Sustainability at Growingpaper
A message that keeps growing
At Growingpaper, we believe printed materials can be more than something you read and put aside. That’s why we create cards, flyers, and other printed products using seed paper: paper embedded with real seeds that can be planted after use.
We believe in making conscious choices. From the materials we use and the suppliers we work with to the way we print and manage production waste.
Not everything is perfect, and there is still more to be done. That’s why we want to be open about what we already do today and what we’re still working on.
What we’re already doing
1. Recycled materials as our starting point
Our three types of seed paper are made from recycled materials. Each has its own origin, production process, and appearance.
- 120 gsm seed paper: Machine-made in the Netherlands from 100% recycled paper fibres.
- 200 gsm seed paper: Handmade in India from recycled cotton. According to the manufacturer, no bleaching agents or dyes are used in the papermaking process.
- 250 gsm seed paper: Handmade in South Africa from recycled post-consumer paper.
By giving existing materials a new purpose, we create paper with a second function: it can be planted after use.
2. Printing with water-based inks
Seed paper requires a different approach from conventional printing paper. After all, it contains real seeds.
That’s why we use a printing process adapted to the unique structure of seed paper. We print with water-based inkjet inks and take the sensitivity of the seeds into account.
We continue to investigate and document the properties of our materials and inks to better understand the products we create.
3. Testing whether our seed paper grows
A plantable card is especially meaningful when something can actually grow from it.
That’s why we regularly test the germination performance of our different paper types and seed mixes. We also test printed seed paper, as the printing process can affect the seeds.
Seeds are living products. Whether they germinate depends on factors such as seed variety, storage time, temperature, moisture, and care. For this reason, we cannot guarantee germination or flowering.
Through regular testing, we continue to improve the quality of our seed paper.
4. Working with carefully selected producers
We don’t manufacture all our paper ourselves. That’s why we believe it’s important to know our production partners and work closely with them on quality and responsible production.
Our 200 gsm seed paper is handmade in Jaipur, India. The manufacturer has provided a written declaration stating that all workers are at least 18 years old, that child labour and forced labour are prohibited, and that wages meet or exceed legal requirements. This information comes directly from the manufacturer and has not been independently audited.
Our 250 gsm seed paper is produced by a social enterprise in South Africa that transforms recycled paper into new handmade seed paper.
We maintain an ongoing dialogue with our suppliers about materials, production processes and working conditions.
5. Taking care of our seeds
Seeds are at the heart of our product.
We work with selected suppliers and collect information about the composition, quality and origin of the seeds we use.
Where available, we also keep supplier declarations confirming that the seeds are not genetically modified.
Our different seed paper types contain various flower, herb and vegetable seeds. We continuously work to improve the reliability of our seed information and achieve the best possible germination performance.
6. Reducing waste in our production
Printing and finishing seed paper generates paper offcuts. We collect these leftovers for recycling.
We also aim to organise our production as efficiently as possible to minimise unnecessary material use.
When it comes to packaging, we consider the materials used and opportunities to incorporate recycled resources.
What we’re working on
Sustainability is not a final destination for us. We continue to explore ways to improve our products and processes.
Better understanding of materials and environmental impact
We are collecting additional documentation from our paper, seed, and ink suppliers to better substantiate the composition and properties of our products.
We also want to gain a clearer understanding of the environmental impact of our materials and production processes, so that future improvements can be based on reliable information.
More organic seed options
We want to expand our range of organic seeds.
This requires careful selection and testing. Not every seed variety is suitable for seed paper production, and the availability of organic seeds varies by species.
That’s why we are exploring, step by step, which additional seed options we can responsibly offer.
Greater transparency in our supply chain
We want to further improve our supplier documentation, including information about raw materials, working conditions, and traceability.
Where possible, we request additional declarations, certificates or independent assessments.
Improving packaging and material use
We continue to look for ways to reduce packaging materials and make better use of recycled resources.
We also want to document the composition of our different packaging materials more clearly.
A small card with a second life
A seed paper card is more than a message for today.
After use, the recipient can plant the paper and give the seeds a chance to grow. This creates a special moment that can leave a lasting impression.
That’s what motivates us: creating printed products that make an impact, with attention to materials, quality and the choices we make along the way.
Discover our seed paper and choose the paper type that best suits your project.
