It’s a common misconception that wrapping paper is inherently recyclable. It’s paper, so why shouldn’t it be? Most wrapping paper on the market these days is more than just paper — it’s made with paper and plastic composite and other materials that can’t go in the blue bins. 

Keep reading to learn all about the recyclability of wrapping paper so you can be an informed gift-giver. 

What Wrapping Paper Can Be Recycled?

Wrapping paper that cannot be recycled:

• Laminated paper

• Glittery paper

• Foil paper

• Metallic paper

• Flocked paper

• Some glossy and shiny papers

• Some dyed papers

The plainest wrapping paper can be recycled. The more heavy-duty and luxe the paper is, the less likely it is to be recyclable. Any wrapping paper that is made with 100% paper can be recycled.

So, how can you be sure? Unfortunately, knowing exactly what your paper is made of is extremely tough. Some wrapping paper labels or packaging will specify, but not all. Green Matters recommends calling the manufacturer to find out, but who has time for that?

The difficult truth is, unless you’re using wrapping paper that looks like it’s from the Great Depression, you can’t be sure it’s recyclable without extensive research. 

What About Other Wrapping Materials and Elements?

The wrapping paper itself isn’t always the problem. Even if you use recyclable paper, it might not get recycled. 

Wrapping Paper Cores

The wrapping paper cores aren’t always recyclable, either. They are usually recyclable if made of plain cardboard, but some are laminated or made with a harder plastic or metal composite. 

Wrapping Paper Packaging

Furthermore, wrapping paper sealed in plastic wrap contributes to plastic waste. These thin plastic wraps are rarely recyclable and quickly break down into microplastics. If they are recyclable, they usually have to be brought to a specific recycling center and can’t be put in curbside bins.

Wrapping Accessories

Tape, ribbons, bows, and gift tags are made of plastic and cannot be recycled. If they’re stuck to the gift wrap you put in the recycling, this can cause the paper to be sent to a landfill.

Tissue Paper

Some use tissue paper instead of durable wrapping paper, thinking it’s kinder to the planet. However, tissue paper cannot be recycled. The shortened fibers used to make it are non-recyclable, but they are compostable. Sadly, the lack of nutritional value means they’re basically useless as compost anyway. And if there’s any glitter present, it belongs in the trash. 

Gift Bags

Like wrapping paper, gift bags made of metallic, glittery, laminated, or plastic materials cannot be recycled. Additionally, many of the handles on gift bags are non-recyclable, so the whole bag ends up in a landfill. 

Slowing Down Recycling Plants

Guessing whether your paper is recyclable can cause issues at recycling mills. The more non-recyclable materials put in the recycling bin, the fewer resources these mills have to recycle the right materials. Sifting through these items requires substantial time and effort, so please be mindful of what you put in the recycling!

Sustainable Solutions to Gift Wrapping

How can you wrap gifts without contributing to landfill pollution? People have a few ideas, so let’s explore them. 

Recycled Wrapping Paper

Recycled wrapping paper is a common alternative people use. This type of paper minimizes deforestation. However, constantly manufacturing it uses substantial energy and resources, including water and fossil fuels. Plus, it can be expensive to purchase occasion after occasion, year after year. 

Reusing Wrapping Paper

Yes, you could be that person who carefully removes tape and opens gifts like you’re wrapping in reverse. Then, you can reuse the paper. But this solution isn’t appealing to many of us. It dulls the excitement of opening a present and becomes a chore. 

When you reuse the paper, it will already have creases, creating a shabby-looking gift. We don’t know about you, but we want our presents to be works of art, not second-hand messes.

And how do you tell an excited five-year-old on their birthday to carefully open their gifts? How do you insist someone slowly unwraps their Christmas present? The logistics of this solution are unpleasant. 

Newspaper, Brown Paper, and Other Papers

Some people like to use paper they already have around the house, like newspapers, brown grocery bags, magazine pages, old maps, etc. It’s a sustainable, thoughtful solution. But the final result is still unattractive, albeit quirky. These materials are usually not made for wrapping and can rip or crinkle easily. 

Shiki Wrap and Reusable Gift Bags

Reusable fabric gift wrap is the only way to create beautifully wrapped presents without creating paper and plastic waste. Shiki Wrap is made from recycled plastics, keeping harmful microplastics out of the soil, air, and water. We also use a sublimation dyeing process that uses no water! 

Our durable and stylish fabric wraps are designed to be used over and over again, looking just as gorgeous as they did the first time. You can use these well over 100 times without seeing wear or tear.

You can replace all the wasteful gift bags with our attractive and sturdy Reusable Gift Bags. Switching from unsustainable, wasteful wrapping to this sustainable solution is a no-brainer. It saves you time, money, and effort without sacrificing the beauty of the gift. And it’s a win for the planet!

Shop our diverse collection of Shiki Wrap fabric wraps and Reusable Gift Wraps to revamp your wrapping style and live more sustainably.