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Japan, The High-Tech Country Where Paper Is Revered

It’s curious to think that the country that has long been associated with technology has never lost touch with one of the world’s oldest manmade materials. Paper. While much of the world is embracing all things digital, in Japan, paper continues to be used in abundance. From its use in age-old rituals to its still-current...Read More

International Day of Forests 2023

The UN International Day of Forests is an annual celebration of the biodiversity, health benefits and valuable climate role of these priceless ecosystems. Discover the powerful link between forests and world health. This year, the UN International Day of Forests will be celebrated on March 21. Established in 2012, the day raises awareness of the...Read More

Comic Relief 2023 – Paper Red Nose Revolution

This year’s latest paper invention is taking the nation by storm. The new red noses have been revealed with the aim of helping to fundraise for this year’s Red Nose Day. Comic Relief turned to a paper-based solution in 2023 designed by Sir Jony Ive at LoveFrom, a design guru who worked for Apple for...Read More

Library Initiatives Around The World

Have you ever spotted a little swap and shop library on a walk? From mobile libraries to books hidden in giant mushrooms, we’ve found some great reading initiatives from around the world. The Mobile Library, Stockholm Since 2016, the mobile library in Stockholm City has been popping up all over the city to meet people...Read More

Where Would We Be Without Paper?

We might live in the digital age, but there can be little doubt that paper is still one of the most important materials in the world. For most of us, it will be something we touch, see or use multiple times a day, probably without giving it a second thought. Paper is understated and versatile,...Read More

5 Creative Ways To Use Paper This Valentine’s Day

How do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day? Whether it is a movie night, a party with friends or a romantic evening spent with your significant other, we have 5 paper-based crafts that you can use to impress this Valentine’s Day. Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Card February 14th is always a special day where you...Read More

6 Surprising Benefits Of Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles aren’t just a hobby or a good way to pass time and relax, they also have many health benefits. Here are 6 surprising advantages of jigsaws and instructions for how to make your own puzzle! 1. Mental Stimulation Putting the pieces of a puzzle together is a complete brain exercise that uses both sides...Read More

Chinese Lantern Festival

Traditionally to end the celebrations of Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, the Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated. The Chinese Lantern Festival commences on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year and marks the first full moon in the lunar calendar and the start of the spring season. On the...Read More

Living History: Frogmore Paper Mill

Frogmore Paper Mill, near Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, is the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill. The mill, which still produces paper, is now operated by the Apsley Paper Trail, a charitable trust “founded to conserve the unique industrial heritage of this site in Hemel Hempstead”.[1] Sadly, in January 2022, a fire on site caused extensive...Read More

Paper Traditions From Around The World

How Paper Plays A Role In Different Traditions From Around The World Writing on it, folding it, floating it or burning it... paper is central to some of the world’s oldest traditions that continue to be practiced today. Here, we explore 12 of the most fascinating traditions from around the globe, each of which has...Read More

Plogging: The New Sustainable Fitness Craze?

Are you a fitness fanatic? Are you also trying to be more sustainable? This may be a new hobby for you! What Is Plogging? Plogging is a global movement that originated in Sweden, and anyone can join. It is a term that was invented by Erik Ahlstöm that refers to ‘the act of picking up...Read More

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Christmas Wrapping Paper!

Christmas is a time full of excess, including excess waste – typically an increase of about 30% compared with the rest of the year.[1] Even though many of us will be spending a little more carefully this year, there are things we can do to also reduce waste – and have fun in the process....Read More

Love Paper Sustainable Gift Guide

A round-up of the best presents for the environmentally conscious this Christmas. It’s the season for giving and what better way to give than to help the environment at the same time. This year, people are even more aware that the planet needs all the help it can get, and these gifts will not only...Read More

Mars Moves To Paper Packaging

As it’s announced that Mars bars will move from plastic to paper-based packaging, we look at how paper is gradually taking over the sustainable packaging industry. In a significant development for the paper packaging industry, one of the world’s biggest confectionary companies is converting the packaging for its most popular chocolate bars to recyclable, paper-based...Read More

8 Clever Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

How To Create Maximum Effect With Minimum Environmental Impact Nothing heightens the sense of anticipation on Christmas morning more than beautifully wrapped presents under the tree. But, as we all become more conscious of our environmental responsibilities, you might be wondering if that means you need to compromise on your wrapping paper and start wrapping...Read More

Giving the Gift of Paper

Unless you’re someone who likes to hold onto their used wrapping paper for the next year, you probably haven’t thought too much about the unnecessary waste created during the festive period. An extra 30% of waste is produced and discarded at Christmas time in the UK when compared with the rest of the year. This…

9 Last Minute Christmas Gifts Made From Paper

We’ve all been there. Christmas is suddenly right around the corner; you’re feeling like summer only ended three weeks ago and now you’re stuck for inspiration, time and/or pennies when it comes to what to get for your friends and family. We all know at least one person in our circle who is seemingly just...Read More

Sustainable Christmas Presents

What should you get your environmentally conscious family member this Christmas? We round up some of our favourite eco-friendly presents. How to Save Our Planet by Mark Maslin Described as a ‘handbook of how we together can save our precious planet’, the latest book by Two Sides Seminar speaker Mark Maslin has gained praise from everyone...Read More

