Ecology: A French Start-up Invents Infinitely Reusable Gift Wrapping
Paper is an omnipresent part of our daily lives and contributes to deforestation. During the festive season, our paper consumption explodes because of the gift paper and the packaging of our Christmas presents. Fortunately, a French start-up has come up with gift wrapping that can be recycled and reused over and over again. Here are some explanations.
What is the problem?
During the holiday season, our paper consumption explodes. In France, it is estimated that more than 20,000 tons of wrapping paper are consumed each year.
This avalanche of paper is equivalent to 380,000 cut trees or 11,000 tons of carbon equivalent.
In addition, most commercial gift wrap is plasticised, glittered or metallised so that it is not recyclable.
To limit the environmental impact of your Christmas gifts, you can choose kraft paper or unlaminated gift paper because these papers can be recycled.
Recently, you can also opt for a solution of recyclable and infinitely reusable gift packaging. This is the concept proposed by the start-up On s'emballe à la française.
Once the gift is unwrapped, you can recover the packaging (a square or a pouch) to reuse it or pass it on to the gift recipient to use in turn.
What is reusable packaging?
French start-up On s'emballe à la française has come up with a simple and ingenious solution to combat the waste of gift paper and the mass of waste it causes.
Instead of using paper that will be unwrapped, torn and immediately thrown in the trash, this company suggests you purchase gift bags and coated cotton fabric squares.
These pockets or squares adorned with beautiful prints are a much more eco-friendly alternative, since they are, according to the brand's promises, reusable over and over again.
What are the advantages of these packages?
The brand On s'emballe à la française was founded by Lou Marion and Marie Ducos in 2020.
The two founders, concerned about limiting the environmental impact of Christmas or birthday gifts, have thought of everything to make your gifts both prettier and more environmentally friendly.
Their coated cotton pouches and squares are inspired by Japanese furoshiki, which is the art of wrapping gifts with pieces of fabric.
But, unlike traditional furoshiki, these products are much simpler to use. You don't have to be an expert at folding to make beautiful gift packages.
Coated cotton is even easier to use than traditional gift wrap because it is unfoldable, adjustable and wrinkle-free.
What are the brand's ecological commitments?
The brand On s'emballe à la française is also committed to the environment. All its products carry the Oeko-Tex label which guarantees the absence of harmful chemicals.
In addition, the cotton used to make these squares and pouches is largely made in France: it is spun and printed in the Vosges and labelled Vosges Terre Textile.
As for the waterproof layer that covers the fabric, it is made by a company based in New Aquitaine.
The two entrepreneurs who founded this start-up continue their research to improve the quality of their products. In the future, they would also like to use recycling channels.
Where can I buy these environmentally friendly packages?
You can discover the company On s'emballe à la française and order its products via its campaign on KissKissBankBank (see link below).
The brand's packaging comes in 3 sizes to fit all gift sizes.
They don't require scissors or bolduc: to promote zero waste the company actually provides repositionable stickers with each model.
This way, you will be able to reclose your gifts easily and with less waste.
