Kraft paper or plastic: which packaging is better?
No packaging is better across the board. Pure paper bags are plastic-free but protect less against moisture and grease. Kraft paper stand-up pouches have a film inside and are therefore composites. Mono-PE bags protect well and are recyclable as a mono-material. The choice depends on the contents, shelf life and disposal route.
As of: 19.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee.
Three types compared
| Feature | Pure paper bag | Kraft paper composite | Plastic bag (mono-PE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example in our range | Block Bottom Bags in Natron Kraft (kraft paper 70 g/m² with parchment substitute) | Kraft-Paper Stand-Up Pouches (kraft paper 50 g / AL 7 / CPP 60) | Recyclable Stand-Up Pouches (LDPE / EVOH / LDPE) |
| Visibility of the contents | no, unless it has a window | no, unless it has a window | yes, transparent |
| Protection against moisture and grease | limited | high thanks to the inner film | high |
| Plastic-free | yes | no, inner film | no |
| Disposal | waste paper (usually) | composite, harder to recycle | plastic recycling, mono-material |
| Look | natural | natural | clear or printed |
Where paper scores
- Natural look for farm shops, bakeries and small-batch producers.
- Paper carrier bags made of kraft paper (70 and 80 g/m², FSC-certified, recyclable): Paper Carrier Bags.
- Dry goods such as spices and tea in Block Bottom Bags in Kraft Paper.
Where plastic scores
- Transparency: customers can see the product.
- Barrier against moisture, oxygen and aroma loss with little material.
- Vacuum packing, sous vide and freezing, see Sous vide and vacuum bags.
- Recyclable mono-materials: Recyclable Stand-Up Pouches.
The key points first
A bag that looks like paper is not automatically plastic-free. Whether paper or plastic, what matters is the structure and the disposal route. If you need plastic-free, choose pure paper bags. If you want to combine shelf life and recyclability, look at mono-materials. Legal questions on recyclability and labelling are covered in our PPWR guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a kraft paper stand-up pouch plastic-free?
No. According to the item data, it consists of kraft paper on the outside and a film on the inside, for example CPP or PLA. It is a composite.
What is a pure paper bag?
A bag made entirely of paper; in our range, for example, the Natron block bottom bag made of kraft paper with parchment substitute.
Is kraft paper food-safe?
Most kraft paper items in our range are marked as food-safe. What counts is the information given for the specific item.
Which packaging is better for the environment?
That depends on the structure and the disposal route. Mono-materials can be recycled well, pure paper bags are plastic-free, and composites are harder to recycle.