Gift Wrapping – The Highstreet Initiative

Did you know, not all wrapping paper we buy from the shops can be recycled? FatFace, along with some other big highstreet names, have come up with an initiative that will save you time, effort, and money this Christmas. Picture the scene. You’ve walked into your local highstreet retailer and picked up that perfect gift...Read More

COP27 – Frustration At The Lack Of Progress

We pick out the positive moments of the recent COP27 climate conference in Egypt and look forward to the COP15 Biodiversity Summit. For many of the world’s environmental campaigners, global organisations, conservationists, NGOs, charities, academics, and press, this year’s COP27 climate conference offered a chance for action, an opportunity for world leaders to gather and...Read More

Make Your Own Paper Christmas Decorations

Decorating the house for Christmas is always lots of fun, but it can be extra special when you have made the decorations yourself. Making decorations from paper, especially if you use old wrapping paper saved from the year before, is environmentally friendly, too. Here are 10 DIY Christmas decorations that kids of all ages will...Read More

Pretty Paper: Tips For A More Sustainable Christmas

Having a sustainable Christmas needn’t be a chore and through small changes and research, we can make a conscious decision to be greener in our festive celebrations. Paper and wood products from sustainable sources enable us to enjoy the creativity and magic of Christmas without a guilty conscience and ensure that some of our favourite Christmas traditions can continue and be kind to our planet.

10 Simple Steps To Make Your Own Paper

If you’re looking for a sustainable and fun craft idea suitable for adults and children alike, making your own paper could be just the thing. The very first paper was made by a Chinese court official during the Eastern Han period (25-220 AD) [1]. It’s thought that he made his paper by mixing mulberry bark,...Read More

5 Health Benefits Of Forests

When was the last time you went down to the woods? Forests are a fundamental part of our lives and vital to the health of the planet, so why aren’t we taking more time to be mindful of what is on our doorstep? It isn’t just the planet that is kept healthy and thriving by...Read More

4 Paper Crafts For A Spooktacular Halloween

“Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble” [1] As the nights draw in and the days grow colder, our attention once again turns to witches, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. Halloween is a time when shadows play tricks and imaginations run wild… and what better way to put...Read More

National Novel Writing Month

This November, why not join hundreds of thousands of would-be, and actual, novelists around the world participating in National Novel Writing Month? If like many of us, you have always felt you’ve got a best-seller lurking somewhere inside, then this November could be the time to finally put pen to paper. The concept of National...Read More

Our e-waste problem – It’s time to take a different look at your devices.

One record the electronics industry won’t be proud to break is its own size of e-waste. In the world of electronics and digital, new records are set every day. Speed, size, image resolution, connectivity, simplicity – with every new launch or software update, performance parameters are increased and limits pushed further. It’s got to the…

FSC Forest Week: 24 – 30 September 2022

“Choose Forests. Choose FSC™” is the theme of the new, week-long global awareness campaign from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Formerly known as FSC™ Friday, the switch from a single day to a full week is designed to advance consumer awareness of sustainable forestry and responsible consumption. From Friday 24th September until Friday 30th September,...Read More

6 Paper Crafts Designed To Boost Your Mental Health

Do you look after your mental health? Making time to look after yourself, both mentally and physically, is more important than ever at the moment. Having lived through a pandemic and the aftermath of several lockdowns, it is important that there are coping mechanisms or outlets available for when things get a bit tricky or...Read More

University Starter Pack – The Paper Edition

It’s that time of year again. Bags are being packed, timetables decided, and courses have been chosen. To help you sift through the chaos, here are 7 essential paper-based tips and tricks to help see you through your first year. 1. Lists It’s not all about partying, studying, and meeting new people. University means that...Read More

ALDI’s Summer Reading Initiative

Supermarket giant, ALDI, launched a campaign to get British children reading during their summer break. To do this, Aldi are giving away over 100,000 books, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, to children. The charity ‘Magic Breakfast', which provides free breakfasts to school children in disadvantaged areas, will support the distribution of books countrywide. The Facts...Read More

Study Reveals That People Prefer Paper Books Over E-Readers

A new report has confirmed the increasing popularity of physical books over e-readers – especially on holiday where paper is the ideal companion. So how was your holiday? Go anywhere nice? Lots of sun? Hopefully, you have managed to get a summer break and are now dealing with the barrage of questions about your holiday....Read More

Wondering What Book To Read Next?

Whether you’re an avid reader or someone who would like to read more, deciding what book to read next can be a challenge, particularly when you consider the overwhelming choice of titles available. Back in 2010, Google Books did a count of the number of books that had been published since the invention of the...Read More

The Plantable Papers Of Japan

What do you do with your newspaper once you’ve finished reading it? A Japanese publisher of 'The Mainichi Shimbusha' newspaper, has devised a ‘green’ newspaper initiative meaning that people can plant the paper wherever it ends up. Why Was It Invented? If you have been to a city centre in the last few months you have...Read More

How A Car Was Made Entirely From Paper

When London-based Scottish paper artist Kyla McCallum was commissioned by automotive manufacturer Lexus to create a model car made of paper, she turned to Antalis for advice on suitable materials. The scaled car, complete with a paper city through which it cruises, features in a promotional video created by Lexus in tribute to Takumi craftsmanship....Read More

