We had a fantastic time at the Home Life & You Show, meeting so many people who love thoughtful, sustainable living.

What surprised us most? How many visitors were unaware that much of what they think is being recycled actually ends up in landfill or incinerators.

It turns out the reality of recycling is more complicated than the simple “bin it and it will be reused” story we all like to believe. Many everyday items, including gift wrap, packaging, and mixed-fibre textiles, are difficult to process:

• Laminated, metallic, or glittered papers cannot be recycled and are often rejected at the sorting stage.
• Textiles with mixed fibres or synthetic blends are extremely hard to turn back into new fabrics, meaning much of what is collected is downcycled or sent to landfill.
• Contamination like tape, stickers, and food residue, causes whole batches of recyclables to be discarded.

It was eye-opening to see how many people assumed that simply placing something in the recycling bin was enough. While recycling remains important, these realities highlight just how much our consumption habits impact the planet, even when we’re trying to be responsible. 

That is why we take surplus textiles to be repurposed into fabric wrapping. By adopting the Japanese Furoshiki tradition of reusable fabric gift wrapping, you can ensure your sustainability efforts actually make a difference and that the joy of your gift-giving doesn’t go to waste!