"Kraft" and "corrugated" are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things — and confusing them leads to wrong specifications. This guide clarifies the difference and helps you choose the right one for your product.
The difference, simply
Kraft refers to the material — unbleached natural paperboard or paper. Corrugated refers to the structure — a fluted core glued between two liners. You can have kraft corrugated (kraft liners around a fluted core) or kraft folding carton (solid kraft paperboard with no fluting). The terms answer different questions: kraft is "what is it made of", corrugated is "how is it built".
When to choose kraft folding cartons
Choose solid kraft paperboard for light products that sit on a shelf or inside a mailer, where you want a natural, sustainable look with one or two colour print. It is cheaper than coated white board, fully recyclable, and home-compostable when uncoated. Best for craft, wellness and eco brands.
When to choose corrugated
Choose corrugated when the box has to survive shipping on its own, carry weight, or stack on a pallet. The fluted core gives crush and stacking resistance that solid board cannot. E-flute gives near-carton print quality for mailers; B/C-flute gives strength for shippers.
Can you combine them?
Yes. Kraft corrugated — kraft liners around a fluted core — gives you the natural sustainable look with shipping strength. It is a common choice for eco eCommerce brands that want a recyclable mailer that still protects in transit.
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