What Is A Diorama And How To Make A Shoebox Scene

A diorama is a crafted 3D scene, typically made to a life-size scale (as seen in museums and tourist hotspots) or as a miniature model. The miniature model versions are often built by hobbyists with aligning interests in cars, planes, ships, military events and history, model figures and games. Although model dioramas often depict real-world...Read More

Papier Mâché: A Fun And Inexpensive Craft For All The Family

If you’re looking for ideas to keep children occupied during the long summer holidays, look no further than papier mâché. It’s a fun craft in its own right, but it can also be used to create any number of objects that will provide hours of entertainment until back-to-school time and beyond. A Brief History Of...Read More

3 Activities to Teach Children Recycling Habits

Now that 74% of paper[1] and 83% of paper-based packaging[2] in Europe is recycled into new products, how do we pass on our recycling routine to the next generation to help maintain and improve the current recycling rates? Recycling is becoming more essential in our daily lifestyle with councils changing bin collection routines, companies promoting...Read More

Sustainable Forest Management & Certification Schemes

Forests are an extremely important part of the environment. Well-managed sustainable forests provide multiple benefits to society, such as green jobs affecting livelihoods, ecosystem services and biodiversity, and helping to tackle climate change. To ensure the long-term health of European forests, sustainable forest management highlights how the paper industry operates and sources its main raw...Read More

Celebrating A First Wedding Anniversary? It’s All About Paper!

June is the beginning of the peak wedding period, so there will be a lot of wedding anniversaries being celebrated this month. Celebrations for gold and silver wedding anniversaries date back as early as the 1500s. However, it seems it’s only since the Victorian era, when the giving of gifts became more common, that other...Read More

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – The Gardening Edition

The age-old saying, “Waste not, want not.” carries more weight than ever before. Many nations and companies are pledging to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills each year, meaning that recycling rates are going up in the right direction. 74% of paper and 83% of paper packaging is recycled into new products...Read More

Philately Anyone?

The idea of studying or collecting postage stamps – or philately, to use the official term – might be dismissed by the majority of us as being a bit stuffy, boring or old fashioned, but the truth is, stamp collecting is perhaps more interesting than many of us realise. Plus, postage stamps are another example...Read More

World Environment Day 2022

“In the universe are billions of galaxies. In our galaxy, there are billions of planets, but there is only one earth.” “Only one Earth” was the slogan for the 1972 Stockholm Conference. Though 50 years have passed, this message still holds relevance and importance. The #OnlyOneEarth campaign for World Environment Day 2022 aims to celebrate...Read More

When Was The Last Time You Read A Printed Magazine?

It may come as a surprise in this digital age, but about 52% of British adults still read printed magazines. And it’s not a generational thing either as a reported 7 out of 10 millennials read printed magazines for leisure and entertainment. So, in an age when digital screens dominate, and we seemingly have all...Read More

Earth Day 2022

With the theme of ‘Invest in our planet’, this year’s Earth Day falls on April 22. We look at its purpose and some of the events and activities happening around the world. What will you be doing on Friday 22 April? If you follow the environmental news, chances are you will know that April 22...Read More

The Art of Quilling – Q&A With Sena Runa

“Paper has many variations such as different colours, types, thickness, and weight.” Have you heard of quilling? This paper-based craft consists of carefully rolled and shaped strips of paper that are constructed on a flat surface and glued in place to resemble patterns or objects. The art of quilling has been around for hundreds of...Read More

Love Paper Logo: Why Should You Use It?

How Brands Can Tell The Sustainable Story Of Their Printed Communications And Paper Packaging To Consumers Love Paper® is a global campaign to explain the sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper-based packaging. Run by not-for-profit organisation, Two Sides, the campaign seeks to tell consumers across the world the positive messages about paper,...Read More

Paper Furniture: The New, Environmentally-Friendly, Design Trend

Over the last couple of years, while we’ve all been spending more time at home, many of us have taken the opportunity to give our living spaces a makeover in an effort to make them more comfortable as well as more practical for homeworking. But what about the furniture we buy – and throw out?...Read More

LEGO – Building Bricks Towards Sustainability

Lego is building bricks towards sustainability with their initiative to change all internal packaging within their sets from plastic to paper. Following Lego’s 2021 financial results, their Ambassador Network has issued a brief update on LEGO’s transition away from single-use plastic in its packaging. In their statement, it was revealed that from March 2022, people...Read More

International Forest Day

If you go down to the woods today… The International Day of Forests celebrates and raises awareness of all types of forests all over the world. Discover everything they do for us and what we can do for them. International Day of Forests is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of...Read More

Morrisons Milk to Swap Plastic for Cartons

Supermarket giant Morrisons is making an innovative move to switch all its branded milk from plastic bottles to paper-based cartons. With sustainability at the forefront of everyone’s minds, larger companies are doing their bit in the bid towards a greener, more sustainable future. www.printweek.com A First For Supermarkets From mid-February, nine types of Morrisons fresh...Read More

Popular Book Genres Around The World

Books have been teaching and inspiring people for hundreds of years, so World Book Day is more than a well-deserved celebration. To honour the day, ‘Study in Switzerland' has done some in-depth research into the most popular book genres worldwide. In the world of literature, there are many different types of books. Diverse genres cater...Read More

