Early application of kraft paper bags

The early application of kraft paper bags can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the acceleration of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of global trade. The earliest kraft paper bags mainly played a role in the food, agricultural and industrial fields, relying on their good strength and durability. During this stage, kraft paper bags gradually developed from an emerging paper packaging material to a multi-purpose industrial and commercial packaging solution, laying the foundation for later large-scale applications.
Background and initial advantages of kraft paper
The invention of kraft paper was completed by German chemist Carl F. Dahl in 1879. The kraft paper process he invented, also known as the "sulfate process", greatly improved the strength and tear resistance of paper. Traditional papermaking methods, especially acid pulping, easily destroy the cellulose in the fiber, while the sulfate process effectively removes the lignin in the wood through chemical treatment, retaining longer cellulose chains, making the paper not only more durable, but also with good mechanical properties.
Early Applications in Food Packaging
The application of kraft paper bags in food packaging was one of the key drivers of its early development. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, kraft paper bags were widely used to package flour, grains, sugar and other bulk foods. These commodities usually require stronger packaging materials to cope with the challenges that may be encountered during transportation and storage.
Flour bags: Flour was one of the more important basic foods at the time and was usually sold in bulk. Kraft paper bags were used to replace early cloth bags and sacks because of their durability and breathability. Kraft paper bags can not only effectively bear the weight of flour, but also protect flour from moisture to a certain extent.
Grain and grain storage: Kraft paper bags play an important role in the packaging and transportation of grains and grains, especially when transported over long distances. Paper bags are more cost-effective and lighter than traditional sacks or wooden boxes. The strength of kraft paper allows it to withstand greater tension, reducing the risk of packaging damage.