Since I first started SquidCat, Ink, it has been very important to me that this should be an environmentally friendly brand. So from the get go I searched for paper and envelopes that were made of 100% recycled paper, and the clear sleeves I use to protect my products are compostable.
Recently, I realized that an area which could be more environmentally friendly was my packaging. I send most things via USPS, so I had been shipping in their free mail boxes. But, I wasn't sure whether or not these boxes were the best option, so I went on a search to reinvent my packaging, and wanted to share my results below!
Shipping Envelopes and Boxes
I have been very pleased to discover EcoEnclose. They offer rigid mailers (which are just perfect for cards and prints) that are 100% recycled, with 90% of that being post-consumer waste. They can be reused, recycled or composted when you're finished with them. They also offer customizable shipping boxes, which are 100% recycled content, 95% post-consumer waste.
Tape
After I looked into boxes, I realized another thing I could improve on was my tape game. EcoEnclose also offers 50% recycled water activated tape, which is fully recyclable. This Kraft tape works great for sealing up boxes.
The best clear tape I've found for affixing shipping labels to packages is this tape. Although it's not made of recycled content, it is biodegradable, which I think is still a step in the right direction.
Finally, for a little extra security when shipping the tab-locking mailers (and let's be honest, also for a little cuteness), I've been using this customizable water activated tape from NoIssue. It's 100% recycled and made from non-glossy paper, which means it will compost easily.
Tissue Paper
NoIssue also offers a line of customizable tissue paper. I use this rarely and sparingly, for wrapping up original paintings and keeping boxed items safe during transit. This tissue paper is FSC certified and printed with soy based inks on acid free paper.
I still have a stock of supplies I acquired before I found all of these wonderful new packaging solutions, so I'll be finishing using those up before I can fully switch the new packaging supplies, but I am so excited for this new change!
That about wraps things up for what's new with packaging! If you're interested in hearing more about where I source materials, leave me a comment and let me know!