Stylish, Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap and Cards from MASU

With Earth Day on the horizon, it's no coincidence that recent blog posts here at All Things Paper have referenced it. First, we celebrated the work of a cardboard artist and next, a new book of ideas for repurposing paper. Today I have the pleasure of introducing MASU, a company that brings you stylish, 100% planet-friendly gift wrap and cards.

 

Owner Libby Hampel combined her passion for paper with surface pattern design skills and values to create MASU, a line of premium paper goods that are not only made of recycled paper, but are fully recyclable, American-made, and plastic-free. She told me that she takes immense pride in designing playful, thoughtful, and bold gift wrap and cards for the MASU brand that look, feel, and actually do good for the planet.

 

 

"I support my fellow Americans and reduce my carbon footprint by having my products, packaging, and shipping marketing materials made in America. With 40% of plastics being for single-use purposes and less than 10% of plastic produced being recycled, I'm committed to MASU being a plastic-free business. Going green never looked or felt soooooo good!"

 

What's the origin of the curious name, MASU, you ask? Libby explains: "In Japanese there are two words for giving, agemasu and kuremasu. Agemasu is used when you are giving to someone. Kuremasu is used when someone is giving to you. MASU embodies all forms of giving."

 

 

You'll find greeting cards and note cards for special and just-because occasions. There are even denim/cotton envelopes (made of textile scraps) and Bauhaus-inspired designs. And also this very handy wrap calculator.

 

I was sent a selection of gift wrap and cards to see the quality for myself. Honestly, I'm impressed. The wrapping paper sheets are generously sized at 19.75" x 28.75" and have a lovely, smooth finish with a subtle shine - Libby correctly describes it as velvety. 

 

While the paper is a sturdy weight, it's not so sturdy that it's difficult to handle. Corners fold easily with no tearing, wrinkling, or bulkiness. The coordinated card designs are cheerfully appealing.

 

I can attest that Libby has put a great deal of thought and research into every bit of her packaging. The tubes of rolled (never folded) gift wrap sheets and greeting cards arrived protected not by clear plastic film, but by glassine paper that is curbside recyclable and biodegradable. 

 

MASU's cardboard shipping cartons are sealed with plastic-free, recyclable tape, and even the mailing labels are eco-friendly.

 

 

My hat is off to Libby for building a catalog of fine products that corresponds with her ideals. Follow along with MASU on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

 

Order online at givemasu.com. Libby has set up a 20% discount code for All Things Paper readers - ATP20. Valid April 9th-May 9th, 2024, it is limited to one use per customer.