UNIQUE DESIGNS FROM INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

our packaging sustainability pledge

By the end of 2021, 100% of Minted stationery packaging will be recyclable or
compostable, and over 80% of this packaging will be made from recycled,
post-consumer waste, plant-based or sustainably-sourced materials.

Top Hero Image: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

WHY WE ARE DOING THIS

We have all learned that taking care of our planet is an urgent need. As a brand founded in California, we love both paper and our natural environment, and we believe that there should be no tradeoff between beauty and sustainability. This is only part of our effort to move Minted towards more environmentally friendly practices. We will not stop here.

How We Are Doing This


Team Effort and Investment

Our supply chain team worked incredibly hard over many months to investigate the best in sustainable packaging options. In some cases, there was a cost savings. In most cases, Minted will be paying more for the sustainable options. We are willing to do this because sustainability is truly that important. Overall, Minted is investing approximately $150,000 this year to transition our packing materials to 100% recyclable or compostable. On an ongoing basis, this will cost Minted approximately $100,000 more in packaging material costs each year. This is our commitment to stem climate change and believe in its worth.

Recycled Paper Options

Recycled Paper Options
For All Stationery

Minted’s 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper is thick, smooth, matte-finished and manufactured with wind power. This is our current recycled paper offering and we plan to add more options in the future.

See details

Sustainable Packaging

We are transitioning 100% of our stationery packaging to being recyclable or compostable and over 80% of this packaging will be made from either recycled, post-consumer waste, plant-based or sustainably-sourced materials. We will achieve this by the end of the year.

Recycled Paper Options

Packaging Componentry Updates

Below are some of the key components that go into an order from Minted.
We want to share with you the explicit changes that are being made.

1

Cardboard Boxes

Old material = Some recycled material (43%), 67% virgin cardboard
New material = 100% recycled material, 95% post-consumer waste
Disposal method = Recycle in blue bin
Cost difference to minted = Higher, +7%

2

Rigid Mailer Envelopes

Old material = Non-recycled (virgin) kraft board
New material = 100% post-consumer waste
Disposal method = Recycle in blue bin
Cost difference to minted = Lower, -14%

3

Kraft Label on printed stationery

Old material = Non-recycled (virgin) paper
New material = 100% post-consumer waste, made from coffee bags
Disposal method = Recycle in blue bin
Cost difference to minted = Higher, +4%

4

Kraft belly band on envelopes

Old material = Non-FSC paper (100% virgin)
New material = FSC certified paper
Disposal method = Recycle in blue bin
Cost difference to minted = Higher, +156%

5

Air Pillows

Old material = Plastic (landfill)
New material = 40% Corn / potato starch
Disposal method = Biodegradable
Cost difference to minted = Lower, -70%

6

Ribbon on printed stationery

Old material = Polyester
New material = Made from 100% recycled water bottles
Disposal method = Recycle in blue bin
Cost difference to minted = Higher, +56%


Supporting Small Businesses with Sustainability

We have developed a resource guide for small businesses to navigate sustainability initiatives based on the extensive research we have done. We knew nothing about these sustainable products when we launched into this work, and we want other businesses’ to capitalize on our efforts. Learn about how Minted approached this project and advice on how to make it work for your business.

Download the Free Guide


Granting $7,000 For Further Work

World Map

We do not want our knowledge to stay within Minted. We are offering a $7,000 grant for a high school or college student to take our research and recreate an in-depth resource page and video that explains all of this information to provide to other companies. Will you help us spread the word?

Submit your proposal here

Key Terms

Material

Recycled

Made from previously manufactured material.
Includes all types: post-consumer (household), post-industrial (ex-Minted's blue bin) or manufacturing scrap sources

Post-consumer Waste

Recycled material specifically sourced from household reycling programs (items thrown into blue bins)

Plant-based

Generally made from non-tree based sources (corn, potatoes) etc. Either partially, or wholly.

FSC-Certified Paper

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- Certification that the paper is harvested in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Supports re-growing of trees and tracks material from harvesting through production. Encourages responsible forestry management. May be recycled or virgin paper.

Read more about FSC here ▶︎

Virgin Paper

Paper made from a non-recycled sourced (aka- from a new tree). Virgin paper can be FSC-certified (sustainably sourced) or not

Non-FSC Virgin: New tree, no sustainability certification
FSC Virgin: New Tree, but forested and manufactuered sustainably

Disposal

Biodegradable

Goes to landfill but breaks down in 3-5 years

Compostable

Green waste bin, will compost under commerical composting

Recyclable

Blue Bin- recycled for future use

Commercially Recyclable

Can be recycled, but not in household programs (blue bin). Generally disposed of via the How2Recycle program (drop off at grocery store).

Read more here ▶︎

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