For many years, we have wrapped our wood box puzzles in black kraft paper before shipping them out.
We do this to keep them protected from dust and during transit.
Recently we got some feedback in a survey asking if we really need it:
I appreciate that the boxes were carefully wrapped, but I feel most people would have no use of this black paper. It is such a waste to throw them away or recycle them because they are in very good quality. So can you stop using them?
It's a great question, do we need that extra layer of protection? We worry the puzzles might not arrive in as-good-shape if we don't, especially in places where boxes might get rained on. But maybe we are being over-protective.
Also, we are considering switching to a plain brown kraft paper (a lot like the material paper grocery bags were made of.
What do you guys think?
I’m fine with keeping it. Whatever makes sense to you. We love your puzzles.
As an ‘Artifact Puzzles’ addict, I really like the black wrap and hope that you keep it using it. Your puzzles are practically heirlooms and as such should be treated with class and exceptional care!
I like the paper. I’m glad to hear it serves as protection for the boxes and isn’t just decorative. I end up recycling, but I’d be more likely to reuse if it were the brown you mention, as scrap paper for lists and such. On the other hand, black is useful for covering the super bright LEDs (almost always unnecessary) that are now ubiquitous on appliances and small electronics…
At the end of the day, the color doesn’t matter much to me as long as it’s recycled and recyclable, so if switching to a brown kraft paper means you can use paper made from more recycled content than black, go for it!I appreciate the extra care and materials you take with packaging. I received one puzzle in the blue box with a magnetic clasp that had a crushed corner. My adult self said, “It’s just a box; it’s the puzzle inside that contains the fun.” My kid self said, “I don’t want a broken cookie!” These puzzles are such a treasure that I keep all the inserts and tissues, just as they arrived. Each time I repuzzle, opening the box feels special. So, please continue with the extra protection.
Any wrap will be just fine.