WORLD BOOK DAY – 3rd March 2022

Created by UNESCO on 23 April 1995, World Book Day is a celebration of books, authors and illustrators. Its ultimate aim is to encourage children and young people to discover the pleasure of reading. Over 100 countries around the world mark World Book Day each year. Why Reading For Pleasure Is Important Numerous studies have...Read More

Postage Stamp Inspired Sustainable Packaging

The demand for sustainability has never been more prominent than it is currently. Sustainable clothing, furniture, and packaging are everywhere and are encouraging designers to think creatively and show initiative to do their bit for the planet. The Stamp Egg packaging is most notable as it can be detached and is made up entirely of...Read More

Mario Kart Cardboard Hovercraft

Are you a fan of the Nintendo franchise? If so, you’re probably a fan of the video game series Mario Kart. Like with everything though, there are regular fans and super fans. YouTuber DanCreator has proven his superfan status with his latest creations; the Mario Kart Hovercraft and arcade cabinet. Many people have tried to...Read More

The Beijing Winter Olympics Are Going For Gold in Sustainability

With the summer Olympics in Tokyo being such a sustainable success, it is only fair that the winter games put them to the challenge of being the most environmentally conscious sporting event of the last ten years. Matching the Tokyo Olympics, three weeks before the games are set to begin, a Pre-Game Sustainability Report has...Read More

Love Notes – Saying it with paper

There are plenty of reasons to be feeling the love and if you have a special someone in your life it is likely you will be planning on giving them a card this Valentine’s Day. The tradition of giving these little paper tokens of love goes back many of years and such a simple gesture can bring so much pleasure.

5 Artists Who Fold Paper For A Living

Have you ever tried your hand at Origami? The ancient Japanese art of paper folding has become an ever-increasing popular activity for people of all ages. Translated, the word ‘Origami’, means ‘to fold paper’ in Japanese. Its complexity ranges anywhere from a simple paper plane to complex 3D structures such as creatures and flowers. These...Read More

Recycled Christmas Trees Helping To Reduce Flooding

If you have a real fern tree at Christmas, what do you do with it after it’s served its festive use and is looking a bit worse for wear? A Christmas tree recycling company has found a great way of aiding in the reduction of flooding in local areas. Based in Todmorden, Sara Tomkins and...Read More

The Return Of The Handwritten Letter

When was the last time you wrote or received a handwritten letter? It seems that in our tech-dominated world that many people are wanting to change how we communicate and are going about it in a more traditional way. Thus, the handwritten letter is making a comeback. Over the last year, Hobbycraft has seen a...Read More

Interview With Paper Artist, Emma Taylor

"Creating detailed work using paper really appealed to me" Paper artist Emma Taylor creates highly intricate sculptures out of paper using second-hand books. Find out where she gets her ideas from and what makes paper such a great medium to work with. How Did You Start Working With Books And Paper? I was doing a...Read More

Good COP Or Bad COP?

COP26 was a combination of landmark deals and last-minute negotiations. But what was the verdict? On October 31, during the opening ceremony of COP26, the world leaders, politicians, members of Royalty, CEOs, climate experts, negotiators and civil servants assembled in Glasgow’s SEC were shown a film. The four-minute video titled ‘Earth to COP’ was comprised...Read More

The Launch Of Love Paper Latin America

Due to the success of Two Sides Latin America promoting the sustainable use of print, paper and paper-based packaging to consumers, Love Paper Latin America has now officially launched. Two Sides global effort in promoting the sustainable attributes of print, paper and paper-based packaging has helped increase the consumer's awareness that paper is sustainable and...Read More

6 Creative Ideas On How To Use Paper For Bonfire Night

The evenings are getting darker, the leaves are falling from the trees and we are getting close to the best day of the year (Christmas). That means bonfire night is soon upon us! To get everyone even more excited for bonfire night, we came up with 6 paper related bonfire night ideas that are a...Read More

10 Ways To Use Paper Around The House To Put The Horror In Halloween

Halloween is a fun-filled night of the year with spooky costumes, scary stories, and lots of candy. Getting into the Halloween spirit doesn’t mean you need to buy overpriced costumes and Halloween decorations. You can easily horrify your home to be a Spooktacular place on Halloween night. This list will give you ideas on how...Read More

5 Ways To Repurpose Your Used Paper Cups

How often do you find yourself grabbing a quick coffee to go for your morning commute, or even whilst out shopping as a treat? After you have consumed your beverage though, what do you do with the cup? In the UK we use 7 million disposable coffee cups every day and less than 1% of...Read More

FSC Friday

Friday 24 September is FSC Friday. It’s an annual event organised by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to raise awareness of their work and what we can all do, at work or at home, to support it. This year’s theme ‘Save our forests. Save our climate.’ aims to highlight the FSC’s support for international climate...Read More

Create Your Own Comic Book

Comic books are accessible for everyone of all backgrounds and your comic book can be whatever you make of it. Comic books tell a variety of stories in multiple genres, from the daily life of a lasagna loving cat to superheroes battling villains to save the world, from space pirates exploring the cosmos for intergalactic...Read More

How To Become A Recycling Pro At Home

Rising consumerism, an increasing population – it is well-documented that humanity is generating more waste than the planet can handle. Fortunately, as we become more conscious of the need to protect our environment and live sustainably, many of us are also realising that responsibility begins at home. One really easy contribution we can all make...Read More

