Oregon Flowers in Aurora, Oregon, packages its tulips in paper sleeves sleeves when shipping to clients that specialize in local and organic products. Photo courtesy of Foxbound Flowers.
Growers and florists looking to reduce their environmental impact have many options when it comes to bouquet sleeves. From classic kraft paper to a soon-to-be-launched water-resistant paper, the March/April issue of Floral Management explores sustainable options for packaging bouquets.
Michael Poretsky, branch sales manager for A-ROO Company, an Ohio-based packaging manufacturer, says he’s seen kraft paper sales double in the past few years. He attributes the growth, in part, to an increasing number of florists seeking environmentally friendly options. Kraft paper, a wood-based product, has been around for more than 100 years, he says. It’s biodegradable, recyclable and compostable.
Tyler Meskers, vice president of Oregon Flowers, says his company started using kraft paper sleeves in 2020 because they wanted to use a more sustainable option than standard plastic sleeves.
“We know that’s where the industry needs to go,” says Meskers. “We have to be a bit more mindful of our environment and our impact.”
The Aurora, Oregon-based grower packages some flowers, such as its greenhouse-grown tulips, in sleeves made by Broekhof USA when shipping to customers that specialize in local and organic products. The feedback has been positive, Meskers says.
Solent Freight Solutions is adding a new option for florists: a paper sleeve manufactured to make it water-resistant. Simon Milne, Solent CEO, says the product, which is recyclable and made from recycled products, should be available by summer.
Some manufacturers offer environmentally-conscious bouquet sleeves made from recycled or recyclable plastics, providing florists and customers an option that has a reduced environmental impact.
For more about sustainable bouquet sleeves in the Up the Supply Chain column, read “Paper or Plastic?” in the March/April issue of Floral Management.
Laurie Herrera is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.
