As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, businesses are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their environmental impact. At Terra Tag, we’re committed to providing innovative solutions, such as our sustainable conference badges, which are crafted from eco-friendly materials and produced using environmentally conscious methods. This article explores the journey from raw materials to the final product, showcasing how we uphold our commitment to sustainability.

Material Sourcing

At Terra Tag, the journey of creating sustainable conference badges begins with the careful sourcing of materials:

• Waste Paper: Our primary material is waste paper collected from businesses across Southeast Queensland. This paper, which would otherwise end up in landfills, is repurposed to create the pulp for our name badges. By using locally sourced waste paper, we reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.

• Cotton Lanyards: We source our cotton lanyards from an Australian supplier who produces natural, undyed, 100% cotton rope. This 4mm, 3-twined rope is 100% biodegradable—worms love it! Unlike traditional lanyards, ours contain no plastic or metal components, ensuring that every part of the product is eco-friendly.

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging. We use 100% recyclable materials, including eco-tape, to ensure that our products are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Production Process

Our production process emphasises sustainability at every step:

• Pulping and Paper Making: We start by pulping the collected waste paper, transforming it into a robust paper suitable for badges. This process uses minimal water—less than 20 litres per vat—and our equipment is largely upcycled, including blenders from cafés and molds made from old window screens.

• Solar-Powered Drying: Our drying process utilises solar energy, with drying boxes made from repurposed materials like old bike boxes and flyscreen doors. This approach not only conserves energy but also ensures that our paper is perfectly flat, smooth, and ready for printing.

• Seed Sourcing and Quality

  We source our seeds from a reputable Australian supplier to ensure the highest quality and sustainability standards. All the seeds we use are non-GMO (genetically modified organism), which means they have not been genetically altered in a laboratory. This commitment ensures that our products remain natural and free from potential ecological risks associated with genetically modified seeds.

  We carefully select seed varieties that are suitable for embedding in our seed paper. Seed size plays a crucial role in this selection process, as large seeds cannot be effectively embedded within the paper. By choosing appropriate seed sizes, we ensure that the paper remains smooth and functional while still providing the opportunity for plants to grow when the paper is planted. This dedication to quality and sustainability helps us deliver products that are not only environmentally friendly but also support biodiversity and the natural growth cycle.

• Hand Assembly: The lanyards are hand-tied to the badges, eliminating the need for additional plastic or metal components. This method not only reinforces the durability of our badges but also maintains the integrity of the biodegradable materials.

Eco-Friendly Techniques

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the materials we use:

• Sustainable Inks: We print using vegetable-based inks, which are safer for the environment and produce vibrant, high-quality prints.

• Water Conservation: Our process is designed to use water efficiently, emphasizing the importance of conserving this precious resource.

Environmental Impact

Choosing Terra Tag’s sustainable badges over traditional plastic options has significant environmental benefits:

• CO2 Emissions: Our production methods help reduce CO2 emissions. For example, using our badges at an event with 600 attendees can save approximately 180 kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to conventional options. Our quote calculator, available on our website, allows customers to see their potential CO2 savings when they choose our products.

At Terra Tag, we are more than just a paper mill—we are innovators in sustainable solutions. Our eco-friendly conference badges reflect our dedication to reducing environmental impact and supporting a greener future. We invite businesses and event organizers to join us on this journey toward sustainability by choosing Terra Tag for their next event.

Explore our range of eco-friendly name badges and see how Terra Tag can help make your events more sustainable. Visit us for more information on our products and sustainability practices.