Paper Packaging Goes Travelling ‘Dan Dan Style’

Paper packaging is typically used for protecting goods whilst in transit or storage and for holding various objects and materials. Polar architect Yusuke Murakami has been exploring the unlimited potentials that paper and cardboard have to offer. Picture the scene; you’re walking through a forest and come across a clearing in the trees. Something catches...Read More

Packaging Innovations For The Disabled

We look at the latest packaging innovations designed for the disabled. Anyone who’s ever wrestled with a piece of packaging that seems to have been designed to be as difficult to open as possible should consider that no matter how tough the task, it’s a lot tougher if you’re disabled. From the simplest cardboard box...Read More

Consumers Underestimate The Great Recycling Rate Of Paper. Latest Study Reveals

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment, and the majority of UK consumers believe the recycling rate of paper isn’t very high. This low consumer awareness is worrying when paper is, in fact, one of the most recycled materials in the world with a recycling rate of 74%.[1] A study, conducted...Read More

Waste-Not-Want-Not! Here are 6 Artists That Use Recycled Materials in Their Work

What do you do when you’ve finished with your newspapers, paper-based packaging, or shopping bags? Apart from recycling them, have you ever wondered what potential an old newspaper or a shopping bag could have? Given the current climate crisis we are facing, it is more important than ever that we all do our bit for...Read More

Settle Down With A Story This Book Lovers Day

Book Lovers Day, also referred to as National Book Lovers Day over in the U.S., is an unofficial holiday celebrated every year on August 9th. It’s a day for bibliophiles (book lovers) to celebrate reading and literature and encourages everyone to put down their smartphones or electronic devices and pick up a book instead. How...Read More

5 Ways To Keep Kids Occupied During The Summer Holidays With A Few Sheets Of Paper

After 18 months of juggling home working and looking after children, punctuated only by relatively short periods of school attendance, the prospect of keeping the kids occupied for another few weeks is likely to be daunting for even the most resourceful of parents and carers. Back in 2019, a survey by The Reading Agency revealed...Read More

Sun, Sport And Sustainability – Tokyo 2020 Olympics Has It All!

Summer is here, and with the heat and sun comes sport, lots of it. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have officially begun. Hosted in Japan this year, the country is well known for its innovative and creatively ingenious ways of working with technology, but what about sustainability? It would seem that they have taken a...Read More

Consumers Want The Right To Choose How They Receive Their Bills And Statements

There is a worrying trend from organisations who increasingly want to move their customer communications online, particularly bills and statements. Typically, this decision is made for cost reasons, but misleading claims about the environment are being used all too often instead. This is commonly referred to as Greenwashing. A study, conducted by the not-for-profit organisation Two Sides and...Read More

Well Managed Forests Bring Multiple Benefits to Society

A well-managed forest can have multiple benefits for society. These benefits can include ecosystem services, biodiversity and livelihoods. European forests, from where the region’s paper mills source over 90% of their wood fibre, have been growing by an area equivalent to 1,500 football pitches every day. Over 60% of this area is certified to FSC®...Read More

How To Picnic With Paper

A snack-packed picnic is a staple of the British summer, but packaging the food safely usually involves plastic. Here’s our guide to the latest paper products for your outdoor food and drink. OK, so you may not be jetting off this summer without a series of expensive tests and four-hour airport queues when you get...Read More

Cotton Traders Promotes Sustainable Print Media With Love Paper

Cotton Traders, the well-known British Clothing Retailer, are committed to delivering their products and services in a way that does not compromise the preservation of our planet. This also translates to their marketing practices, and they have chosen to use Love Paper to highlight the sustainability of their print marketing. Love Paper was created by...Read More

Paper Packaging – The Preferred and Sustainable Choice

2020 saw dramatic changes to the way we live our live, how we work and socialise might have changed forever. Our consumption habits have also changed, which has had major impacts on the packaging industry. In a year when some industries struggled, the packaging industry reported increased volumes and revenue, in part, due to a...Read More

Summer School Comic Book Initiative Launched To Help Children Catch Up

The National Literacy Trust and sustainable paper brand REY® have announced the delivery of 10,000 free literacy resource packs to Year 6 and Year 7 students across the UK. This forms part of the National Literacy Trust’s summer offer to support pupils as they transition from primary to secondary school. The REY activity packs are…

‘Mount Recyclemore’ – G7 Leaders Made Of Electronic Waste

A new sculpture to highlight the issue of electronic waste has been built in Cornwall in preparation for the G7 Summit, which will see 7 world leaders discuss big issues such as Covid recovery, climate change and trade. Sculptor Joe Rush, commissioned by the online tech retailer musicMagpie, created an impactful sculpture with hope of...Read More

The Rise of Greetings Cards

At the tap of a screen you can send a digital message to anyone around the world. But it could be argued that those messages lose a sense of personality and sentimentality. Printed greetings cards are used for several events throughout the year. From Valentine’s Day to Christmas, birthdays to anniversaries, there is a card...Read More

World Environment Day 2021

Celebrated every year on the 5th of June since 1974, World Environment Day is celebrated by governments, businesses and society to address serious environmental issues and presents a global platform for inspiring positive change. This year, the theme of World Environment Day is Ecosystem Restoration. Over the last century, half of the world’s wetlands have...Read More

The Packaging Demand

The production of packaging is a huge global industry, generating over $900 billion in annual revenue worldwide.¹ Despite the economic hardships many of us have faced due to Covid-19, the packaging industry has boomed during the pandemic. In 2020, Amazon reported over $570 billion in increased market capitalisation. This shocking growth highlights how many of us...Read More

Has The Pandemic Changed How To Access News And Information Forever?

