How is seed paper made?

Despite being a fairly simple product, papermakers employ several different techniques to create seeded/plantable paper. Each particular method has its own benefits and challenges.

Making Seed Paper by Hand

The most traditional method of manufacturing seed paper is still the most prominent in the plantable paper industry. Handmade seed paper is created by first producing a pulp, this is achieved by adding warm water to a variety of recycled papers and mixing vigorously. 

Seeds of various varieties are then added to this mix and stirred to ensure an even spread throughout the mixture.

The seeded paper mulch is then spread in a thin layer across a  screen with a wooden frame also known as a Mould & Deckle. After a quick shake to help align the fibres within the paper the sheet is left to drip dry before being removed.
 
Next, the paper is pressed by hand, board or mechanical press to flatten and remove any excess moisture within the paper sheets.

Once this is complete, the sheets are left to dry on a flat surface to reduce imperfections in the surface of the paper and create a more even finish.

This paper will then be cut as required to make either sheets or a finished product like seed paper tags.

Seed Paper Manufacturing

We don’t just buy seed paper and print on it. Here at UK Seed Paper we manufacture our own seed paper from waste paper. Want to find out more about our different paper types we offer?

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Homemade and Artisan Seed Paper

Many papermakers are producing seed paper on a micro-scale in kitchens, studies and garages all over the United Kingdom. While the process may vary slightly the principle is very similar to Handmade Seed Paper with the main difference being the method of pulping which is often completed using a kitchen blender.

If you’re interested in learning how to make your own plantable seed paper at home we have a detailed guide on How To Make Seed Paper yourself.

seedling emerging from plantable seed paper skulls

Machine Made Seed Paper

Seed paper can also be produced much like traditional paper stock in commercial paper mills. This allows seed paper to be produced on a larger scale with a much higher quality finish.

Seed paper produced in this fashion is great for printing and crafting due to it’s uniform finish in both size and surface texture.

Seed Paper Comparison Chart

Now you have a better understanding of each method of production used by plantable papermakers, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each method.

Handmade

  • Uses recycled paper
  • Great germination rate
  • Uneven surface
  • Hard to print

Homemade

  • Can be made at home
  • Add your own seed mix
  • Very time consuming
  • Requires skill and practice to perfect

Machine Made

  • Perfect for printing
  • High quality, consistent finish
  • Less sustainable
  • Lower germination rate

Custom Print

We can provide custom printing on any of our plantable paper

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