What is Sustainable Wrapping Paper?

When thinking about wrapping paper, one of the last questions that’s typically ask amongst ourselves is, “how sustainable is the wrapping paper I’m about to purchase?” Naturally, we’re more concerned with making sure that we buy enough for our ever-growing list of gifts, while ensuring that the design is attractive enough to make a big impact. But, it’s time to think more about the impact that wrapping paper has on our environment, especially considering the fact that Americans spend over $10 billion on wrapping paper annually. Sustainable wrapping paper is the future of the industry, and as you’re about to find out, it can make a critical difference when it comes to our planet.

What Does “Sustainable” Actually Mean?

“Sustainability” is a general term used to describe human behavior and industries that are self-sustaining, rather than ultimately depleting of our resources and the health of our ecosystem. For something to be considered sustainable, it’s able to maintain itself indefinitely rather than running out of resources, or depleting resources in order to last.  

Sustainability is a key factor in keeping our environment healthy. Unsustainable industries are at the forefront of our conversations about the future of our planet, with fast fashion being a common example, greatly adding to the pollution of the environment without being recyclable or easy to repurpose.

How Can Wrapping Paper Be Sustainable?

For wrapping paper to be considered sustainable, it must meet the following criteria. While reading below, keep in mind that the large majority of wrapping paper is not sustainable, which may surprise you considering the fact that it’s considered a paper product.

Criteria #1: Uses Materials That Do Not Deplete its Source

Wrapping paper must be made from certain materials in order to be considered sustainable. A lot of wrapping paper is made from synthetic materials, but there are also natural materials that don’t exist in indefinite quantities – such as paper made from trees that are considered to be endangered, or from trees in regions of the world that are already losing their forests, and thus depleting their ecosystems.

Criteria #2: Recyclable

Sustainable wrapping paper is recyclable, so that it can be repurposed rather than adding to the waste on our planet. Wrapping paper made from synthetic materials, which most commercial wrapping paper is, cannot be recycled, which many are surprised to learn.

Criteria #3: It Generally Contributes to a Healthier Environment

The production of wrapping paper should not contribute to the pollution in our environment, as growing pollution will only become a greater and greater problem down the road. If a company must pollute the environment in order to produce wrapping paper, then that is considered an unsustainable practice in that over time, the problem it causes will only continue to get worse.

Make a Difference by Buying Sustainable Wrapping Paper at Waterleaf Paper!

While an appalling majority of wrapping paper products are unsustainable, you can make a difference by looking a little harder when shopping during the holidays. At Waterleaf Paper, you’ll find only sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable wrapping paper that checks all of the boxes above, being derived from natural, self-sustaining materials, being fully capable of being recycled and being produced without emitting an irresponsible amount of pollutants into the environment. Check out our wrapping paper today and do your part in creating a more “sustainable” world.