Print media has seen a significant disruption during the coronavirus pandemic and there are signs of changing consumer relationships with news and print media. Familiarity with, and use of, online platforms has increased. Will the ending of lockdowns herald an opportunity for traditional printed news media to regain lost ground? A study, conducted by the...Read More

Blind Date With A Book

The blind date with a book trend – also known as the don’t judge a book by its cover trend - has been a great source of fun and engagement for bookshops, libraries and even Etsy, for many years now. By helping people find their ideal book in this creative and mysterious manner, the trend...Read More

The Impact Of Digital Education For Students

Could shifting from print to online learning be harming the education of the world’s students? As the developed world emerges from the pandemic and regains some sense of normality, the world of education is moving back to its previous ways of working. In the UK, younger children have been back at school for a while,...Read More

Latest Study Reveals That People Believe Paper Is Bad For The Environment. Here Are The Facts

The latest study from Two Sides ‘Paper’s Place in a Post-Pandemic World’ aims to understand changing consumer perceptions towards print, paper, paper packaging and tissue products. This unique insight into consumer attitudes towards one of the world’s oldest and universally used materials will be repeated every 2 years to monitor and report upon evolving consumer...Read More

Reading Printed Materials Proven to Result in Better Literacy Outcomes

In a compelling report published this week, PISA, the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment, affirms that students perform better when they read from printed materials rather than digital devices. This research sends a clear signal to parents and education providers that more must be done to safeguard reading in print for the future of education. Overall,...Read More

A Paper Powering Business: Papershades

Paper is quickly becoming a sustainable alternative in our homes. From paper flowers and cardboard plant pots, we are slowly changing for a more renewable, long lasting and eye-catching material source as part of our home décor. We recently spoke with Rosalind of Papershades, a fast-growing paper lamp shade business owner, who showed us just...Read More

Children’s Book Week Spring 2021

The 102nd annual Children’s Book Week takes place for two weeks of 2021. The first week takes place in Spring between May 3rd - 9th and the second in November, 8th - 14th. This year’s theme is Reading is a Superpower! Originating from the belief that children’s books and literacy are life changing, the Children’s...Read More

Morrisons Move to a More Sustainable Future with Paper Bags

Morrisons launched a “paper bag only” trial in eight of its stores in January 2021. Having proved popular with many customers, Morrisons are now removing plastic bags from all their UK stores in favour for paper bags. Their Welsh stores will be the first to move to paper carrier bags, before being rolled-out in the...Read More

Earth Day 2021: Three Days of Climate Action

Last year we explored the amazing achievements Earth Day 2020 delivered during the global pandemic. From solo clean-ups to artistic awareness campaigns, Earth Day 2020 showed us all that we can still make a positive environmental impact while in a time of great uncertainty. This year, as the world tries to return to normality, Earth...Read More

Cracking Down on Easter Plastic

We look at how supermarkets and retailers are making their Easter packaging more sustainable. Tuck in! By now your Easter egg haul is very likely to be down to single figures. After a long bank holiday weekend of exercise/TV (delete according to honesty) and chocolate, you are now left with a series of elaborate packages...Read More

The Facts On European Forest Growth

As the effects of environmental issues, such as global warming, become more evident each year, we have begun to reconsider our impact on the Earth and change our actions for the better. However, in our efforts to generate a greener world, misinformation can spread and create scepticism on what is and isn’t a sustainable resource....Read More

The Art of Decoupage

Decoupage is a popular craft which uses paper to uniquely decorate a variety of different furnishings. The hobby is becoming trendy with those who want to add a personal touch to their home or want to easily make beautiful handmade gifts. With over five thousand followers on Instagram, using the handle @romantic_art_decoupage_by_olja, Olja showcases and...Read More

5 Tips To Help You Recycle At Home

Whilst cleaning and getting organised can be great ways to brighten your mood and lift your spirits, it can also be beneficial to the environment if done correctly. A report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), revealed that British households create over 26 million tonnes of waste each year. In the battle...Read More

Love Paper in the news: The Guardian features Love Paper on their first paper wrap

National Newspaper, The Guardian, have recently introduced new paper wraps to house their Saturday supplements. During February, they chose to showcase the Love Paper campaign which only seems fitting for the launch of their first paper wrap. Have you seen Love Paper in the news recently? Love Paper promotes the sustainable and attractive attributes of...Read More

Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Card This Year

February 14th is always a special day where you can show someone just how much you love and feel for them. Having had a few uncertain years, this year will certainly feel a lot different this year as we celebrate Valentine’s Day slowly emerging into a post-pandemic world. However you plan to celebrate this year,...Read More

