EcoPlum Shines a Spotlight on its B Corp Suppliers: Made in the USA Is Bloomin Seed Paper this Spring

This is the first profile in our new blogpost series about our B Corp suppliers.

Bloomin is an artisanal manufacturer of handmade, plantable, Made in the USA seed paper. Certified as a B Corporation, Bloomin is committed to eco friendly sourcing, production, and energy usage. The Boulder, Colorado based business is family-owned and began 30 years ago, in 1995. From its origins in a backyard chicken coop production facility, the company has evolved from a niche specialty greeting card business to its current stature as the global authority on all things related to seed paper. That’s quite an evolution!

For symbols of growth and sustainability, promotional products from Bloomin Seed Paper are good for spring, or any season.

Bloomin Seed Paper

Bloomin seed paper has a natural, rustic looking charm that feels artisanal and unique—the opposite of industrially-produced products. The paper is biodegradable and handcrafted from un-dyed 100% post-industrial recycled paper that originally met Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) global certification standards. FSC standards are sustainable sourcing solutions to support responsible forestry management and conservation.

The company works with a local envelope supplier in the U.S. to source the recycled paper that goes into making pulp for the seed paper. Once it is produced, the paper is dyed using natural, vegetable-based pigments. A variety of seeds are added to the papers, including herbs, vegetables, flowers and more. Each sheet is made by hand with traditional paper-making techniques that include handmade molds and deckles (the frame around the mold). There are 22 seed paper colors available. All seeds used in their plantable papers are certified non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) by the non-GMO project.

After soaking in water, the seed papers can be planted in a thin layer of soil and will sprout soon after.

Bloomin Seed Paper Products

Bloomin sells millions of seed paper products each year. Seed paper can be customized into various sizes, shapes and colors. It makes great promotional products when printed with corporate or organizational logos, messages, or artwork. Seed paper products have a minimal carbon footprint because they are light and flat.

In speaking about his seed paper products, Bloomin President Don Martin states, “It truly is the most sustainable product in the promotional products industry.”

Among the array of Bloomin products are bookmarks, coasters, business cards, multi-shaped packs, mini-planting kits, tags, calendars, journals, bottle collars, event wristbands, postcards, ornaments, invitations, greeting cards, stationery, and seed packs. The company also uses corn-based, sustainable packing materials.

Proprietary Printing System

Bloomin has pioneered eco friendly proprietary processes using ink-jet printing on seed paper, water-soluble earth-friendly inks, and minimal heat and pressure. Their gentle, hand-fed techniques have been perfected over 30 years of business and ensure that there is no degradation to the germination quality of the seeds from overheating. Bloomin owns and operates specialized printers and works closely with an ink-jet manufacturer on the proprietary printing technology that provides high-quality four-color process printing.

Production Facility

The company is committed to the integration of alternative energy sources in its owned building. The 10,000 square foot production facility is now powered completely by a 40-kilowatt solar power system, covering all of its energy needs. They transitioned to solar power about 20 years ago. It is a highly efficient operation with a team of 20-60 people who make the paper, print and cut it, and do assembly and quality control.

B Corporation Certification

Bloomin has been a B Corporation (B Corp) for about 15 years, since the movement’s infancy. Certified B Corps are for-profit enterprises that meet high standards of environmental and social performance, transparency, and accountability.

In commenting on the benefits of being a B Corp, Mr. Martin says, “It is something that people really look for and they appreciate it as a promotional products supplier. There’s so much greenwashing that goes on.” In addition, he says, “It just really validates that we’re walking the walk and not just talking the talk.”

Martin describes further how, in contrast, so much of the merchandise in the industry is imported from China and ends up in landfills. Lots of companies also market products as sustainable, with green promotions, but they are not entirely.

The decision by Bloomin to become a B Corp reflected their belief in the pivotal role that business should play in shaping a brighter future for both society and the environment. The company is committed not only to maximizing its financial gain but also to actively contributing to the betterment of the planet and the wellbeing of its inhabitants.

While Bloomin is a family-owned business, Martin considers all their employees as family. The average worker has been with Bloomin for eight years, and some for as long as 15 years.

Unlike traditional companies that make decisions based on shareholders, B Corps are required to consider the impact of their decisions on shareholders plus other stakeholders including workers, suppliers, community, customers, and the environment. With this designation, Bloomin has committed to purchasing core products, (at least 50% of non-labor expenses), from independent suppliers local to where the product will be used or where the company operates.

Editors’ Note:

EcoPlum is a B Corporation and distributor of sustainable promotional products, including those manufactured by Bloomin. Their products are fully MADE IN THE USA.