As part of its mission to minimise its impact on the environment, Paperchase has issued revised Product and Packaging Guidelines for its suppliers which covers the substrates used for the packaging (of the actual products as well as shipments) and even how samples are submitted to the buyers for consideration.
“We already only accept FSC or recycled paper and are now trying to reduce the use of plastics across our entire production process. In particular any plastic packaging or single use plastic,” states Emma Clooney, Paperchase’s greeting card buyer.
Under its new requirements, Paperchase states that all plastic must be recyclable. The multiple is now working towards a goal of only stocking products which include biodegradable plastic by this time next year and has asked all suppliers to confirm their compliance on this front.
Meanwhile, from immediate effect, publishers sending card samples (either pre-production of finished cards) to Paperchase’s head office are being strongly urged not to use any poly bags, bubble wrap or even extra paper.
‘Most items we order are made from paper, so unless you feel the product needs special protection, it shouldn’t need additional packing,’ states the guidance document issued by Paperchase to publishers.
In a quest to minimise excessive outer packaging and eradicate unnecessary shrinkwrapping, the Paperchase guidelines urge suppliers to consider how their products are packed and shipped to the retailer such as by packing different products in one clearly marked outer.
Having set out its revised aims on the environmental front, the Paperchase team is open to suppliers coming forward with alternatives and biodegradable plastics that will help the multiple in its quest.