Living Sustainably with Paper in 2021

After almost an entire year of dealing with the uncertainty brought on by Covid-19, we could all benefit from creating some self-motivating New Year’s Resolutions. However, with the UK now in its third national lockdown, it can be difficult to figure out what resolutions you should make while staying safe at home. Living sustainably with...Read More

Print Books Versus E-Books

In an online poll by The Guardian, 79% of people said they preferred to read books in a traditional print form instead of reading an e-book. Though e-books have become a convenient way of reading in recent years, printed book still remains to be the number one choice for most. But why is this? After...Read More

Tis the season to recycle

If you hadn’t noticed already, Christmas is almost upon us, and with it the annual rush to buy enough food, drink and, of course, presents to get us through the season. But like many other things this year, the festive tradition of elbowing your way through department stores and edging through traffic has changed. Now…

The World of Paper Flower Bouquets

The beautiful appeal of paper flower bouquets has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. For weddings in particular, the idea of turning to paper on the big day creates a unique alternative to traditional flowers, which holds more colour variety and lasts a lot longer. We spoke with Rebecca of Paper Bouquets to...Read More

Earth Day 2020 – Sustainability Success?

On April 22nd, 2020, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day happened a little differently. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, which caused public health lockdowns to be enforced all around the world, Earth Day had to change things up if they wanted to continue the planet’s largest public event. This year, Earth Day went digital...Read More

How to Have A Sustainable Halloween

In a 2020 survey conducted by Hubbub and The Fairy Land Trust, it was estimated that 2000 tonnes of plastic waste would be generated from thrown away Halloween costumes alone. Trewin Restorick, founder and CEO of Hubbub, commented that, “the total plastic waste footprint of Halloween will be even higher once you take into account...Read More

Print Marketing in a Digital World: Trust, Relevance and Sustainability

In our modern world, digital campaigns and marketing strategies are becoming ever more frequent. From target specific emails to sporadic webpage popups, the digital world seems to be flooded with ways to make you notice a brand or product. However, a survey from the CMO Council highlighted that 63% of people would respond more positively…

Tips on how to make time for reading

During the Coronavirus lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 in the UK, booksellers saw a staggering influx of sales. Puzzle books, true crime and children’s education all took a sharp rise, while paperback fiction novels rose by a third. UK book retailers, WHSmith and Waterstones also saw a huge 400% increase in their online book sales...Read More

8 Ways To Help You Study

Going back to school, college, or university after a long breakaway is hard at the best of times, let alone with the extended duration of the lock-down due to Covid-19. After a long time out of education, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things. So we’ve put together 8 helpful...Read More

Morrisons consider ditching plastic bags in favour for paper bags

Recently, the supermarket chain Morrisons launched a “paper bag only” trail in eight stores. If successful, the chain will consider removing plastic bags from all stores and will offer paper bags only. Morrisons started to give their customers the choice between paper and plastic bags earlier this year when they introduced reusable paper bags into…

Cool Down with Paper

The summer of 2020 has seen some record-breaking heat. Early August saw the UKs hottest day of the year, reaching highs of 36C (96.8F) and becoming the hottest temperature for 17 years. With this summer becoming exceptionally hot and humid, it is very important to stay cool in the sun. A study on the risks...Read More

Becoming a Writer: An Authors Insight

With approximately 2.2 million books being published worldwide each year, the importance of paper is not only appreciated by authors, but fundamental to their craft. In an interview with Bethany Arrowsmith-Cooper, author of the poetry collection The Soul Garden, we delve into the topics of writing, hear an author’s insight of the publishing process, discuss…

Ways to use paper in the garden

Once you’ve picked up your favourite newspaper and given it a read or finished with those cardboard boxes, they don’t have to go straight into the recycling bin. Instead, using paper in the garden can be extremely versatile and useful. Here are a few ideas: Slow down moisture escaping from your flowerpots. Cut your newspaper...Read More

The National Literacy Trust share reading tips for children

The National Literacy Trust have created some summer reading tips for families. They teamed up with Puffin to ask children about their reading during lock-down. Here are their 5 top tips to keep your children reading… Make time for reading Children said that time away from school and social activities during lockdown has given them…

5 Reasons To Put Pen To Paper – The Written Letter Revival

From increasing wellbeing to decreasing stress, a written letter is one of the best ways to stay in contact with family and friends. Discover the benefits of putting pen to paper If there was a new activity that’s relaxing, proven to increase wellbeing, and brings guaranteed joy to people close to you, it’s likely hundreds...Read More

Digital poverty and its impact on schools and education

Earlier this year, a school in Australia made a decision that went against a global trend that’s been building ever since the first technology was put in a classroom. The decision divided opinion amongst parents, some thinking it was bad for the children’s education, others thinking it was the right move. The only people that…

The Benefits of Expressive Writing

For everyone writing is a part of day to day life. Whether it’s putting your thoughts down in a diary, sending a letter to a friend or simply jotting down a shopping list, writing is a purposeful way of staying organised, mentally stimulated and connected to both yourself and those around you. However, expressive and…

7 pen and paper games for children and families

We’ve created 7 pen and paper games for children and families to enjoy. It could not be simpler to enjoy some time as a family or give the children an activity to enjoy away from any screens or digital devices – giving them some much needed rest-bite. Pen and paper games for children and families…

