In a century-old printing works in Leicester's industrial quarter, traditional craftsmanship is meeting environmental innovation.SeedPrint, a fourth-generation family printing business, has evolved beyond conventional paper products to pioneer something remarkable: paper that grows.
"What we're doing is really a natural evolution of printing," explains Ben Herbert. "We're taking waste paper, transforming it into premium stationery products, and giving them a whole new life as wildflowers. It's sustainability in its truest form."
The process starts with recycled paper, which is broken down into pulp at their Leicester facility. Wildflower seeds are carefully mixed into this pulp before it's formed into sheets ranging from 200 to 300gsm, which is comparable to standard business card stock. The result is a premium quality paper product that can be planted after use, with the paper biodegrading as the seeds germinate.
But creating plantable paper isn't without its challenges. The manufacturing process requires precise control to ensure the seeds remain viable while maintaining the paper's printability. "Each sheet needs to perform perfectly both as a stationery product and as a growing medium," Herbert says. "We've spent years perfecting that balance."
The concept has struck a chord with environmentally conscious businesses and consumers. SeedPrint's product range now spans from business cards to wedding invitations, with each piece designed to transform into wildflowers within weeks of planting. The seeds remain viable for up to two years, though the company recommends spring planting for optimal results.
Based at the historic Willday Printers site, SeedPrint's approach represents a new chapter in British manufacturing - one where waste becomes resource, and single-use items are designed with a second life in mind. In an industry traditionally associated with environmental concerns, they're demonstrating how print can be part of the solution.
"The future of business has to be regenerative," Herbert observes. "Creating products that not only reduce waste but actively contribute to biodiversity… that's where we need to be heading. And if we can do that while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship people expect from British manufacturing, even better."