Ever wonder if your packaging could do more than simply package products? What if it could grow into something beautiful, like wildflowers? Yes, you read that correctly - with our seed paper range, you can plant your packaging after use and watch it blossom. It's truly a gift that keeps on giving, especially as we gear up for Houseplant Appreciation Day... (Yes, there's a day for houseplants!)
Houseplant Appreciation Day
Why should we celebrate Houseplant Appreciation Day? Simple - houseplants are awesome. We’ve got plenty in the Tiny Box offices, so we’re very excited to be celebrating this day on Friday, 10th January.
It’s the perfect time too given the dreariness that comes with January (get ready for Blue Monday, that’s on 20th January this year); houseplants can add a bit of life to your space and research has actually shown they help boost our mental and physical health. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, benefits include improved mood, reduced stress, increased productivity, reduced blood pressure, reduced headaches, and more.
So how can you celebrate? Well, if you don’t own a houseplant, why not get one? And if you do own a houseplant, why not get, erm, another one?
And why stop there? Read on to find out more about our seed paper, which can grow into actual living plants...
What is seed paper, and how is it made?
It's quite literally paper that's embedded with seeds, and is made in the following way:
First, wood paper fibres are mulched down into a pulp and mixed with some seeds. This is then soaked in warm water to soften the fibres and make them pliable. The soaked pulp is then shredded into small pieces, which are then blended with as much water as needed to create a moist, dough-like mixture. The mixture is pressed or shaped into the desired form, such as sheets, or into specific shapes. The seed paper is then left to dry, either by air drying or by baking in a low-temperature oven, and then it's ready to be planted!
Right, so how do I plant my seed paper?
Now onto the fun bit! Just follow these steps for beautiful wildflowers:
Step 1: Start by soaking the plantable paper in water and tearing it into tiny little pieces.
Step 2: Pick your fave plant pot and fill it about ¾ of the way with compost. Pop your lil pieces of seed paper in amongst the compost, then lightly sprinkle a bit more on top to fill the pot.
Step 3: Keep the soil and paper moist (but not soaking wet) and keep in a warm place that gets plenty of sunlight (we'd recommend a window sill!). Make sure to water your plant pot regularly.
Step 4: When your seeds have started to grow into flowers, place your pot outside, or just keep it where it is on your sunny window sill.
These are suitable for gardens and window boxes only - please do not plant in the wild. (Why? Local ecosystems can be extremely fragile, so the addition of foreign organisms can have a profound and lasting effect.)
Meet our new Tiny Box seed paper plant... Fernadette!
There we are! Beautiful seed paper packaging that can be planted after use. At Tiny Box Company, our collection includes note cards, gift tags, shredded box filler, and of course boxes - find our seed paper range here.
And for businesses looking to align their packaging with vegan values, seed paper is just the beginning. Our complete vegan packaging range includes other earth-friendly options like compostable bags, wood pulp ribbon, shredded zig zag paper, and oh-so-much more. Take a look!
After more tips on embracing Veganuary for your small business? Read our blog on just that topic here.