One of the business and customer service developments at Bound by Hand that I'm REALLY proud of is how I package your orders. I want you to receive your books in perfect condition of course, and I want unpacking your order to be easy for you. And I wanted everything to be truly environmentally sustainable.
During the Covid pandemic we've all been shopping online a lot more and most of us probably have a plethora of cardboard boxes at home to re-use whenever we need. Luckily, all the packing I use to send out your books can be put it in your normal household recycling collection or your home compost, if you're lucky enough to have a garden. Whatever's easiest for you - every single bit of packaging can be re-used, recycled and / or home composted.
The packing chips can also be dissolved in water, if you've got some kids around who want to see a cool trick!
Someone asked where I get my sustainable packaging supplies from, so I thought I might as well share here in case the info is useful to my fellow makers. Please share with anyone who might find it helpful.
Mailing boxes: Oh, the woes I've had finding good quality mailing boxes. Finally I found Packhelp and I use 4 different sizes of their Plain Mailer Boxes for various size and weight books from Mini Journals right up to heavy A4 Memory Books. No complaints on their robustness, they're regularly getting my books safely to the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I do earn a fee if you use that link.
Hot tip: if you're in the UK make sure your order value is under £135, that way you won't have to pay any post-Brexit customs or handling charges!
Void fill: I was delighted to discover Eco Packagaging Solutions as they specialise in fully compostable packaging. It's genuinely compostable under normal conditions. A big plus is their customer service is truly excellent. I use their packing peanuts and packing pillows as void fill to protect the books, but they have many more options.
Tapes, envelopes & bags: Frustratingly, Eco-Craft have implemented several short term shop closures during the Covid pandemic, but when open I buy many of my supplies from them. Their paper adhesive tape is reliable, the 'cello' bags compostable and the kraft envelopes really good quality.
They're a small, UK business with a strong sustainability ethos.
Quality recycled printer paper: At 100gsm, this excellent quality A4 recycled printer paper from Evolution runs through home and professional printers like a dream. Sorry to say I buy this paper from Amazon - so if you know of an independent supplier please let me know.
And not forgetting business cards: Moo.com offer an eco-friendly option with their 100% cotton rag cards made from recycled t-shirt industry offucts. The quality is excellent and low minimum order quantities make Moo attractive to makers and artists like us. I've always found their delivery time really good, too. I do earn a fee if you use that link.
I'm currently looking into carbon offsetting on deliveries. If this is something you'd like to see as an option at checkout, do let me know. I hope you've found this blog post helpful. Please feel free to share with anyone you think might find it helpful.
Susan
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