No, it’s not an oxymoron. Gift wrap can be green. Tree-free paper, recycled wrap and a stunning array of reusable bags are giving this category a strong sales boost. Lin Grensing-Pophal


Midori Inc.


MIDORI INC.


THE GIFT WRAP COMPANY


Tree-free paper There are many ways to go green with wrap—tree-free, recycled paper and reusable gift bags are just a few of the options. The paper used in Earth Balance’s products comes primarily from limestone, calcium carbonate. Harding says that residual waste is used—80% is calcium carbonate and the other 20 is non-toxic binder to hold the paper together. There’s no water used in the papermaking process. And, Harding adds, the process uses less energy than traditional paper manufacturing. As a bonus, the fi nal product is tear-resistant and waterproof, according to Harding. Earth Balance started out with wine bags and has expanded to a complete gift bag and gift wrap line. Another twist on green gift wrap is Lyziwrap’s tubular gift wrap concept. The tubular fabric wrap can be used over and over again. The wraps are designed to cuff at either edge so, unlike a fabric sack, they can conform to the shape of the gift from a length standpoint.


Variety fuels demand Clyde Brownstone, president of Gift Box Corporation of America in Brooklyn, says that he is encouraged by the spike in demand for green gift packaging options. He says the company has been supplying green gift wrap and packaging items to retailers for a number of


GREENRetailerMag.com Spring 2011 n GREENRetailer 123


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