If you’re sourcing disposable paper plates, you’ve probably come across two main options: white cardboard plates and kraft paper plates. At first glance, they might look similar—both are made from paperboard, both are used for serving food, and both are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. But once you look closer, the differences between them start to matter, especially when you’re deciding which one to offer to your customers.
Let’s break it down in real terms, from appearance and feel to performance and customer preference.
Most people are drawn to white cardboard paper plates because of their clean, classic look. They feel fresh, bright, and universal. A white plate makes any food look better—whether it’s a colorful dessert or a simple sandwich. This is one reason why white is still the most popular choice among restaurants, caterers, and supermarkets. It works for any type of food and any type of customer.
White cardboard plates are also ideal for printing. If your brand relies on strong visual identity, this matters. Whether you want to print a small logo in the corner or cover the entire surface with a custom design, white paper gives you a clear, sharp canvas to work with. Many of our clients in Europe and North America choose white plates for custom branding. It helps their packaging look premium while still staying affordable and eco-friendly.
From a material point of view, our white paper plates are made with virgin food-grade board, with grammage ranging from 160gsm to 300gsm. The surface is smooth, the structure is stiff, and even our lighter-weight plates hold up well under everyday use. They’re especially popular with clients who want a clean, uniform product to resell or use in a professional setting.
But not every brand wants clean and polished. Some want natural, earthy, and raw—and that’s where kraft paper plates come in.
Kraft plates are made from unbleached wood pulp, which gives them a natural brown color. That color isn’t just visual—it sends a message. It tells your customer: “This is eco-conscious. This is different. This is sustainable.” More and more coffee shops, organic food brands, and eco-themed retailers are choosing kraft disposable plates because the look alone aligns with their values.
While kraft plates don’t offer the same brightness for printed logos as white ones do, many businesses don’t mind. They actually prefer the natural feel and are happy with minimalist, single-color printing. A small black logo on a kraft plate can look modern and intentional—perfect for artisan bakeries, food trucks, or high-end grocery chains.
In terms of strength and performance, kraft and white plates are fairly equal. Both can be produced in the same sizes and grammage levels. A 9-inch kraft plate in 250gsm will feel just as sturdy as a white one. But there are subtle differences. Kraft paper tends to have a slightly rougher texture and a bit more absorbency, so for very oily or saucy foods, some clients still prefer white plates with a light coating.
Another key difference is how customers react to the product in different markets. In the UK and Germany, for example, kraft plates are a big hit with eco shops and organic cafes. In the Middle East or Southeast Asia, white is often seen as cleaner and more premium. That doesn’t mean kraft can’t sell globally—it absolutely can—but your product positioning and target audience make a difference.
In terms of cost, the price difference is usually small. Kraft paper is slightly less processed, but depending on your custom printing, packing, and shipping needs, the total cost might be about the same as white. What matters more is the message your product sends. If you’re selling to modern, eco-conscious consumers who care about packaging, kraft paper plates may give you a stronger connection to your market.
From a factory perspective, we can supply both materials in all standard sizes—5 to 10 inches, round and square, with optional coating and custom printing. Many of our clients choose to offer both types in their catalog. That way, they can cover two different customer needs with one supply chain. One of our UK clients sells white 9-inch plates to hotels, while also offering kraft 7-inch dessert plates to organic cafés—both under their own private label.
So which one should you choose?
If your customers want clean, food-safe, customizable plates that look good with full-color branding, white cardboard is the way to go. If you’re targeting environmentally focused buyers, minimalist design, or organic product lines, kraft plates may give your products more emotional appeal.
Either way, both options are compostable, recyclable, and suitable for modern food service businesses. And both show your customers that you’re choosing paper—not plastic.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to send samples. Sometimes, seeing and feeling both options side-by-side is the best way to decide what’s right for your market.
