recycled paper for packaging?

[Former_Member]

I am considering offering an alternative in my shop and I am wondering if anyone else used the idea and whether they see more positive feedback using recycled paper for packaging rather than new paper?

I have a bunch of paper products - newspapers, documents that printed wrong, etc that I am most likely to shred before I throw them out but shredded paper makes great packaging for some delicate items, and I am thinking that offering a discount for those who request recycled packaging instead of asking for new tissue, etc. will help cut costs for both me and the customer.

Thoughts?

[Former_Member]

I only use recycled paper to pack all of my items. I shred up old catalogs and phone books and then squish them to make them crinkly.

It works great, is free, and best of all, my customers love it! I was worried about using it in my Bridal shop, but I have never had a complaint. I do use new tissue paper(which is recycled) to neatly wrap the items first, so they have a nice presentation. I am going to have a custom stamp made that explains why I use recycled packaging, that way I can stamp the inside of my boxes with it.

I wouldn't offer a discount, I LOVE buying from sellers that use 'green' packaging, so I consider it a value add, not the other way around. Plus, sometimes things like that are reasons I pick one seller over another, so make sure you tell your customers if you do start using recycled packaging.

[Former_Member]

I think it could be kind of neat, and perhaps sending a little note to your customers about it and a reminder to recycle it would promote a little earth care from your customers.
I ordered a poster from an artist (not here on Etsy, but an independent artist nonetheless) who wrote his thank yous on small, misprinted or test pages. they were kind of neat to receive and made for some interesting art in themselves. As for packaging, I think you could get pretty creative with it and I wouldn't mind receiving newspaper packaging, discount or not.

[Former_Member]

My only concern was that it wouldn't be as pretty as new paper can lool, but after shredded a big piled of pages, the result came out really interested because of all the textures and mixed colors. Mostly it is white paper but a lot of the pages that were mixed in were really colorful so there is some confetti in there.

[RunkPockDesigns]

I use newspaper, extra tissue paper, etc as well, I've never had a complaint!
I agree with just making sure the items are wrapped before stuffing the box for shipping, my invitations are wrapped in plain paper then wrapped in bubble wrap, I then use recycled/newspaper to hold everything in the box for shipping and have always had everything arrive safely!

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

I use recycled packaging all the time. I sell supplies so I don't think my customers are as sensitive to packaging. Someone a while back suggested getting a stamp saying "recycled packaging". I thought that was a great idea but haven't enacted it yet.

[Former_Member]

If you really want to add to your branding, you can shred some paper in your business colors to add a little color to your recycled paper filler.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

I also use recycled packaging all the time. I wrap my ornaments in tissue paper and place them in their gift box. I use old crumpled magazine paper to cushion and stabilize the gift boxes in their shipping box. I used to use packing peanuts (and still do when I have them). But I love using something that I already have on hand.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the feedback!! I feel better about using something I can recycle rather than just pitching in the trash :)

[Former_Member]

I've been lucky to get a bunch of old maps my local library had thrown into the recycle bin. As soon as I saw those I pulled them out. Turns out some BLM maps have an expiration date. They make great wrapping for products and gifts. You might want to check with your local library if they recycle some maps and perhaps you could have them instead.

[SweetSomeday]

I reuse packing materials and boxes all the time. I state it in my policies and also in a note to the customer when I ship - so they know what to expect and what kind of box to look for. I've never had a complaint!

[Former_Member]

I use newspaper for packing and have never had any complaints about it. I will say that newsprint can rub off on hands and items, so I make sure that whatever I am sending is protected (plastic bag, ziploc bag, box, whatever it needs) and isn't actually touching the newspaper.

[watermediaworks]

I don't think you need to offer a discount at all. Most etsy shoppers are environmentally sensitive/earth friendly. I use recycled boxes and wrapping (all clean, of course!) with my paintings every chance I get. I write a little note to customers explaining that I am recycling to preserve the environment and have gotten universally positive feedback from customers. Go for it!!

[Former_Member]

I love the idea of the maps! Or maybe old books that are too damaged to be repaired.

[ElementalSilver1]

I think that is a great idea!

[WintergreenDesign]

I use a mixture of both recycled paper and new... plus everything I make is made of paper (both recycled and new as well). I do use new gift boxes as my shipping boxes... at first I was a little hesitant to that... because it didn't seem very environmental but after thinking about it and talking with people I decided it was the way to go. I think that most people if they are given a lovely box will keep it and not throw it in the landfill... it will likely get used over and over again. I do use recycled tissue paper for the inside and recycled brown paper for the outside as well. If I can find a source for beautiful, ridgid, sturdy boxes I will likely switch but I haven't found an affordable option yet : )

[Former_Member]

Another thing I do is when I or someone I know buys Christmas ornaments (which means a lot or ornaments), I snag the paper that the store wraps the ornament in to keep it safe on the way home. I fold it and pack it with my shipping supplies -- the paper always looks nice and it's another free source of good packaging. I have quite a bit built up (Hobby Lobby has their Christmas stuff out now so I will be stocking up more before long.)

[Former_Member]

I always save the tissue paper used to fill gift bags my family has gotten, and I use it for packaging as long as it's not ripped too badly. My items are small so I don't use boxes to ship, just bubble envelopes. I think it's always better to reuse something when you can.

[Former_Member]

It doesn't seem like buyers read our policies very well as it is. I say just go ahead and use the recycled paper! You are a good judge of what looks nice - you won't be sending nasty-looking paper, old or new. I write in my policies that I use recycled packing supplies, so even if people want to complain, they can't say they weren't warned! I haven't had any complaints. As a buyer, I've been more put off by new packaging I've received than by recycled packaging.