6 ways reading can improve your mental wellbeing

Reading can be an extremely beneficial hobby. Not only is it a great way to spend your free time, but reading has been proven to improve mental stability and general mental wellbeing. From enhancing your brain function to reducing stress, we have compiled this list to highlight the many mental benefits of reading just a…

5 ways you can spread kindness using paper – Mental Health Awareness

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, set up by the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness and drive conversations relating to mental health. This year, the theme is ‘kindness’ and you are encouraged to be kind to yourself and each other, especially during a time where the world seems turned upside down. To support…

Earth Day 2020: Improve your sustainability efforts with paper

Earth Day began in recognition of the growing environmental crisis in 1970. On April 22nd, 20 million people took to the streets to protest the ignorance of our environmental impact and demanded change. This first launch saw an influx of action being taken by both individuals and as a collective, with the passing of The…

“Love Paper Creations” to provide children with lock-down entertainment

We have launched “Love Paper Creations“, a new suite of home-printable resources to help entertain and engage households around Britain and beyond. Parents across the UK have taken on the new role of teacher in recent weeks. But the Easter holidays have begun meaning parents are looking for new ways to occupy and entertain their…

The Art of Paper Crafting

Interview with Rosie Thorns – Conducted by Lucy Appleyard. @Rosiethorns88 Paper crafting is the fast-growing art form that uses paper and card to create beautifully detailed 2-D and 3-D artwork. Rosie Thorns is a keen enthusiast of the craft, with an Instagram account @rosiethorns88 boasting over 16 thousand followers, all of whom share her love…

Why McDonald’s have chosen paper in a bid for sustainability

Image Credit: McDonalds McDonald’s have stated that from 2021 Happy Meals will come with either a paper-based toy, a soft toy or a paper book. The fast food franchise hopes this effort will save more than 3,000 metric tonnes of plastic in use at its UK business from 2021, which would be its biggest single…

Paper Origami: It’s history & evolution

Love Paper gives you the facts about paper sustainability, and is here to inspire you to bring paper into your everyday lives. Paper origami demonstrates that you can create beautiful & exquisite creations from this extremely versatile product. Origami is the ancient and beautiful art of paper folding, creating varied designs such as animals and…

Paper Bags – The Sustainable Choice

The way we shop has changed drastically in the last decade. These changes include what we buy and how we buy it. Online shopping has undoubtedly revolutionised our purchasing habits, however one of the most profound and prominent changes in shopping trends is the consumer’s newfound conscience for being environmentally friendly.

High tech, high footprint

One of the biggest media myths is that digital communications has a small carbon footprint. We examine the true environmental cost of technology.

The perils of the paperless classroom

In recent years, technology has transformed many aspects of education and brought ingenious new methods of teaching which have offered students simple and effective study tools. Many have revolutionised the classroom, but nothing yet has come close to replacing the humble pen and paper.

Get productive with paper and improve your performance at work

For increased productivity in the office, just put pen to paper.

How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Using Paper

The start of a new year marks a perfect opportunity to begin improving areas of your life, whether that be quitting an old habit, fulfilling goals, or trying something new. With over a million posts carrying the hashtag NewYearNewMe on Instagram, New Year’s resolutions are a tradition for most at the end of the festive season.

5 Tips for a Digital Detox

Screen time has become so prevalent in the day to day of our lives, so much so that most of us keep our devices within arm’s reach most of the time. Through a few easy steps we can wean ourselves off from the habit and start to enjoy our lives away from the digital realms. Here are our top 5 tips for a digital detox.

Letters to Santa

December is now upon us and for many, that means it is time to start preparing for the Christmas festivities. This often entails a great deal of planning, shopping, cooking and usually a lot of stress to boot. But whilst we adults are busy with the organisation; the younger members of the family may be preoccupied with something a little more magical…

The sustainable nature of paper

Paper is a unique and versatile product that we use frequently in our everyday lives. It is hard to imagine going a day without encountering at least one paper product – whether it be in the mail delivered to you each morning or the toilet paper in your bathroom. Paper is everywhere.

Coffee cup recycling programmes gather steam

There’s been a lot of work in the area of coffee cup recycling over the past 12 months. We examine the schemes cutting down the 2.5 billion cups sent to landfill every year.

Lack of local newspapers hits hard

Closures of print editions of local newspapers are affecting some people so much they are ringing up their local MP for news. So why are local newspapers so important and what can be done to save them? Every month, a large number of elderly people ring their local MP. But while most of them call…

15 tips to get back into reading

Losing that love for reading can happen to avid and casual readers alike. Fortunately, we have compiled fifteen of the best tips for getting back on track with your reading list.

Why print is essential for the future of education

A four-year project examining the results of 54 research studies with 170,000 people has concluded that print is vital for effective education.

Deliveroo solve the recycling problem for their pizza boxes

After discovering that the majority of people are unaware that pizza boxes tainted with food cannot be recycled, food delivery company Deliveroo came up with a solution.

How print could save your life

We examine the scientific evidence that shows how putting down your phone and picking up a print publication may help you live longer.

How much does the public really know about packaging and sustainability?

The range of recycling symbols and confusion over what can and can’t be recycled is contributing to the British public’s concerns about packaging. But with paper and cardboard, there’s no confusion – just basic common sense. When it comes to recycling, there’s little doubt that the British public have a great deal of concern about single-use…