Not all custom boxes are created equal, so if you’re really looking to benefit from your packaging, then you need to consider custom kraft boxes. Here’s everything you need to know about this simple yet stunning packaging solution.

What Are Kraft Boxes?

Kraft boxes are made out of kraft paper, which is a specific type of paper that doesn’t get bleached during the production process. This means that instead of being bright white like regular paper is, kraft paper is brown.

What Are the Benefits of Custom Kraft Boxes?

When you work with a custom packaging provider like Box Genie, you can customize kraft boxes for your brand. Here are some reasons why you should use this approach for your packaging.

1. Environmental Benefits

Using kraft boxes offers environmental benefits. Kraft paper is made of the highest recycled content of any material, making it incredibly eco-friendly. Furthermore, you can recycle corrugated cardboard between five to seven times on its own. So when you combine these two elements, you get a sustainable packaging solution that’s appealing to consumers.

And consumers care about sustainable packaging more than you’d think. For example, 66% of people said that they consider sustainability when making a purchase. Furthermore, 60% to 70% of people said they would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

So with the use of kraft boxes, you can show potential customers that you care about the environment just as much as they do.

2. Protective Benefits

Using kraft boxes also offers protective benefits. And while one of the primary purposes of packaging is protection, kraft is stronger than other materials and, therefore, it can provide more protection to products.

This is because kraft paper isn’t bleached during production, and bleach tends to weaken the paper. Additionally, kraft has less lignin and more sulfur than other paper types, making it extremely strong and durable. As a result, kraft packaging is ideal for fragile items that need additional protection to survive the shipping process without any damage.

3. Promotional Benefits

Using kraft boxes offers promotional benefits in the form of free advertising. When you customize your kraft boxes with your brand name and logo, you can promote your brand to everyone that encounters the box — from the mailman to the next-door neighbor.

They’re also great for driving customer loyalty as they can provide customers with a fun and exciting unboxing experience that will motivate them to purchase from your brand again in the future.

4. Cost Benefits

Perhaps most importantly, kraft boxes also come with cost benefits. Since the production process for kraft paper is rather straightforward, it’s one of the most affordable packaging solutions.

And since kraft boxes are so popular and widely offered, packaging providers have a lot of competition that keeps prices low. As a result, you’re able to get an amazing deal on your custom kraft boxes.

What Are the Alternatives to Kraft Boxes?

Although kraft boxes are a great option with a ton of benefits, they may not be right for everyone. If you’ve decided against kraft boxes for whatever reason, here are some alternatives from BoxGenie to consider:

Essential White

Essential white paper comes with a beautiful satin finish and works well with all colors. Like kraft, this paper option is very cost-effective and is great for printing everything from logos to text.

Magic White

Magic white paper comes with a stunning glossy finish that allows for high-definition, photo-quality printing. This paper option gives your packaging a high-quality look and feel that your customers will love.

How Can I Customize My Own Kraft Boxes?

Customizing your own kraft boxes is easy when you work with BoxGenie. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create custom kraft boxes for your brand:

Step 1: Find a Packaging Provider

First, you need to find a packaging provider that offers custom kraft boxes. With a quick Google search, you should be able to find many different options. However, narrowing your options down to the best one is the real challenge.

So how do you narrow it down? Through due diligence, of course!

Experience is extremely important in the packaging industry, and Box Genie has no shortage of experience after over 45 years in business. Box Genie has also been family-owned and operated for three generations, prioritizing collaborative relationships with small to midsize businesses along the way.

Customer reviews are also extremely important, of which Box Genie also has no shortage. Check out Box Genie’s reviews and take a look at some of our work.

Step 2: Choose Your Box Type

Next, you need to choose your box type. Box Genie has four different box styles to choose from:

  • Custom mailer box: Perfect for eCommerce or subscription service brands, custom mailer boxes are sturdy, secure, and stylish.
  • One-piece folder box: Ideal for shipping flat items like books or artwork, one-piece folder boxes are sleek and easy to assemble.
  • Shipping box: Take a boring box to the next level with this custom shipping box with exact sizing and high-definition printing.
  • Triangle document mailer: Protect important documents and artwork with an innovative triangle document mailer.

If you have questions about any of these box styles or aren’t sure which one would best meet your needs, feel free to reach out to the packaging experts at Box Genie for more information.

Step 3: Determine Your Box Dimensions

BoxGenie offers completely custom kraft boxes, allowing you to select your own dimensions for boxes that perfectly fit your products. Just keep in mind when entering your box dimensions that BoxGenie rounds up to the closest ¼”.

Step 4: Consider Packaging Extras

Before you move forward with the design process, you may want to consider incorporating additional elements into your packaging. For example, you could customize packaging inserts and dividers for extra protection during the shipping process. You could also use void fill to enhance the unboxing experience further.

Step 5: Design Your Box

Box Genie offers several different design methods depending on your preferences.

However, if you have an eye for design, you can use our Design Tool to customize every element of your box from top to bottom. Alternatively, if you already have a design, you can simply send it to us, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Step 6: Submit Your Order

Now you’re finally ready to submit your order for custom kraft boxes! Box Genie manufactures, prints, and ships all of our boxes right here in the United States, allowing us to serve our clients with a quick turnaround time.

Most boxes are printed within ten business days from when the final art is received, and depending on your geographical location, shipping usually takes between three to four business days based on how far away you are from our warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri.

This means that you’ll receive your boxes less than two weeks after placing your order in most cases.

What Are Best Practices for Customizing Kraft Boxes?

To make sure that your kraft boxes are exactly what you expected, here are some best practices you should follow:

  • Use the right colors: Kraft paper can be tricky when it comes to printing since it’s quite dark. Since the paper is so dark, it holds dark colors well but doesn’t really show light colors, especially white. When designing your custom kraft boxes, keep this in mind so that your colors show up as you intended.
  • Use the right file format: Once you have the right colors, you need to make sure that your file is in the right format before you send it in. Box Genie prints in CMYK format, so make sure that your file is in CMYK rather than RGB for accurate color matching and printing.
  • Order in bulk: You should consider ordering in bulk for a discount to get the best price for your custom kraft boxes. For example, if you’re ordering a kraft custom mailer box that’s 6” x 6” x 2” in size with one-sided outside printing, you would pay $1.35 per unit for 1,000 units or $1.92 per unit for 100 units.
  • Ask for help: With Box Genie, you don’t have to be a packaging expert — that’s what we’re here for! So always feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions about the customization process or need assistance at any point. We are always here to help so that you can design and receive the best boxes possible.

Final Thoughts

Customizing kraft boxes helps you turn a boring brown box into a stunning product your customers are bound to love. So get started with Box Genie today and enjoy all the benefits they have to offer.

Sources:

Kraft Paper - An Overview | ScienceDirect

Sustainability in Packaging: Inside the Minds of US Consumers | McKinsey & Company

10 Tactics You Can Use to Boost Customer Loyalty and Retention | Forbes

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