Sustainability
Sustainability Journey for A La KArt Creations
Our Commitment
Sustainability has been central to A La KArt Creations since 2020. The business was built on the belief that stationery for businesses and weddings should be meaningful, memorable, and gentle on the environment.
We specialise in plantable wedding and business stationery printed on UK-made wildflower seed paper. Every decision, from design to packaging, is made with care to reduce waste and lower environmental impact. Our aim is to create beautiful paper goods that serve a purpose beyond the occasion itself.
Our Seed Paper
Our exclusive wildflower seed paper is produced solely for A La KArt Creations by a UK papermill. It is made from recycled cotton textile cut-offs. These cotton remnants would otherwise be discarded by the textile industry. Instead, they are repurposed and turned into cotton pulp, giving new life to a material that would have become waste.
The pulp is formed into paper and embedded with a carefully selected mix of 20 UK native wildflower seeds. Each batch is freshly made in small quantities using fresh seeds to ensure strong germination and quality control. The sheets are naturally air-dried rather than heat treated, which helps protect the seeds and maintain their ability to grow. The finished paper has a premium weight of up to 320gsm, ensuring durability without compromising its plantable nature.
By manufacturing in the UK and producing in small batches specifically for our business, we avoid unnecessary overseas shipping, reduce storage waste, and limit overproduction.
Transparency and Testing
We regularly test our seed paper batches to ensure reliable germination. Growth is monitored and shared openly through our social media channels to demonstrate performance and maintain transparency. It is important to us that couples and businesses can see the results for themselves and trust the quality of the paper they are choosing.
Plantable by Design
Our stationery is designed to be planted in soil after use. When watered and cared for, sprouts typically begin to appear within approximately seven days, transforming invitations and paper goods into living wildflowers.
If planting is not possible, the paper is fully biodegradable and recyclable. It will naturally break down over time, offering a responsible alternative to conventional coated or laminated stationery.
Responsible Printing
All printing is carried out in-house and made to order. This ensures that no excess stock is produced and that materials are only used when required.
We use water-based, eco-friendly inks. These inks are chosen to reduce environmental impact while still providing a high-quality finish. However, when printing on seed paper, heavy ink coverage can affect germination. For this reason, we recommend no more than 40% ink coverage on plantable designs.
Every design is created with this in mind. Rather than covering the paper heavily with ink, we allow the texture and natural quality of the seed paper to remain visible. The design works with the material rather than against it. The purpose of the paper is to grow, and this function is respected in every layout we create.
Waste Reduction
Our production process is designed to minimise waste. Offcuts and any sheets that do not meet our quality standards are repurposed as protective packaging filler. Materials are reused wherever possible, and nothing is discarded without consideration.
All stationery is printed in-house and made specifically for each order. This made-to-order approach reduces surplus stock and prevents unnecessary waste.
Packaging and Distribution
Packaging is kept simple and minimal. We avoid plastic and prioritise recyclable materials wherever possible. Orders are printed, packed, and dispatched within the UK, reducing the environmental impact associated with international supply chains.
Planting instructions are printed directly onto our products wherever space allows. If not requested on the design itself, each order is accompanied by a planting instruction card to ensure recipients know how to grow their paper successfully.
We also include small seed paper strips within orders so customers can test germination themselves. Our business cards are printed on plantable seed paper, allowing anyone who receives one to experience the product firsthand.
Looking Ahead
Sustainability is an ongoing responsibility. As the business grows, we continue to review our materials and processes to identify further improvements.
In the future, we plan to introduce an expanded eco-conscious paper range. This will include 100% recycled papers and innovative materials incorporating natural inclusions such as recycled coffee waste. These additions will allow couples and businesses to choose from a wider range of environmentally responsible options while maintaining the same thoughtful design approach.
Our Ongoing Responsibility
Sustainability is not a marketing feature for A La KArt Creations. It is the foundation of how the business operates. We remain committed to reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and creating stationery that reflects the values of the businesses and couples we work with.
Our goal is simple: to design wedding and business stationery that celebrates important moments while leaving a lighter footprint on the world.
