PROTECTPAPER®
ProtectPaper®, developed by us in 2008 and trademarked in 2023, it is a groundbreaking fusion of paper, fabric and nano-technology.
This innovative material combines the natural texture of paper with the strength of cotton fabric, resulting in a unique feel that “wears like leather” and transforms over time like a beloved pair of jeans.
Coated with nanosilicon dioxide, ProtectPaper® is water-resistant and durable, ensuring that Wren’s designs protect their contents from the elements.
Beyond practicality, ProtectPaper® embodies our commitment to sustainability, innovation and quality. It is a material that is as functional as it is environmentally conscious.
Is our paper special? Yes — special to us, but also wonderfully familiar. It’s the same kind of heavy-duty packaging paper used to hold and protect cement. In South Africa, cement bags carry up to 50kg, so this paper is designed to be exceptionally strong from the start.
So, where does the paper for ProtectPaper® come from?
Wren sources paper from a range of places, always choosing reclaimed paper waste first, recycled paper second, and new certified paper from accredited suppliers only as a last resort.
When it is possible, and available, we collect what is called reel-ends from packaging printing factories that are classified as “waste”. The end of a roll has paper creases that prevent it being used on a roll printer. We collect this paper and bring it to our studio where we either flat table print it or use it as is. We save this paper from being pulped and save energy resources.
For our PPC Cement Laptop Bags and other printed packaging products we ask that misprinted bags are sent to us for use in the creation of our laptop bags or other corporate gifting. This is a form of recycling.
Only when we absolutely cannot get supply do we go this route and even then we ensure that our paper is certified with environmental management certification ISO 14001 or sustainable forestry certification.
We consider sustainability at all times in the design and manufacturing process and use eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible.
OUR COATING
Our paper is sprayed with Si02 (Nano Silicon Dioxide). This is an environmentally friendly and non toxic coating and that makes the surface hydrophobic (water resistant), oleophobic (oil resistant) and dirt resistant.
These coatings do not change the optic or haptic quality of our paper.
OUR FABRIC
Our paper is fused to fabric to give it a unique handle and longer lifespan. This fabric comes from Zimbabwe. We prefer to work with 100% cotton fabrics becuase we are not fans of anything synthetic.
The batting we use in our sleeves contains 100% recycled fibres. This means the source is more sustainable than other battings. Wherever possible, we choose the sustainable option and when there is no clear alternative, we commit and invest in research so that we might be able to find an alternative in line with the company’s sustainability policy and goals.
OUR PRINTING
We value our business relationships, and our partnership with our printers is particularly special. We have chosen to work with printing factories that share our commitment to fair trade principles. The printing industry, much like the clothing and textile manufacturing sector, often exploits cheap labor and disregards environmental concerns. By aligning with ethical printers, we ensure our practices reflect our values of fairness and sustainability.
We check all of our printers to ensure that their environmental and labour practises are in line with South African law.
Digital Printing
Using high technology we make use of a UV flat bed large scale printer.
Screen Printing
We make use of water based inks for branding prints and a solvent-based ink for flooded screen printed sheets. It is important that if the printer uses a solvent-based ink that they have the necessary cleaning processes in place to ensure that there is no water pollution.
OUR PACKAGING
We love packaging becuase every item is a gift! Even if just for yourself.
The experience of unwrapping must be magical but should not be in excess of the product or negative to the environment so we have gone to great lengths to eliminate plastic from all of our packaging.
- Our products have paper tags that are either wrapped around products or tied with petersham tape which can be easily recycled.
- Our products have wrap-and-tie specially designed boxes. We limit our branding on these boxes in the hope that rather than recycle you will re use them for gifting or storage.
- When we seal boxes we use kraft paper-based box tape rather than the cheaper plastic alternative tape.
"What we love most in nature is what time has shaped."
