Aya Paper Co.
Aug 2, 2019 / All photos were taken under the direction of The Nonchalance (Leesy, Cheyonne, Giselle)
There is no shortage of compassionate companies out there that are actually creating meaningful products—but there are also ones that “greenwash” their brands and use sustainability like a buzzword to stay relevant.
Lifestyle blogger SaVonne Anderson was well aware of these manipulative marketing ploys and wanted to create a conscious venture that consumers could actually trust. She also wanted to make something that resonated with women of color while encouraging them to be mindful buyers. Having already worked as a writer and designer, she decided to start brand that blended all of her interests—and Aya Paper Co. came to be.
The stationary and gift company utilizes sustainable practices at every level of production.
“All of the paper used in the greeting cards is made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled materials,” Anderson explained. “All of the cards are printed using renewable energy and I chose a digital process over offset, which creates a lot of production waste.”
The brand also uses low waste shipping means. They forgo packing slips to cut down on paper and use digital means of communication/marketing whenever possible—their mailers and shipping labels are also compostable. Even the stationary’s 4x6 dimensions make the most efficient use of their paper.
In addition to being ethically made, the products themselves are eye-popping and elegant. Anderson wanted to make a mindful brand, but not at the expense of its aesthetics. And with pretty pops of color combined with cool original art, the cards are definitely desirable, while being appropriate for many events and occasions.
In order to be more conscious consumers, Anderson encourages others to “ask questions” and to not just buy based on an “organic” or “green” marketing strategy.
“Look at the ingredients, check their platforms to see if they are transparent about their process,” she explained. “If you still have questions, reach out to the company and ask directly where and how they produce items.”
More about Anderson and Aya Paper Co. can be found on their website.
