Every florist asks this question sooner or later: kraft paper or film? Both come in roll and sheet format, and the right choice depends on the finish you're after, how the bouquet needs to travel, and how sustainable your shop wants to look on the outside. Here's how the two compare, and when each one earns its place on your workbench.
What Is Flower Film?
Flower film, often called foil or floral wrap, is a thin, flexible material that gives bouquets a glossy, modern finish. In roll format, it lets you cut exactly the length you need, ideal for different size bouquets, from small to big. In sheet format, it's ready to grab and fold around a bouquet without measuring, ideal for high-volume, consistent wrapping. Film holds its shape well and protects stems from moisture loss, which is why florists reach for it on busy days and for retail displays that need to look uniform.
At TFWS, most flower film is BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene). You'll also see a number after the name, like BOPP35: that's the thickness in micron (mic). A higher number means a thicker, more rigid film, better for structured wraps and larger bouquets. A lower number gives a softer, more flexible film that's easier to fold tightly around smaller arrangements. If you're unsure which thickness suits your bouquet size, the product description on each roll or sheet lists the exact micron count.
What Is Kraft Paper for Flowers?
Kraft paper is the classic choice for a natural, textured look, and it's available in both rolls and sheets too. Beyond standard kraft paper, two sustainable papers are worth knowing: Silphie paper, made from the Silphie plant, and Paperwise Paper, made from agricultural waste instead of fresh wood pulp. Both are available as rolls for florists who want to cut custom lengths, and as sheets for a quick, pre-cut wrap. Kraft and its sustainable variants add warmth and texture that film can't replicate, and they're the material behind most eco floral wrap requests today.
Kraft paper thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square metre) rather than micron. Most TFWS kraft rolls and sheets are 50gsm, a weight that's sturdy enough to hold its shape around a bouquet while still being easy to fold and crease cleanly. A higher GSM gives a heavier, more rigid paper, while a lower GSM feels lighter and drapes more softly. The GSM is listed on each product, so you can match the weight to the style of wrap you're going for.
Kraft Paper vs Film: Look, Sustainability, Cost, Use Cases
Film wins on moisture resistance, and a sleek, glossy finish, useful when bouquets need to survive transport or sit in a cooler for days. Kraft paper wins on sustainability: FSC kraft, Silphie, and Paperwise are made from renewable or waste materials, and on presentation, since paper takes colour, texture, and print in a way film doesn't. On cost, film is generally the cheaper option per wrap, while Silphie and Paperwise paper sit higher but support a premium, sustainable price point.
When Should You Choose Which?
Choose film when you're wrapping high volumes fast, need moisture protection for delivery, or want a modern, glossy finish for everyday retail bouquets. Choose kraft, Silphie, or Paperwise when the order calls for a premium or eco-conscious presentation, such as bridal work, gift bouquets, or a shop positioning itself around sustainability. Many florists stock a roll of each material and a stack of sheets for quick jobs, choosing per order rather than committing to one.
See It in Action
For a quick visual of what Silphie paper looks like in practice, TFWS shared a short demo: wrapping flowers in sustainable Silphie paper.
Complete the Wrap: Aqua Sheets and Water Protection
Whichever material you choose, an aqua sheet underneath keeps stems hydrated and stops leaks through paper wraps, especially useful for deliveries. For longer transport, pair your wrap with a Freshbag or Chrysal Arrive Alive to keep flowers hydrated and fresh until they reach the customer, so a paper wrap never has to compromise on water protection.
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