• Packaging Solutions

    Wrapping & Storage

    • Artpakk | Based in UK

    • Kvatt | Based in UK 

    • Spongy bags | Based in New York, with offices in London

    • Stiffy bags | Based in UK

    • Biyomap | Based in The Netherlands

    • If a gallery has the space to store, use blankets to protect artwork. Blankets can also be used for short distance deliveries, for example to a local client or art fair.  

    Bubblewrap / Film Alternatives

    Tissue Paper / Film

    • Ecocraft | Based in UK

      • Recycled tissue paper

    • MarinaTex (still in development) | Based in UK

      • Compostable film made from fishing by-products 

    Tape

    Crates

    • Artproof | Based in Estonia

      • Custom made crates 

    • RokBox | Based in UK 

    • Turtle | Based in UK, via Constantine

    • When possible, aim to reuse and/or share crates with other galleries

    Corners

    • MOCAP | Based in UK

    • Kite | Based in UK

      • Paper corners

    Tubes

    • Kite | Based in UK

      • Plastic free triangular tubes

    Reuse/Recycle

    • CAN | Based in UK

    • Precious plastic 

      • Community workshops that recycle plastic waste into products/objects

      • An idea would be to create a group with London-based galleries that bring their waste to create packaging material e.g. recycled corners. Get in touch to express your interest: info@galleryclimatecoalition.org

     

     


    Disclaimers

    It must be advised that though many of the distributors listed here are located in London, the packaging materials are often sourced and produced internationally. We will continue to update this list as new materials and distributors - especially those sourcing and producing materials from the UK - are created and discovered. If you are a UK-based producer of sustainable packaging solutions, please get in touch via info@galleryclimatecoalition.org

     

    As always, wherever possible, packaging materials should be kept and reused. Platforms such as CAN (Circular Arts Network) or Barder.art should be utilised to maximise the circulation of materials. 

     

    It is important to note that ‘compostable’ does not necessarily mean that the material will break down in landfill. 

     

    If compostable packaging ends up in mixed recycling, they can contaminate other materials and clog up machinery. Compostable materials should not be placed in your food waste either, as they require a different process to decompose. 

     

    Certified compostable materials need to be placed in certain conditions (highly pressurised in temperatures of over 160 degrees) in order to break down. Many waste management services don’t have the infrastructure to support this, so the majority of compostable materials end up in landfill. In London however, First Mile offers a compostable collection. More details can be found on their website.

     

    Beware of packaging ‘greenwashing’, and always check a particular material with your waste management company if you are unsure. 

     

    Please note that the materials listed here have not been tested by the GCC for long-term or archival usage. Where surface reactivity is a concern, it is advised that the materials listed below are trailed in advance of long-term use or paired with suitable surface materials.

     

     

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    We want to hear from you!

    If you would like to contribute research or would be interested in joining the this research group, please email info@galleryclimatecoalition.org 

     

    If you are a packaging company and would like to work with us to test your products or services, please contact info@galleryclimatecoalition.org

     

    There is a London WhatsApp group for technicians and registrars to discuss ideas for packaging and sustainable shipping. To join this group please contact info@galleryclimatecoalition.org

     

    This page will be continually updated with new research as it becomes available.

     

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    Further Reading