Answer: Client intention!
A client may ask for kraft paper because they want the packaging to suggest eco-friendliness. But it may not be the best choice if your design needs bright, consistent color across multiple SKUs.
For example, in the case of the soap packaging pictured above, the better solution was not kraft. It was an FSC-certified C1S board paired with 6-color digital inkjet printing. The extra colors expanded the available color range, helping the package hues get much closer to the intended PMS colors than standard CMYK could.
If the goal is sustainability, kraft is one possible route. But recycled board or FSC-certified paperboard may support the brand story while also giving your design a better chance to dazzle.
PaperSpecs PRO Members, for more on this don’t miss our:
Deep Dive – “How to Pivot When Your Printing Plans Collapse”
