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Kraft paper is one of the largest paper categories in the United States by volume. From packaging giants with millions of tons of annual capacity to specialty converters serving niche industries, the US kraft paper market is crowded. This list covers the ten manufacturers most worth knowing in 2026, based on capacity, product range, and reputation.
We also include Kangchuang Paper at the end. We are a Chinese manufacturer that exports to the US, and we want to be upfront about our role compared to the American mills.
1. International Paper
International Paper is the largest kraft paper manufacturer in the world by revenue, with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. IP operates multiple pulp and paper mills across the US, producing containerboard, kraft paper, and specialty papers at massive scale.
Best for: Enterprise buyers who need millions of square feet per year at reliable quality. IP is the default if you are a Fortune 500 packaging customer.
2. WestRock (merged into Smurfit WestRock)
WestRock, now part of Smurfit WestRock after the 2024 merger, is a major North American kraft paper and corrugated packaging manufacturer. Their TruServ paperboard line and kraft paper roll products serve the foodservice, beverage, and industrial packaging markets.
Best for: Integrated packaging solutions that combine kraft paper with corrugated box and paperboard. If you need kraft plus corrugate plus folding carton from one supplier, WestRock is a natural fit.
3. Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific, a Koch Industries subsidiary based in Atlanta, operates multiple kraft paper mills and a broad containerboard footprint. Their GPpackaging division supplies natural kraft paper for bags, packaging, and industrial wrap.
Best for: Bulk buyers who want a US mill with long supplier relationships. Georgia-Pacific also has strong food-grade and FDA-compliant kraft grades.
4. Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)
PCA is one of the largest producers of containerboard and kraft paper in the US, with mills across the Midwest and the South. They have leaned heavily into recycled content and sustainable manufacturing in recent years.
Best for: Manufacturers who need a major mill partner with strong sustainability credentials. PCA is a reliable choice for high-volume kraft rolls for corrugating and general packaging.
5. Pregis
Pregis, based in Chicago, focuses on protective packaging rather than commodity kraft. Their FillPak natural kraft paper system is widely used for void fill and wrap in ecommerce fulfillment centers.
Best for: Ecommerce and fulfillment operations that want paper-based protective packaging instead of plastic air pillows or foam. The dispensing machines pair with their 100% natural kraft rolls.
6. Port Townsend Paper Corporation
Port Townsend Paper is a specialty kraft mill in Washington State, founded in 1927. They produce around 325,000 tons of kraft pulp, kraft paper, and containerboard annually, with a strong focus on recycled fiber and sustainability.
Best for: Buyers who want recycled-content kraft from a West Coast mill. Port Townsend recycles a major share of Washington’s old corrugated cardboard into new paper.
7. Rand-Whitney Containerboard (The Kraft Group)
Part of The Kraft Group’s paper and packaging division, Rand-Whitney Containerboard manufactures containerboard and kraft paper from facilities in New England. Aggregated with International Forest Products and New-Indy Container, the combined operation ranks in the top five of US paper and packaging.
Best for: Northeast buyers who want a regional kraft supplier with integrated containerboard capabilities.
8. Holland Manufacturing
Holland Manufacturing specializes in kraft and rosin papers for surface protection. Based in New Jersey, they focus on industrial applications including automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Best for: Industrial surface protection applications. Holland’s kraft and rosin papers are widely specified in factories and construction sites where floors, panels, or equipment need a durable cover during work.
9. Pixelle Specialty Solutions
Pixelle runs specialty paper mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio. They produce a range of specialty kraft papers including release grades, casting papers, and machine-finished kraft for pressure-sensitive adhesive applications.
Best for: Specialty kraft needs, including release liners, CCK base paper, and engineered paper for coating and laminating operations.
10. Kangchuang Paper (Dongguan, China, serving US buyers by direct export)
Kangchuang Paper manufactures industrial kraft, VCI kraft, sulfur-free kraft, and specialty kraft paper since 2003. We export directly from China to US buyers at factory prices, with ISO 9001 certification and full test reporting per lot.
Our kraft paper runs from 40 to 300 gsm in natural, white, and colored grades. We also offer custom widths through our slitting service, unbleached recycled kraft, food-grade kraft, and printed kraft on request.
Best for: US buyers who want factory-direct pricing on kraft paper at volume, or who need a specialty kraft product that American mills do not stock. Free samples ship to US addresses, and minimum order quantities are lower than many of the American mills on this list.
How to Pick the Right Kraft Paper Mill
Start with volume. If you buy more than 500 tons per year, the major American mills (IP, Smurfit WestRock, Georgia-Pacific, PCA) are your natural market. You get consistency, credit terms, and nearby inventory.
If you buy under 100 tons per year or need specialty grades, the smaller US mills (Holland, Pixelle, Port Townsend) and direct-import manufacturers (like Kangchuang) are often better fits. You get flexibility on specifications, shorter runs, and direct communication with the actual factory instead of a sales layer.
For ecommerce fulfillment specifically, Pregis and a few of their competitors have fully integrated systems that combine paper rolls with dispensing equipment. That is a different purchase than commodity kraft.
Specs to Ask About
Every kraft paper supplier should tell you four numbers without hesitation. Basis weight in gsm. Burst strength. Tear strength. Moisture content.
Ask for the specification sheet and the lot test report before buying. A mill that cannot provide lot-level testing is not one worth dealing with for industrial applications.
The Bottom Line
The US kraft paper market is dominated by a handful of massive mills with smaller specialty producers filling out the space. For major commercial buyers, the top five American mills are hard to beat on stability. For specialty applications, direct-import options, or cost-sensitive bulk orders, direct manufacturers like Kangchuang offer an alternative worth testing.
Get quotes from at least three suppliers across different categories. Run a trial order. Then scale with the supplier who delivers on price, quality, and lead time together.
