Plantable Packaging

All of our handmade, cold process bar soaps are wrapped in our signature plantable packaging. When we started b.a.r.e. soaps back in 2012, we realized how much paper is used in product packaging. We thought using plantable paper would be a great way to get consumers to think outside of the box on how product packaging could serve more than one purpose. 

Where do you source your plantable packaging from?

Our plantable packaging is sourced from Botanical Paperworks. They are the only seed paper manufacturer approved by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for planting in the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and other countries world wide. 

Our supplier is accredited in the Canadian Phytosanitary Certification Program for Seeds (CPCPS) and is registered as a U.S. Exporter in the program. This means they ensure that the seeds brought into their facility are tested for purity by a CFIA or AOSA (Association of Official Seed Analysts) accredited seed testing laboratory to ensure that it meets the noxious weed requirements of the U.S. Federal Seed Act.
What kind of wildflower seeds are in your paper?
The wildflower seeds in our paper are a blend of:
  • Bird's Eye (Gilia tricolor)- Annual
  • Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)- Annual 
  • Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)- Perennial
  • Catchfly (Silene ameria)- Annual
  • Snapdragon (Linaria maroccana)- Annual
  • Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia martima)- Annual

 

Are there invasive species in the wildflower seed blend?

No. None of the seeds are considered invasive. We ship our soaps only to US, Canada and Europe because the wildflower seeds in our paper are approved for sale in these countries. 

The plantable packaging isn't allowed to leave Botanical Paperwork's headquarters in Canada without a seal of approval from the regulatory bodies. They test each batch of seeds for purity to ensure that the seeds are free of invasive species. 

 

Are the seeds non-GMO?

Yes, our plantable packaging only contains seeds that are of the highest quality and germination. All the seeds we handle are NON-GMO (genetically modified organism).

 

How do I plant the plantable packaging? 
Planting our paper is similar to planting any other type of seed in the garden. The paper can be planted indoors or outside, though germination rates are best around 60-80F degrees.
Taken from Botanical Paperworks website

Step 1: Prepare your pot with soil. Make sure that the soil is moist- you'll need more water than you think. Crumbly brownie mix is what you are going for!

Step 2: Dampen the plantable paper with a spray bottle so that it is wet but not disintegrating. 

Step 3: Place the paper on the soil and cover 1/8th inch of soil over the plantable paper. Tamp down gently. 

Step 4: You're done for now! Make sure that you continue to keep the paper moist at all time during germination. If you want to speed up germination, you can cover the pot with either a clear bag or clear box to create a "greenhouse" event. This helps keep the germination environment moist and warm. Germination can take anywhere from 3-10 days. 

Step 5: Once sprouts appear, continue to keep the paper moist but be careful not to overwater! Continue to care for the plant with adequate sunlight and water. 

Which soaps come in the plantable packaging?

All of our full sized, handmade bar soaps come in the plantable packaging. Note thay our Jubilee Jam and Black Tie Affair come in naked packaging. Our Sampler Pack which is half size bars of our full bars also do not come in plantable packaging (but rather a reusable cotton drawstring bag)