In today’s eco-conscious world, companies can acquire many environmentally friendly items to minimise pollution and ensure a greener planet. One of the most unique items is seed paper, which combines paper-making and gardening.
As a business, you might wonder what seed paper is and whether it is the right choice for you. For this reason, we advise you to read on to learn the facts about seed paper and its benefits.
What is seed paper?
Seed paper is different from other types of eco-friendly paper because it is embedded with various kinds of live seeds that can sprout into plants when planted. As the paper decomposes, these seeds can grow into flowers, herbs, or vegetables. This can reduce waste while enabling businesses to beautify their workspaces.
What is seed paper made of?
The paper itself is made out of recycled paper, cotton, or wood pulp. After being mixed with warm water to create mulch, manufacturers add seeds derived from wildflowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Types of seed paper
Many types of seed papers exist that offer unique benefits for your business and your customers. Some of the most common types include:
- Wildflower seed paper: This type of paper can be printed, making it ideal for creating invitations, favours, or greeting cards.
- Flower seed paper: Flower seed papers can be turned into advertising banners, bookmarks, and even drink coasters.
- Seed paper cards: These types of seed papers are a perfect gift to give to people on special occasions.
- Seed paper sheets: Similar to wildflower seed paper, seed paper sheets that are made from herb and vegetable seeds can be used for writing essays or rubber stamping.
- Seed paper wedding invitations: These eco-friendly cards come in romantic designs that are ideal for couples looking to announce their wedding to their friends and relatives.
- Printable seed paper: These premium-quality papers can be used for artistic projects, including creating restaurant menus, greeting cards, or business leaflets.
Read more about other types of eco-friendly paper available in the market here.
What seeds are best for seed paper?
Wildflower seeds, such as those derived from Catchfly, Sweet Alyssum, and Snapdragon, are among the best options for creating seed paper.
Another group of seeds that can be used to create seed paper are those derived from herbs. This includes basil, parsley, and thyme. Vegetable seeds like tomato, carrot, or lettuce can turn your seed paper into a mini-garden of edible plants.
How to germinate seed paper?
Once you have used the seed paper, you can grow the seeds into plants as an eco-friendly disposal method. To do this, tear the paper sheets and bury them in ¼ inches of soil. Water the seeds daily to accelerate the germination process.
Where to buy seed paper?
Eco-friendly suppliers or online marketplaces like Amazon are your best bet for purchasing seed paper in bulk. Alternatively, you can also check if your local stationery or office supply stores sell seed papers.
FAQs
Does seed paper actually work?
Yes, seed papers are designed for short-term projects, such as creating wedding cards and advertising banners. Once you are finished with it, you can plant them into the soil and cultivate them into plants.
Can I make my own seed paper?
Yes, you can make your own seed paper by blending paper scraps in warm water, mixing them with seeds, and placing them onto a newspaper or cloth to dry.
What is the shelf life of seed paper?
Seed papers can last five to six years. However, they are best planted within two years of production.
How long does seed paper take to grow?
Seed paper usually sprouts in seven to 14 days after being saturated in water. However, some seed papers may not grow within the first year, so you may need to check your garden often.
What happens if the seed paper gets wet?
A small amount of water may not significantly affect the seed paper. However, a lot of water can kickstart the germination process.
Can you write on seed paper and still plant it?
Yes, seed papers can still grow even after being written on with a pencil. However, we advise against writing with inks or paints, as these can affect the germination process.
Can seed paper go through a printer?
Yes, seed papers can be used for printing projects. We recommend using an inkjet printer with a top-loading gravity-fed system to avoid damaging the paper.
Conclusion
Seed paper is a remarkable innovation that combines practicality with environmental consciousness. By incorporating seed paper into your projects, whether for personal or business use, you contribute to reducing waste and supporting a greener planet. It’s a simple yet impactful way to breathe new life into seeds while creating memorable, sustainable experiences.
