Transition from Newspaper to Organic Hay for Packing Materials- Worldly Goods Too
March, 18, 2025– Worldly Goods Too, a company that supplies decorative glass spheres, has introduced a change in its packaging materials due to shifts in the availability of printed newspapers. For several decades, the company relied on shredded newspaper as a primary packing material to protect fragile glass items during transportation. However, with the decline of print newspapers and the reduced availability of excess newsprint, the company has adjusted its packaging approach and adopted organic hay as an alternative.
This change marks a shift toward a different method of packing that aligns with historical practices while ensuring that glass products remain protected during shipping. The transition has been implemented gradually, with the company monitoring the effectiveness of the new material in maintaining product integrity.
The glass spheres distributed by Worldly Goods Too are made using recycled glass and are shaped by artisans using traditional glassblowing techniques. The raw materials for production include repurposed glass from sources such as bottles, which are melted down and reshaped into decorative spheres. Due to the nature of the process, variations in shape, size, and color are common among the finished products.
Glassblowing is a process that involves heating glass to high temperatures until it reaches a malleable state, after which artisans shape it into the desired form. Once shaped, the glass spheres are gradually cooled to stabilize their structure. This method of production has been used for centuries and continues to be employed in various regions worldwide.
The use of recycled glass in production contributes to reducing the demand for new raw materials. The process involves collecting used glass, cleaning it, and melting it down before reshaping it into new items. This practice aligns with broader efforts to repurpose materials that might otherwise go to waste.
For approximately 30 years, Worldly Goods Too used shredded newspaper from The Charlotte Observer as a packing material for shipping its glass spheres. The newspaper served as a cushioning material that helped prevent damage during transportation. The company had an arrangement to collect and repurpose excess newspaper, which allowed it to make use of an otherwise discarded material while ensuring that the glass products remained secure in transit.
Over time, the availability of printed newspapers has declined due to the shift toward digital media. As more consumers and businesses rely on digital news sources, the production of printed newspapers has decreased. This has led to a reduction in the surplus newspaper supply that was previously used for packing materials. As a result, Worldly Goods Too explored alternative options that would provide similar protective qualities while also being available in sufficient quantities.
In response to the decline in newspaper availability, Worldly Goods Too has implemented organic hay as a replacement packing material. Hay has been historically used as a protective material for fragile goods, particularly before the widespread use of paper-based packaging. It is lightweight, biodegradable, and capable of providing cushioning for delicate items.
The transition to hay-based packing material has been carried out gradually, with ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness in protecting glass spheres during shipping. The primary consideration in selecting an alternative material was ensuring that it could provide sufficient protection against impact while also being available in reliable quantities.
The company has tested the use of hay in various packaging scenarios to assess its ability to prevent damage during transportation. Factors such as compression resistance, shock absorption, and stability within shipping containers have been taken into account during this transition. Preliminary observations indicate that hay serves as a functional alternative that meets the requirements for safe transportation.
While hay presents a viable alternative, its use also introduces certain considerations. One factor is the potential for dust and organic residue, which may require additional measures to ensure that the packing material remains clean. The company is assessing methods to minimize dust and maintain the quality of the packaging process.
Another consideration is the storage and handling of hay before use. Unlike paper-based packing materials, which can be compressed into compact bales, hay requires proper storage conditions to prevent moisture accumulation or degradation. Storage facilities have been adapted to accommodate the new material while ensuring that it remains suitable for use in packing.
The transition also involves customer communication regarding the change in packaging materials. As the company shifts to hay, it is providing information to recipients about the new material, including disposal and handling recommendations. Since hay is biodegradable, it can be disposed of through composting or other organic waste management methods.
The use of hay for packaging fragile items is not a new practice. Before the widespread production of paper-based packaging materials, hay and straw were commonly used to cushion goods during transport. These materials were readily available and provided a natural way to protect delicate items from impact.
In earlier periods, hay was used to pack a variety of goods, including glassware, ceramics, and other breakable products. It was often layered around objects to create a buffer against shocks and vibrations during transit. The practice was particularly common in agricultural regions where hay was an abundant byproduct of farming activities.
With the advent of mass-produced paper products, materials such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, and foam became more common in packaging applications. These materials offered additional flexibility in shaping and compression, leading to their widespread adoption. However, as availability and environmental considerations change, some businesses are revisiting older methods, such as hay-based packaging, as a viable alternative.
One factor that influenced the transition to hay was its biodegradable nature. Unlike synthetic packing materials, which can contribute to long-term waste accumulation, hay breaks down naturally over time. This characteristic aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on non-biodegradable materials.
In addition to being biodegradable, hay is a byproduct of agricultural production, which means that it can be sourced without requiring additional manufacturing processes. Its availability is subject to seasonal variations, but it remains a widely accessible material in many regions.
The shift away from paper-based packing materials reflects changes in both resource availability and consumer preferences. As traditional newspaper production declines, businesses that previously relied on excess newsprint for packaging are exploring alternative materials. The adoption of hay represents one example of how packaging practices are adapting to these changes.
Worldly Goods Too continues to assess the effectiveness of hay as a packing material and remains open to further adjustments if necessary. The company is monitoring the impact of the transition on shipping outcomes, including breakage rates, packing efficiency, and customer feedback.
Additional factors, such as long-term supply stability and cost-effectiveness, are also being considered as part of the evaluation process. If future adjustments are required, the company will explore additional options that align with packaging needs and material availability.
About Worldly Goods Too
Worldly Goods Too is a supplier of decorative glass spheres and related home décor products. The company works with artisans who use traditional glassblowing techniques to shape products from recycled glass. Its product range includes glass spheres in various sizes and colors, used in different decorative settings. In addition to distributing glass décor, the company evaluates packing materials based on their protective qualities and availability.
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Worldly Goods Too