulting pulp is high in cellulose, which is paper's leading component and gives it natural structural resistance.

After we get the formed pulp, it gets screened to remove larger pieces and then washed to remove any remaining fluids. Finally, now we can transform the pulp into various paper products, including kraft paper.


Kraft Paper Is A Popular Packaging Choice

Today, kraft paper has become a go-to packaging material for a wide range of goods. As a more unprocessed material compared to others, light brown color and rough texture are favored for their natural, earthy associations. But the same qualities that make it eco-friendly also mean that it can weaken when it comes into contact with water and eventually decompose when exposed to heat, sunlight, and humidity.

So while kraft paper may not be the best option for products that need extra protection against the elements, it is a sustainable and attractive choice for various packaging needs. And with its long history and fascinating production process, it's easy to see why kraft paper has stood the test of time.


How Is PLA Packaging Made?

Making PLA packaging starts with extracting the starch from these plant materials and processing it into dextrose, a simple sugar.

Next, we add microorganisms like bacteria to the dextrose in a fermentation process, which converts the sugar into lactic acid. This lactic acid is then purified and polymerized to create long chains of polylactic acid.

Once we get the polylactic acid, we can then use this to make a wide variety of packaging products, including bags, containers, and even 3D printing filaments. The manufacturing process for PLA packaging is similar to that of traditional plastic packaging, involving melting and shaping the material into the desired form.


Which Products Can You Put Inside Kraft PLA Bags?

Kraft PLA bags are an excellent option for packaging food products such as snacks, nuts, grains, and dry goods. The kraft paper provides a sturdy outer layer, while the PLA lining keeps the contents fresh and moisture-free.

These bags are also FDA-approved for direct contact with food, so you can be confident in these being a safe choice for custom food packaging.

We also package cosmetic and personal care products in kraft PLA bags for our customers. The bags are still moisture-resistant because of their construction, ensuring the contents stay fresh and protected from the elements. Additionally, kraft paper's natural and earthy look can lend a premium and eco-friendly aesthetic to cosmetic products.

Pharmaceutical products such as supplements and vitamins can also benefit from being packaged in kraft PLA bags. The bags provide a protective and durable outer layer that helps maintain the products' quality and efficacy.

In addition to food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, we use Kraft PLA bags to package a wide range of other products, such as pet food, gardening supplies, and more. 


Make the Switch to Sustainable Packaging with Pouch Me

Sustainable packaging is the way forward, and Pouch Me is here to help you make the switch. Our Kraft PLA bags are the perfect solution for your eco-friendly packaging needs.

By choosing Kraft PLA bags for your products, you are not only making a significant, positive impact on the environment but also benefiting from high-quality, functional packaging that meets your business needs. Our bags are durable, easy to use, and available in many sizes to suit your products.

So why wait? Switch to sustainable packaging today and choose Pouch Me as your partner. Contact us to learn more about our range of compostable, recyclable, and reusable packaging options. Let us help you significantly and positively impact the planet while keeping your products fresh and protected.


-What Are Kraft PLA Bags: FAQs-

+ What is a Kraft bag?

A Kraft bag is a brown bag typically made of unbleached Kraft paper, a wood pulp material produced through the Kraft process. This makes them biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable, making them an excellent substitute for plastic.

+ Are Kraft bags sustainable?

Kraft paper is an eco-friendly choice due to its simple manufacturing process that uses minimal chemicals, and this results in a product that is entirely harmless to the environment. Choose kraft paper for a sustainable and guilt-free packaging solution.

+ What are the benefits of using Kraft paper bags?

Recycled brown paper is exceptionally sturdy due to its higher sulfur and lower lignin content, making it more durable than many alternatives and resistant to piercing. Manufacturers use various wood types to create Kraft paper, including pine, bamboo, and oak, making it readily available and cost-effective.

Less-than-perfect trees that can't be used for other purposes are the source of Kraft paper stock. Its natural color and texture eliminate the need for bleaching, saving money and reducing environmental impact. 

Additionally, chemicals used in manufacturing are easily recovered and reused, creating a circular economy, and other industries can repurpose byproducts, such as tall oil, in products like fire-starting bricks.

+ Are Kraft paper bags strong?

Kraft paper bags are strong. When it comes to robust packaging paper, nothing beats natural kraft paper. Its high tensile strength makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications like industrial bags, grocery bags, and multi-wall sacks.

Standard kraft paper, while still sturdy, is relatively coarse and ranges in grammage from 40 to 135 g/m2. On the other hand, sack kraft paper is specifically designed for products that require maximum strength and durability thanks to its porosity, elasticity, and tear resistance.

+ What are the disadvantages of Kraft paper?

Some potential disadvantages of kraft paper bags include their lower moisture resistance compared to other materials and the fact that they may not be suitable for all types of products (e.g., liquids).

+ Which paper makes the strongest bag?

When it comes to crafting sturdy paper bags, kraft paper reigns supreme for its incredible strength and durability. However, it's worth noting that other paper types can also be used to make strong bags, depending on their unique characteristics and manufacturing methods.

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