The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That’s a wrap! Recyclable options gain favor over traditional paper
As eco-friendly plays bigger role in daily life, companies catching on.
In a survey released last month, half of U.S. respondents said they will give holiday gifts without wrapping this year to avoid using paper, according to Accenture, a consulting firm. Nearly two-thirds said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping.
Gift wrap companies are taking notice.
U.K.-based IG Design Group said this year that it removed glitter from its paper because it’s not recyclable.
Paper Source, a Chicago-based chain, introduced a recyclable wrapping paper that’s made out of crushed marble and limestone uses less water to produce than regular paper.
Here are some wrapping and recycling ideas:
Choose recyclable gift wrap. Papers that contain foil, plastic coating, cellophane and glitter are not recyclable, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. Hawaii-based Wrappily uses old printing presses to print designs on recyclable newsprint. A three-sheet set of its paper is $10. Hallmark sells a set of four rolls (35.2 feet) for $14.99.
Go with gift bags. Ohio-based American Greetings says gift bags now make up 30% of its wrapping business. They cost more up front than many wrapping papers, but they’re easy to reuse. Many sizes and varieties of gift bags are available at Etsy.com. Philadelphia-based VZ Wraps sells a set of three cotton gift bags for wine for $13.59. Amazon has a set of five cotton bags for $23.95.
Wrap with fabric. Furoshiki, an ancient Japanese wrapping craft, is gaining converts elsewhere. Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retail chain, sells gift wrap made from saris that are recycled by artisans in Bangladesh. Sales this year are up 20% over 2018. The 26-square-inch wrap, which comes with instructions, sells for $12.99. Or wrap a gift in a pillowcase or a T-shirt.
Recycle it all. New Jersey-based recycling company TerraCycle promises to recycle everything — including ribbons, bows, tissue paper and wrapping paper with glitter — in its Gift Zero Waste Box. The company sends customers an empty box with a paid return label; once it’s full of gift wrap, customers send it back. A medium-size box costs $147.