This take on Minted was made by undefined from , a member of Minted's community of independent artists.
- stationery
- art
- gifts
- home
- kids
- digital
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
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.
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.
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.
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%
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%
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%
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%
Air Pillows
Old material = Plastic (landfill)
New material = 40% Corn / potato starch
Disposal method = Biodegradable
Cost difference to minted = Lower, -70%
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.
Granting $7,000 For Further Work
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?
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.
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).
We uncover design genius through ongoing design competitions. At Minted, all that matters is good design. Designers submit, and the Minted community votes to tell us what to sell.