Sustainability in practice: How kraft paper can change the world
Kraft paper may not be the first material that comes to mind when we think of innovative solutions for everyday products. But this humble material, known for its strength and flexibility, can play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable future. At Greenstart, we have embraced kraft paper as a key ingredient in our work to create the world’s first 100% biodegradable umbrella – the Greenstart Umbrella.
What is kraft paper, and why is it special?
Kraft paper is a natural paper product made from wood through a process called the kraft process. The name "kraft" comes from the German word for strength, and strength is indeed one of the material's most remarkable properties.
But kraft paper is not only strong; it is also environmentally friendly. The process for making kraft paper is designed to be resource-efficient:
• Minimal waste generation:The production process uses wood efficiently, and by-products from the process can often be recycled or used as bioenergy.
• Sustainable raw material: If the wood comes from certified, sustainable forests, kraft paper is a material with a low environmental impact.
• Minimal waste generation:The production process uses wood efficiently, and by-products from the process can often be recycled or used as bioenergy.
• Sustainable raw material: If the wood comes from certified, sustainable forests, kraft paper is a material with a low environmental impact.
Kraft paper as a solution for sustainability
Most traditional umbrellas are made from a combination of plastic, metal and synthetics like nylon. These materials can take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to the growing global plastic crisis. Kraft paper, however, offers a solution that breaks this cycle. At Greenstart, we have taken kraft paper to the next level. We use it as the main material in the Greenstart Umbrella, and with carefully tailored treatment we make it a competitive alternative to plastic and metal:
• Naturally water-repellent: Kraft paper already has good water-repellent properties, and we enhance this with natural coatings such as beeswax or coconut oil to ensure that the umbrella protects against the rain.
• Flexibility and strength: The material withstands the stresses of daily use and has a durability that matches the needs of both short-term and long-term use.
• Biodegradability: Once the umbrella has done its job, it naturally decomposes within months, leaving no traces of plastic or microplastics in nature.
• Naturally water-repellent: Kraft paper already has good water-repellent properties, and we enhance this with natural coatings such as beeswax or coconut oil to ensure that the umbrella protects against the rain.
• Flexibility and strength: The material withstands the stresses of daily use and has a durability that matches the needs of both short-term and long-term use.
• Biodegradability: Once the umbrella has done its job, it naturally decomposes within months, leaving no traces of plastic or microplastics in nature.
An innovative step towards sustainability
An innovative step towards corporate sustainability
At Greenstart, we have developed a biodegradable umbrella made from kraft paper and PHA – sustainable materials that combine functionality with a strong environmental profile.
The umbrella protects people from the rain while helping companies reduce plastic waste and strengthen their ESG efforts.
• 7-day model – a durable umbrella designed for commuters, guests, and employees. Reliable, practical, and environmentally responsible – the ideal solution for companies that want to combine functionality with impact.
Why it matters for your company
• Showcase your commitment to sustainability • Strengthen ESG reporting with measurable results
• Offer branded, eco-friendly umbrellas to customers, employees, or partners
• Reduce your company’s environmental footprint
At Greenstart, we have developed a biodegradable umbrella made from kraft paper and PHA – sustainable materials that combine functionality with a strong environmental profile.
The umbrella protects people from the rain while helping companies reduce plastic waste and strengthen their ESG efforts.
• 7-day model – a durable umbrella designed for commuters, guests, and employees. Reliable, practical, and environmentally responsible – the ideal solution for companies that want to combine functionality with impact.
Why it matters for your company
• Showcase your commitment to sustainability • Strengthen ESG reporting with measurable results
• Offer branded, eco-friendly umbrellas to customers, employees, or partners
• Reduce your company’s environmental footprint
Expanding the potential of kraft paper
Kraft paper is more than just a material – it represents a philosophy of simplicity, efficiency, and respect for nature. At Greenstart, we transform kraft paper into functional, sustainable products that reduce plastic waste and strengthen companies’ ESG initiatives.
• Corporate umbrellas: Our 7-day model is designed for everyday use by employees, commuters, and customers – combining durability with minimal environmental impact.
• Disposable items: Kraft paper can replace plastics in straws, cups, or plates, offering eco-friendly alternatives for high-volume consumption.
• Building materials: With the right treatment, kraft paper can even be used in insulation and other applications with a significantly lower footprint.
• Corporate umbrellas: Our 7-day model is designed for everyday use by employees, commuters, and customers – combining durability with minimal environmental impact.
• Disposable items: Kraft paper can replace plastics in straws, cups, or plates, offering eco-friendly alternatives for high-volume consumption.
• Building materials: With the right treatment, kraft paper can even be used in insulation and other applications with a significantly lower footprint.
Our vision
At Greenstart, we see kraft paper not only as a material, but as the start of a movement. By embracing sustainable innovation, businesses can demonstrate leadership in circular economy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint in practic
Sustainability in practice
Kraft paper may be a humble material, but it has enormous power to change the way we think about everyday products. At Greenstart, we’ve only just begun to explore its potential. With the Greenstart Umbrella, we’re showing that small choices can make a big difference.
By choosing products made from kraft paper, like our umbrella, you’re becoming part of a larger movement to reduce waste, protect the environment, and create a greener future.
Let’s make a difference – one umbrella at a time.
Let’s make a difference – one umbrella at a time.