Thoughful Packaging

More Than “Just Packaging” - How We Pack Your Orders at The Little Knitting Company

When you place an order online, packaging is probably not the first thing you think about. Most of us are focused on the exciting bit: the yarn, needles, books or project bag inside the parcel.

But behind the scenes, packaging is something we spend a surprising amount of time thinking about at The Little Knitting Company.

Every order needs to arrive safely and securely, particularly delicate knitting needles, beautiful books and precious skeins of yarn. At the same time, we also try to make thoughtful choices about the materials we use and how easily they can be recycled or reused afterwards.

No packaging system is ever perfect, but wherever possible we try to balance practicality, protection and recyclability.

Our Padded Mailers

Some orders are sent in padded “jiffy-style” envelopes, particularly smaller items that still need protection in the post.

These can often be recycled, but there is one important step first:

• The paper outer and plastic bubble lining need to be separated
• The paper outer can then usually be recycled with paper and cardboard
• The plastic inner bubble section can be recycled separately where soft plastics are accepted

It takes an extra few seconds, but small actions really do add up over thousands of parcels.

Our Letterbox Boxes

Many smaller orders are packed in slim sturdy cardboard letterbox boxes.

We love these because they are:

• 100% recyclable
• Biodegradable
• Protective enough for patterns, needles and smaller accessories
• Often slim enough to fit through letterboxes

That last point is more important than it sounds. Fewer missed deliveries means fewer re-delivery journeys and fewer frustrated knitters waiting to cast on their next project.

Paper Void Filling and Honeycomb Wrap

To help protect larger or more delicate orders, we also use paper void filling and kraft honeycomb paper wrap inside many parcels.

We were early adopters of honeycomb paper packaging and have been using it since February 2020 as an alternative to traditional plastic bubble wrap.

Honeycomb paper is designed to provide cushioning while using paper rather than plastic, making it easier to recycle alongside cardboard packaging.

Paper void filling also helps keep products secure during transit without relying heavily on plastic packing materials.

It is one of those behind-the-scenes details most customers probably never think about, but it plays a big role in helping orders arrive safely.

Cardboard Boxes and Kraft Paper Tape

Larger orders are usually packed in cardboard boxes using paper-based kraft tape rather than traditional plastic parcel tape.

Both the box and tape can go straight into standard cardboard recycling, which keeps things simpler once your parcel arrives.

You may also occasionally receive your order in a re-used box.

We re-use many of the boxes that arrive with supplier deliveries because they are still perfectly sturdy and suitable for shipping. Re-using boxes helps reduce waste and gives good packaging materials a second life before recycling.

So if your parcel arrives in a box that has clearly had an adventurous previous life in the yarn world… now you know why.

Burgundy Mailing Bags

Some parcels are sent in our burgundy mailing bags.

These are manufactured from LDPE 4 plastic and contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic.

They can usually be recycled again alongside carrier bags and soft plastics at many larger supermarkets and recycling collection points.

Tissue Paper  

Many orders are also wrapped in our burgundy tissue paper to help protect your items and make opening your parcel feel a little bit special.

The tissue paper we use is:

• Acid free
• Recyclable
• Eco friendly
• Printed using water-based inks

It is another small detail, but one we have chosen carefully as part of our wider approach to packaging.

Small Decisions, Thousands of Parcels

As a small family business, we try to make sensible and thoughtful decisions wherever we can. Packaging is one of those areas where lots of small choices gradually add up over time.

We know many of our customers are thoughtful makers who care deeply about quality, longevity and making good use of materials, and we try to approach our packaging in much the same way.

Thank you, as always, for supporting The Little Knitting Company and for supporting a small independent business that genuinely thinks about these details behind the scenes.

And yes… we absolutely keep a stash of "good boxes" that are far too useful to throw away...