Re-using packaging: A conscious Christmas campaign consumers can learn from

As we rush to wrap up those last-minute gifts, endless streams of plastic-coated papers are stacking store shelves and mounting up under our trees.

In a move to end unnecessary waste, a luxury packaging brand, Delta Global are conscious of the damaging environmental effect in which wrapping paper sales are creating and say ‘repurposing’ old packaging is a much more economic and eco-friendly way to wrap.

It was estimated that the UK sent 277,000 miles of wrapping paper to landfill after Christmas in 2017 – enough to reach 90% of the way to the moon.

Now, with more brands creating stunning and simple designs that are greener in materials and look even more luxurious, it makes perfect sense to swap new for old when it comes to finishing off those gifts.

Robert Lockyer, CEO of Delta Global says: “Packaging should always have the opportunity for a second-life. From covering books and creating sustainable storage solutions right through to dressing your Christmas table. We wanted to say Merry Christmas whilst addressing the climate crisis. Afterall, together we can make change happen.”

So, if you are ready to deck’ the halls with home-made bunting and bows, get creative with Delta Global and follow their video tutorials below to a more conscious Christmas…

1. CREATE NAME TAGS FROM A GIFT BAG

There’s a common theme when wrapping gifts that many of us forget the all-important name tag! Instead of wasting money on new one’s next year, why not transform your old gift bags into second-life labels? Simply stencil around an old gift tag, cut out and stash away any extras for next year!

2. PAPER GIFT BAG AS WRAPPING PAPER

Paper gift bags make wonderful wrapping paper, we use an example from Sweaty Betty whose brown paper is a classic gift-wrapping choice, giving your gifts that vintage look, whilst providing you with plenty of options for decoration and customisation.

3. FABRIC BAG AS WRAPPING PAPER

Canvas and cotton bags are a great method of wrapping with cloth, it’s actually an old Japanese art called Furoshiki and you can find many tutorials online. Now you have no excuse not to instil new life into your old fabric bags!

4. CREATE PLACE NAMES FROM CUT-OFFS

The sides of paper bags can be more difficult to reuse but not impossible, meaning they don’t have to go to waste. Create place names with the cut offs, simply ensure you have evenly determined the size of your cards and add some sparkle to that place setting at your Christmas table.

5. CREATE A GROW BOX FROM AN OLD GIFT

If you’re a green-fingered gardener, then you’ll love this one – and it gets even more sustainable as you can literally grow edible plants such as herbs to add to your cooking. Any box will do, but an old wine box is just the right size to fit on your kitchen windowsill.