Sustainability, packaging choices and waste reduction

Gift wrapping with kraft paper, patterned paper tape, and paper ribbons
Gift wrapping using kraft paper and paper ribbons.

As both an artist and collector, I know how important it is that prints arrive safely and remain in archival condition. I do my best to reduce plastics while ensuring your purchases reach you in perfect condition. Most of my packaging is reusable or made from materials that can be recycled, but collection services vary, so please check your local requirements.

Here are some of the things you can expect:

Wrapping and shipping materials

  • Gift wrapping uses acid-free tissue, washi tape, decorative kraft wrapping paper, and paper ribbons. Some items can be wrapped with little or no tape, making it easier for you to reuse the pretty paper.
  • I use recyclable cardboard mailers, cornstarch-based compostable mailers, mailers made with recycled plastic, or cardboard tubes for larger prints. The tubes have plastic end caps made from HDPE (Resin Code 2). Please follow the disposal instructions on the mailer and check your local requirements, as some compostable packaging requires a commercial composting facility.
  • I reuse clean bubble wrap and other protective fill, trimming it where necessary so that it looks fresh and tidy.

Print packaging

  • Prints are packaged in archival crystal-clear polypropylene bags. These are the biggest challenge in going plastic-free: you need to be able to see and handle the print safely, and know that it is protected on its journey from me to you and eventually to your framer. I have not found a biodegradable or compostable film with the archival stability I require. The bags are made from biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP; Resin Code 5). The bags I use contain 10% recycled polypropylene. These bags are not generally accepted in ordinary kerbside recycling, but may be accepted through local soft-plastic recycling schemes. If you prefer, I can wrap your print in acid-free tissue instead—just let me know.
  • Prints are protected with archival corrugated backing boards made in Germany from FSC-certified virgin cellulose. Once separated from the artwork and any tape or plastic, the board can generally be recycled with clean paper and cardboard, subject to local recycling requirements.
  • The archival bags and boards are durable, expensive, and useful. Reusing them for storing other archival items, such as photographs, is preferable to disposing of them.

Other packaging

  • For my online shop, I package cards, notebooks, washi tape, and other gifts with cardboard and paper wrappers. Some retail outlets require me to package these items in plastic sleeves, but I avoid doing so wherever possible.

Suggestions

  • Ask your framer what they do with the print packaging, and encourage them to reuse, donate, or recycle it where suitable facilities are available.
  • If you have framed your piece yourself, consider donating the packaging to a local art collective. The conservation-grade backing boards and protective bags are valuable and can often be reused.

I will continue to update this FAQ. If you have any suggestions or questions about my packaging, please ask.

[Updated 29 Aug 2026]