4 Paper-Based Packaging Materials to Choose for Your Products!

October 17, 2025

We are witnessing one of the worst climate change impacts, as researched by different scientists. Countries are taking steps to ensure everyone can reduce their carbon footprint and, in the meantime, contribute towards a greener future.

Choosing paper-based packaging is one such initiative. Most governments are imposing sanctions on the use of plastic and other toxic packaging materials. While many brands choose rigid packaging to boost sales, others stick to Kraft boxes. Let’s explore how the four packaging materials are used to pack a variety of products.

1.     Kraft Packaging

Kraft paper is used to make both packaging bags and boxes. This material is brown and rugged in its natural form, offering a rustic visual appeal. You can use this packaging material when packing lightweight products. Most bakers use Kraft packaging as paper bags to add their freshly baked items or as boxes to pack items like cakes and muffins.

You can even get personalized cookie packaging for your bakery with the Kraft boxes. These boxes are customized in different ways to create a lasting impression on customers. Customize your Kraft boxes by choosing visually appealing colors and designs. You can research the market to have a look at the designs and colors they are using.

Packaging Styles to Choose

Stand apart from the competition in the market by choosing functional and visually appealing packaging styles for your products. Whether you are packing baked goods or cosmetics, choosing distinctive styles will attract more customers. Some packaging styles you can try for your Kraft boxes and bags are:

  • Pillow Boxes
  • Pyramid Boxes
  • Gable Boxes
  • Paper bags with handles
  • Paper food trays

Products to Pack

You can pack a wide range of products inside the Kraft bags and boxes. This paper-based packaging material is still used in many industries because it is lightweight, cost-effective, and can keep products safe to an extent. The following products are often packed in Kraft packaging:

  • Baked Goods
  • Party Favors
  • Chocolates
  • Trinkets
  • Jewelry

2.     Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard boxes are more durable and sturdy than a regular Kraft because of their thickness. When choosing customized packaging, you can choose different thicknesses for the cardboard packaging per your needs. This material is lightweight and cost-effective as well, which helps brands save money. Customize your cardboard boxes by choosing visually appealing prints.

If you want to be a completely sustainable brand, choosing minimalistic designs is one of the best options to consider. This design technique leaves more white spaces, allowing you to save on resources. Most candle businesses choose cardboard boxes with minimal designs and pastel colors to create an elegant visual appeal.

Packaging Styles to Choose

Choosing sustainable packaging doesn’t mean you have a bland visual appeal. There are many ways to make your boxes worth every penny, and one of them is by choosing attractive packaging styles. Let’s have a look at some of the packaging styles you can choose for your products:

  • Telescope Boxes
  • Tube Packaging
  • Straight-End Tuck Boxes
  • Paper Shopping Bags

Products to Pack

Cardboard boxes are more durable than Kraft, yet it is best if you don’t pack heavy-duty and extremely fragile items in them. Consider the distance your products will be travelling and the weight of your products before choosing these boxes. Some common items that are packed in these boxes are:

  • Makeup Brushes
  • Serums and Creams
  • Toothpicks
  • Candles
  • Confectionsaries

3.     Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is the third type of paper-based packaging material you can choose for your products. This material is very durable and can keep the products safe from dust, water, and pressure while offering cushioning. This material has three layers: two outer cardboard layers and a corrugated flute within them.

You can choose the corrugated flute, keeping in mind the weight of your products and the distance they will be travelling. If you are shipping items like furniture, glass, or ceramics, you can go for double-layer corrugated cardboard boxes. You can choose various design techniques for these boxes, but textured designs give an elegant and 3D look. Give the raised texture to your brand’s logo to give it a prominent look.

Packaging Styles to Choose

Corrugated cardboard boxes are usually used to ship heavy-duty and extremely fragile items from one place to another. This material is often used by many businesses when sending the PR packages to influencers. You can choose the following styles for your corrugated cardboard boxes:

  • Mailer Boxes
  • Regular Slotted Containers
  • Gusset Folder
  • Half Slotted Container

Products to Pack

Corrugated cardboard boxes are used to pack items and as big cartons because of the durability they offer. Apart from makeup and other beauty products, here are a few items you can pack inside these boxes:

  • Paintings
  • Ceramics
  • Furniture
  • Glass
  • Electronics

4.     Rigid Packaging

Rigid packaging is used when a brand is looking to position itself as a high-end business in the market. If you look around, you will find tons of renowned and luxury brands using rigid boxes for their products. From fashion to tech, every big name is using this material for their products. And the reason is very simple: durability and luxury.

This packaging material, in its simplest form, offers a very refined visual appeal. Rigid boxes can keep the products safe from dust, pressure, temperature, and water to an optimum level. You can choose monochrome packaging for your products, as it further gives the business a luxurious visual appeal.

Packaging Styles to Choose

Use different types of packaging styles when packing your products. Consider using the following packaging styles for your products:

  • Magnetic Closure Boxes
  • Shoulder Neck Boxes
  • Flip Top Boxes
  • Round Boxes

Products to Pack

Some common items that are packed inside the rigid packaging are:

  • High-End Jewelry
  • Watches
  • Gadgets
  • Electronics

Opt for a Greener Future and Nail Your Sales with Paper Packaging

You can become a sustainable D2C brand by choosing visually appealing colors, aesthetically pleasing designs, attractive packaging styles, and premium finishes. Jump on the bandwagon and see for yourself how you can make a name for your brand in the marketplace while satisfying the customers.