A people and planet friendly alternative to plastic packaging.
A long held wish finally came true. After an extensive search, we finally found an environmentally conscious alternative to the plastic packaging our jewelry is shipped in from Nepal and India. Although plastic is practical thanks to its transparency and convenience during transport, it no longer felt like the right choice for us. We wanted something better for the world and for the people who contribute to making our products.
Our goal was clear from the start. We were looking for packaging made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials, produced locally and preferably by hand, traceable to its source and feasible in terms of design, price and volume. After researching and testing several options in Nepal, including hydropol, biodegradable plastics and recycled paper, we discovered a material that has been used there for centuries: lokta paper.
What is lokta paper?
Lokta paper is made entirely by hand and is available in many different thicknesses, textures and colors. It can be recognized by the fine lines visible in the paper, which are traces of its raw material, the bark of the Daphne Papyracea plant. This plant grows at altitudes above 700 meters in the Himalayan region, which explains why lokta paper is often called Himalayan paper.
Only the bark of the plant is harvested during production, without causing any damage to the plant itself. In fact, this careful method of harvesting stimulates new growth. Thanks to this controlled process, the production of lokta paper is environmentally responsible. Only the bark of the plant is harvested during production, without causing any damage to the plant itself. In fact, this careful method of harvesting stimulates new growth. Thanks to this controlled process, the production of lokta paper is environmentally responsible. Lokta paper is a pure and natural product. It is 100% handmade using local raw materials, simple techniques and centuries of craftsmanship. In the valley around Kathmandu, you can often see large, colorful sheets drying outdoors in the open air. It is a beautiful sight and a traditional craft that follows the rhythm of nature and the weather.
Historically, lokta paper was used in Nepal for religious scriptures and official documents. Today, it is also used for notebooks, artworks and paintings, and it is still used for certain government documents.
Handmade lokta paper pouches for our jewelry
From now on, our products are packaged as standard in beautiful lokta paper pouches printed with detailed illustrations. The pouches are hand printed using traditional screen printing techniques. This means your jewelry does not need to be repacked once it arrives at our warehouse, which saves time and helps prevent unnecessary packaging waste.
*Our familiar recycled paper boxes are no longer included as standard, but they are still available separately as a luxury gift packaging option.
For us, the switch to lokta paper feels like a true win win. It reflects our love and respect for the product, the makers and the world around us. It is a sustainable material that fits naturally with everything we stand for.
