About That's A Wrap
The ethos is to work with nature, rather than against it, bringing you gifting presentation solutions that give back to the world, as well as decorate gifts to our nearest and dearest.
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'We need to rediscover how to be sustainable and move from being apart from nature, to becoming a part of nature once again.'
- Sir David Attenborough
In a world where 93% of paper comes from trees, it's more important than ever to reconsider the amount of tree derived paper we consume in our everyday lives. Paper accounts for 40% of waste dumped in landfills. Brits will bin the equivalent of 108 million rolls of wrapping paper over Christmas, 2017, The Independent.
Some wrapping papers are infused with toxic chemicals during the printing process or with chlorine during paper manufacture, but here at That's a Wrap, this simply won't do.
The paper used at That's a wrap is made from bark derived from a Himalayan shrub which grows high in the mountains. The plant it comes from is called the Daphne shrub, (otherwise known as lokta) - the harvesting of the bark means the plants are cropped above ground level, ensuring regrowth from the radial root. This bark even regrows within 3-4 years and can be re-harvested, making it completely sustainable and renewable.
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This lokta paper sourced from Nepal uses Soda ash in its production, rather than Caustic soda, which can harm the paper fibres. The use of soda ash, produces run-off that can be used as a fertiliser so the environmental impact is actually positive.
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The paper is fair trade and in Nepal the harvesting of lokta bark in the Himalayan forests provides much needed work for local people in the hill areas.
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The ink I use for printing, is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and vegan. As a whole, the product is eco friendly, it is recyclable at many centres throughout the UK, if you are uncertain check with your local recycling or waste management centre - as the ink is aqueous based as opposed to oil based, the technique required for ink removal differs. The paper is strong and can be reused, if you cannot recycle the paper after you are finished with using it, you can compost it, as the ink doesn't contain solvents, toxins or plastics. This wrapping paper is also biodegradable.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
After initially working towards a career as an illustrator, I found myself in the role of Graphic Designer for interior spaces. Although this role was a challenging, varied and creative role, it did not offer the creative freedom I aspired to have. Prior to this I studied Illustration, followed by Graphic Storytelling and Comic Art.
Working in the design industry meant I worked with a substantial amount of different media, many paper and plastic based. As someone who is passionate about environmental preservation, I was motivated to carry out my own research into how industries that produce a lot of virgin paper products, which are then often packaged in plastic wrapping, could reduce wastage. This lead me to look at sustainable materials available on the market, I found that one of the key causes of paper wastage mentioned was 'wrapping paper and cards'.
I was devastated to learn that, '227,000 miles of wrapping paper is thrown away each year.' I felt driven to research into environmentally friendly disposal options, as well as see if an eco friendly sustainable alternative could be offered. Most wrapping paper can actually be recycled once the sellotape has been removed, providing it isn't the shiny metallic or glitter type.
However, I also wondered about emissions in relation to manufacture, the effect of dyes, inks and toners used could have on the environment. I also thought it would be a great benefit, if wrapping and cards could return something positive to the environment and communities, instead of taking away, whilst being completely sustainable. Finding like minded suppliers of tree free eco papers through my research, and merging it with my illustration and printing skills, That's a Wrap was born!
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