Bubble wrap. Cardboard. Polystyrene. Aluminium foil. Oasis floral foam. These are all commonly used materials in floristry, but is there a more environmentally friendly solution?
‘Sustainability’ is a term that has found its way into every channel of floristry, and for a good reason. Throughout the chain, sustainable improvements are being made — from finding biodegradable wrapping and selling homegrown flowers to using certified imported blooms grown with fewer emissions.
As florists, a love and admiration for nature and prioritising products that are safe for the environment should go hand in hand. The dialogue around sustainability and what we should use and avoid can quickly become overwhelming. But a collective shift is happening. Let us introduce the wonders of Kraft paper…
A sustainable solution
Due to its reduced lignin content and high sulphur ratio, Kraft paper is more robust than regular paper and has higher durability than alternative materials. It is also more resistant to piercing than paper, which is a must in the floristry industry (like a rose between two thorns!)
As it retains its natural colour and texture, Kraft paper does not need the extra step of being bleached. This saves money as the material is handled less and chemicals are kept out of the environment. Plus, brown paper can be made from many types of wood, like pine, bamboo and oak, meaning it is easier to create. Due to the abundance of it available, it fosters a lower material cost.
The process:
Lowering our carbon footprint is a responsibility that befalls us all. Luckily, the process of making Kraft paper is self-sustaining as nearly all the chemicals used in it are recovered and reused. The primary by-products not recycled are turpentine and tall oil, which are used for other manufacturing purposes. Not to mention, a lot of Kraft paper is made from imperfect trees that are not fit for other functions.
So, not only is the material grown, harvested and processed in a manageable, ethical and renewable way but any waste is also put to good use.
Kraft paper products are made using the Kraft process, which, like other paper production methods, involves the chemical conversion of wood into wood pulp. The structural components in wood are lignin and cellulose, and since lignin does not make good paper, it must be separated from the cellulose.
Wood chips are cooked in a solution made of sodium sulphide and sodium hydroxide. They break the lignin and cellulose apart, leaving the solid wood pulp and a ‘black liquor’. The wood chips are turned to a pulp before being screened to remove any larger pieces and then washed to remove any residual cooking liquors. Before you know it, that pulp can be formed into various paper products.
And when you are done with your Kraft packaging, the coated, unbleached brown paper or corrugated cardboard will naturally compost without any harmful chemicals seeping into your soil.
Perfect for packaging purposes
Any florist knows that beautiful and durable packaging is the ultimate accompaniment to a stunning arrangement or gift. After all, it can often be the first thing we notice — or unbox. So, quality packaging options for shipping and delivering are essential.
For many reasons, corrugated cardboard made of Kraft paper is the default shipping option. Thanks to lightweight corrugated Kraft boxes, there is no extra weight added to your item. This means fewer shipping costs for you to absorb or pass on to your customer.
The fact that the material is lightweight yet sturdy means it can keep any fragile contents of a box safe, whether delicate flowers or decorative gifts. Kraft paper is a great packaging solution as it is durable but also great at wrapping products to protect them.
Custom-printed Kraft paper is an excellent option for brands that want to leverage the ‘natural’ texture and build an unboxing experience. Brands that prefer the minimalistic vibe as a design concept often use the simple texture of Kraft paper as a way to achieve their desired aesthetic. You can also get creative with coloured film or ink stamps to brand your packaging and make the whole delivery an exciting experience!
Ethical and environmentally friendly
At The Baggery Sundries, we understand that the floristry supplies industry can become inundated with single-use paraphernalia that does our planet no good. However, we are dedicated to giving florists better, more sustainable choices that are kinder to the environment.
Feeling inspired to minimise your carbon footprint and go green with Kraft paper? Browse our selection today. We also offer Kraft paper bags in a range of sizes with flat paper tape handles or twisted handles, as well as rolls of Kraft paper in various colours and glazed Kraft bags that are perfect for food packaging. The options are endless!
The Baggery Sundries is a trusted wholesale florist supplier happy to meet your needs — email us at info@thebaggerysundries.co.uk to see how we can help you.
