Beach themed greeting card
Papyrus & The Planet | On a Journey to Becoming a More Sustainable Brand.

Papyrus & the Planet

We’re on a journey to becoming a more sustainable brand by finding ways to reduce our impact on the planet. From our products to our packaging and everything in between, we’re reimagining how we lead the Celebrations industry in planet-first practices. Here are some ways we’re becoming more environmentally conscious.

Women outside at a birthday gathering with a blue sky

Transitioning to 100% Recycled Plastic Content

Papyrus uses plastic overwrap bags (also known as polybags) to protect the beautiful handmade elements on our cards during shipping and handling. These bags prevent the product from being damaged, helping to minimize waste. As part of an effort to reduce single-use plastics, our new packaging is made from 100% pre-consumer recycled content and can be recycled again after use.

1. Find a Participating Retailer 2. Bring Your Own Plastic Overwrap Bags 3. Place Bags in Designated Bin

How to Recycle the New Overwrap Bags
Our new plastic overwrap bags can be recycled at designated locations where plastic film and grocery bags are accepted – like your local Target store! Participating retailers have in-store drop-off recycling bins located at the entrance that are labeled for plastic bags, films or wraps. Bring your plastic overwrap bags back to a store near you and place them in the correct bin. These bags are not yet accepted in curbside recycling programs in the United States. (Canada: Check locally.)

Glitter
Without sacrificing the beauty or quality of our brand, Papyrus made the decision to stop using glitter on new product designs. Why the change? Because glitter is a microplastic that pollutes our waterways, rivers, and oceans, making it harmful to marine life.

Christmas card with new treatment for glitter
charcuterie card

Paper
Paper is at the heart of what we do. That’s why Papyrus is proud to use sustainably sourced paper. Almost all of our products are printed on paper certified by The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), the leading international authority on the responsible management of the world’s forests. As a brand, Papyrus became FSC-certified (FSC-C138823) in 2020 and continues to source FSC-certified paper stocks whenever possible. Look for our FSC-certified products in store and online.

Packaging

In addition to replacing the protective plastic on our cards, we’ve been transitioning our packaging to more environmentally responsible solutions.

Holiday Boxed Cards
95% of the paper packaging is curbside recyclable

Gift Bags
Reusable for future gifting

Candles
Now in paper packaging, phasing out plastic elements

Candles in paper packaging.

Moving Toward Sustainable Celebrations

Making the shift to more Earth-conscious options also includes our entertaining products. In December of 2023, Papyrus stopped using palm oil in the production of our Eco Candles. Now made from 100% beeswax, our Eco Candles are still available in the same vibrant colors and fun designs. The candles also feature a cotton, lead-free wick and the paper packaging is made from 70% recycled content paper and can be recycled curbside.

Partnering with Purpose
As we continue to expand our assortment of products, we aim to partner with brands and companies that also use environmentally responsible materials.

Learn more about our Sustainability Initiatives on a corporate scale
Click here to read about how our parent company, American Greetings, is moving toward a more sustainable future. Our Connections for Good report outlines the Actively Green program, which is designed to advance sustainability efforts corporate wide.

FAQs

It’s part of our effort to become a more sustainable brand and reduce single-use plastics. Our new packaging is made from 100% pre-consumer recycled content and can be recycled again after use.

These plastic overwrap bags can be recycled at designated locations where plastic film and grocery bags are accepted – like your local Target and grocery stores. Look for the in-store drop-off recycling bins located near the entrance. These bins will be labeled for plastic bags, films or wraps.

Glitter is a microplastic that pollutes our waterways, rivers, and oceans, making it harmful to marine life. We continue to explore new modern and trend-forward finishings to give our cards a unique eye-catching element.

Our cards are designed to be displayed in your home or office. Consider framing your favorites for personalized décor. If you’d like to recycle a Papyrus greeting card, ones that have only a foil treatment are able to be recycled in your curbside recycling. Otherwise, keep the front and recycle the back panel of the card. Click here to see more ways you can repurpose your Papyrus greeting cards.

In an effort to minimize our plastic usage, we’ve been transitioning our packaging to more environmentally responsible solutions, such as paper that is curbside recyclable.