Thoughtful Packaging: How Margate Glows Ships Sustainably

At Margate Glows sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s built into the way we design, make, and ship every item. From illuminated table lamps inspired by iconic buildings to small collectible pieces, we believe beautiful objects should arrive safely without costing the earth.

That’s why we’ve chosen eco‑friendly packaging materials that protect your order while reducing environmental impact.

Why Packaging Matters

E‑commerce packaging is a hidden contributor to waste. Plastic void fill, synthetic tapes, and over‑engineered packaging often end up in landfill after a single use. As a small, independent UK business, we felt it was important to take responsibility for this part of the customer journey — not just the product itself.

Our goal is simple:
keep your order safe in transit while keeping materials recyclable, biodegradable, and plastic‑free. If there ever is a problem, let us know. 

Hive‑Paper: A Smarter Alternative to Bubble Wrap

Instead of plastic bubble wrap, we use hive‑paper (also known as honeycomb paper) to protect our products during shipping.

Hive‑paper expands into a strong, cushioned structure that absorbs impact and prevents movement inside the box — ideal for delicate items like lamps and models. Unlike plastic alternatives:

• It’s 100% paper‑based
• Fully recyclable with household paper waste
  
• Made using significantly fewer resources than plastic packaging

It does the same protective job as plastic bubble wrap, without leaving behind waste that lasts for centuries.

Cardboard Boxes Designed for Reuse and Recycling

All Margate Glows orders are shipped in sturdy cardboard boxes, chosen specifically for durability and recyclability.

Where possible, we:

• Use right‑sized boxes to avoid unnecessary filler
  
• Avoid glossy coatings that can complicate recycling

Cardboard is one of the most widely recycled materials.

Paper Craft Tape (Yes, Even the Tape Matters)

Most packaging tape is plastic — and often overlooked. We use paper craft tape instead:

• Paper‑based and recyclable along with the box
• Strong enough to secure heavier items
• No need to remove before recycling

This small choice makes a big difference by keeping the entire package in a single, recyclable material stream.

Better Unboxing 

Sustainable packaging isn’t just better for the environment — it also creates a calmer, more considered unboxing experience. No popping plastics, no excessive layers, no clutter. Just well‑protected products wrapped with care.

Thank You for Supporting Small and Sustainable

By choosing Margate Glows, you’re supporting:

• Margate design and making
• UK‑based creativity
• More responsible e‑commerce practices

Every order shipped with hive‑paper, cardboard, and paper tape is a small step towards less waste — and we’re grateful to have customers who value that effort.