I thought it was about time I gave a little update on how we’re using and adapting our packaging. Our focus is always on how we might operate our business in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, so here is a quick run down on how we’re trying to achieve that with our packaging.

Eco Notebooks and Eco Notecard Sets

The paper and card bands that are wrapped around our Eco Notebooks and Eco Notecard Sets are all made using recycled card and paper (we print the designs onto recycled card and paper).

And the round little clear stickers that hold the bands together? These are biodegradable!

The film of the bags in which our Eco Notebooks and Eco Greetings Cards are wrapped is made with vegetable starch and so is compostable and biodegradable. The film is accredited to ‘OK biobased’ and DIN EN 13432. They will compost most efficiently in commercial composters under higher temperatures, so if your local authority has this option then this is the best way of disposing of them. They can be composted at home but this will just take longer. All of our customers can help by checking with their local authority as to which bin these bags can be added if they cannot be composted at home.

As we use the self-seal bags, there is a small plastic strip that protects the seal until it is time to close the bag – our supplier is working with their manufacturer to change this strip into a more eco-friendly alternative.

Greetings Cards

Again, the transparent bags are made from biodegradable vegetable starch film. Our information slips in the cards are printed on recycled paper too.

Coasters and Placemats

Our sets of four coasters and four placemats are supplied to our customers in recycled kraft boxes which can also be further recycled. The information on the insert sheets on these boxes is also printed on recycled card.

Hampers

Our Hamper boxes are made using at least 40% recycled materials and in some cases more. They can be reused (and make excellent storage boxes) or recycled.

We have been using natural raffia for our hamper fillings, a plant material and that be reused for other gifts, composted or even used as insulation for little plants during the winter months.

Part 2 will follow next week!