Home > Blog > What is Dunnage Paper, Its Types, and Its Uses

What is Dunnage Paper, Its Types, and Its Uses

By Discount Box Printing · Published September 2, 2025 · 2 min read

In this article

What Is Dunnage Paper?
Types of Dunnage Paper
How Dunnage Paper Is Used
Benefits of Dunnage Paper
The Bottom Line

Dunnage paper helps protect goods when you ship them. It fills the empty space in a box. It stops items from sliding around. And it cuts down on damage. You can use it for fragile items, glass, gadgets, or heavy parts. It helps your products arrive safe.

What Is Dunnage Paper?

Dunnage paper is a simple packing material. It is made from kraft paper or recycled paper. You place it around, between, or inside your items. It holds them in place and soaks up bumps. Unlike bubble wrap or foam, it is easy to recycle. It is also cheap and it works many ways. That makes it a smart, green choice.

Types of Dunnage Paper

Different jobs call for different paper. Here are the most common types.

1. Kraft Paper Dunnage

Made from strong kraft fibers.
Hard to tear and very tough.
Great for wrapping fragile items and filling gaps.

2. Recycled Dunnage Paper

Made from 100% recycled paper.
Green and easy on your budget.
A good fit for online orders and bulk shipping.

3. Shredded Dunnage Paper

Paper cut into thin strips or crinkles.
Adds soft padding for odd shapes.
Common in gift boxes and premium packs.

4. Multi-Layer Dunnage Paper

Built from a few layers of paper.
Adds more strength and soaks up shock.
Best for heavy or factory loads.

5. Anti-Slip Dunnage Paper

Coated so it grips, not slides.
Keeps stacked items steady on the road.
Popular with car and gadget brands.

How Dunnage Paper Is Used

You can use dunnage paper in many ways:

Fill space — pack empty gaps so items cannot move.
Cushion — guard fragile goods from knocks.
Wrap — keep off scratches, dust, and dirt.
Separate layers — stop stacked items from rubbing.
Soak up shock — ease bumps on long trips.
Go green — a recyclable choice for eco-minded brands.

Benefits of Dunnage Paper

Cheap and light.
Easy to recycle.
Works for many packing jobs.
Cuts down on damage in transit.
Makes the unboxing feel nicer.

The Bottom Line

Dunnage paper is a safe, green way to protect what you ship. It comes in many types, from kraft to shredded to anti-slip. So there is a fit for almost any product. Pair it with sturdy corrugated boxes or mailer boxes for the best results. Want custom kraft packaging for your brand? Request a free quote, or read our guide to paper vs plastic bags.

Explore More

Explore our custom kraft paper and eco-friendly boxes — recyclable packaging printed factory-direct with free design and fast turnaround. For more, read our complete guide to custom kraft paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do custom printed paper cost?

Pricing for custom printed paper depends on size, material, quantity, and finishes. Because we make factory-direct with no setup fees, our wholesale prices are typically lower than buying through a reseller. Request a free quote for exact pricing.

What is the minimum order for custom printed paper?

We offer low minimum orders on custom printed paper, so you can start with a small batch to test the market and reorder as your brand grows.

How long does it take to get custom printed paper?

Standard production and delivery is about 10–12 business days after proof approval, with rush turnaround of 6–8 business days available on most orders, plus free shipping across the USA.

Can I print my logo and brand colors on custom printed paper?

Yes. Every order is fully customizable with your logo, brand colors, and artwork using high-quality printing, plus finishes like foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV. Free design support is included.

What price can I expect for custom dunnage paper in bulk?

Wholesale custom dunnage paper start from about $0.10 per unit at Discount Box Printing, with the final price set by size, board thickness, print color count, and run size. Larger orders cut the per-unit cost by a wide margin, and you can send a competing quote to our <a href="/beat-my-quote">Beat My Quote</a> page to lock in a better rate.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom dunnage paper?

We print custom dunnage paper with a low minimum order so small brands and new product lines can start without a big spend. Low MOQs let you test art and sizes on the shelf before you scale up, and when you reorder in bulk the per-unit price drops. Reach out for the exact MOQ on your spec.

How long does it take to print and deliver custom dunnage paper?

Standard turnaround on custom dunnage paper is about 10 to 12 business days after proof approval, with a 6 to 8 day rush option on most jobs. Timing starts once art and dieline are signed off, so a fast proof reply keeps the clock short. Free US ground shipping is included on every order.

Do you offer free design, a dieline, and a 3D mockup for custom dunnage paper?

Yes. Every custom dunnage paper order at Discount Box Printing includes free design help, a print-ready dieline, and a 3D mockup before we go to press. Our team cleans up logos, sets bleeds, and checks food-safe inks when needed, so the box you approve on screen is the box you receive at your door.

Do you ship custom dunnage paper across the United States?

Yes. We make custom dunnage paper factory-direct and ship to every state in the US with free ground freight on wholesale orders. Our team at Discount Box Printing coordinates print, cut, and dispatch under one roof, so your boxes land on time whether you order from New York, Texas, California, or anywhere between.