Paper is quietly one of the most useful things on a packing bench — it wraps, cushions, fills space and protects surfaces, and unlike plastic it's recyclable and looks the part in a parcel. But "packing paper" spans everything from heavy brown kraft rolls to newsprint and tissue, and each does a different job. This guide covers how to choose packing paper in New Zealand.
The main types of packing paper
- Brown kraft paper (rolls) — strong, heavier paper for wrapping, bundling and surface protection; the workhorse of a dispatch bench.
- Newsprint / packing paper — lighter, clean paper (no ink) for wrapping crockery, glassware and general packing, and for scrunching into void fill.
- Tissue paper — light and presentable for wrapping retail goods, cushioning delicate items and lifting the unboxing experience; available in white, colours and acid-free.
Kraft weight (gsm) — what to look for
Kraft paper is graded by weight in gsm (grams per square metre). Heavier gsm (for example around 190 gsm) is stronger for wrapping heavy items, bundling and protecting edges, while lighter kraft is easier to scrunch and more economical for general wrapping and void fill. Match the weight to the job — heavy for protection, light for filling.
Packing paper vs bubble wrap and void fill
Paper isn't always the answer on its own — it's often the recyclable partner to other protection:
- Wrapping and surface protection — kraft or newsprint around the item.
- Filling empty space — scrunched paper or dedicated void fill so contents don't shift.
- Cushioning fragile goods — pair paper with bubble wrap or honeycomb wrap for impact protection.
For a plastic-free bench, kraft paper plus paper void fill covers most needs; add bubble or foam only where the item genuinely needs cushioning.
The quick answer
Use heavier brown kraft for wrapping and protecting heavier goods, newsprint for clean wrapping of crockery and glass (and for scrunching into void fill), and tissue for retail presentation and delicate items. Match kraft gsm to weight, and pair paper with void fill or bubble wrap where you need to fill space or cushion. Buy rolls and packs by the carton on a trade account to keep the cost down.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between kraft paper and newsprint?
Brown kraft is heavier and stronger for wrapping and protecting; newsprint is lighter, clean
(ink-free) paper best for wrapping crockery and glass and for scrunching into void fill.
What gsm packing paper do I need?
Heavier gsm (around 190) is stronger for heavy items and edge protection; lighter kraft is easier to
scrunch and more economical for general wrapping and filling space.
Is packing paper recyclable?
Yes — plain kraft, newsprint and paper void fill are widely curbside recyclable, which makes paper a
popular plastic-free option for e-commerce dispatch.
Can I buy packing paper in bulk?
Yes — kraft rolls, newsprint and tissue come in bulk rolls and packs with trade pricing. Browse the
protective paper range and the wider
void fill & protection range, or email
sales@nzpackaging.nz for a quote.
