Japanese gift wrapping: how to make zero waste packages

Do you know Furoshiki? Kezako? An ancestral Japanese art that allows you to wrap your little things and make pretty and delicate gift wrappings. We tell you everything to understand and switch to Furoshiki.

At Christmas, presents delicately wrapped in pretty gift packages are invited to the foot of the tree. The problem? These generate additional waste once opened. So, what if we opted for greener packaging? Colorful and playful, the Furoshiki method makes it possible to recycle fabric scraps while giving our packages a surprising and elegant look. But before you get started, here are a few things you need to know to become an expert in green packaging. Explanations.

Furoshiki: what is Japanese gift wrapping?

The Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese folding technique for wrapping and transporting everyday effects, takes its name from the square piece of fabric used. A kind of small bundle, it is nowadays mainly used to wrap gifts. More resistant and reusable, this delicate substitute for our paper rolls, allows zero waste and 100% original gift packages.

How to make Japanese-style gift packages?

Bottles, boxes, elongated or vertical objects, nothing resists (or almost) Furoshiki. Simple wrapping, with one or two knots, each folding method has its own name and technique. So to discover and learn about this ancestral art, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment provides an explanatory table.

© The Ministry of the Environment The Japanese Government

The web and social networks are full, as usual, of good ideas and good advice to get inspired and above all dare to get started.

Can we wrap all gifts with fabric scraps?

All kinds of fabrics can be used to practice furoshiki, but only if they are square. The minimum size for small gifts? 50x50cm. For a book or a bottle, you will need a 90cm fabric and to offer a garment, choose a square of 128 to 140 cm on each side. If you don't have any scraps of fabric, don't panic. A pretty scarf will do just fine. Plain, graphic, traditional or quirky, we have fun mixing colors and prints. Also pay attention to the choice of fabric. It must be thick enough to hold up well, without being too rigid to make the bends. Do not hesitate to make fine hems or cut the edges with serrated scissors for an impeccable finish.

Why Use Zero Waste Gift Wrap

Because we live in a world where over-packaging is king, we offer ourselves a break as the end-of-year celebrations approach. To please our loved ones, as well as the planet, we therefore choose an alternative to the classic plastic and paper packaging which will invariably end up in the trash. In addition to being eco-responsible, the Furoshiki is economical in the long term and smart because it is reusable. A good initiative for pretty packages at the foot of the tree but not only.

Where to find Furoshiki?

Furoshiki with traditional Japanese patterns can easily be found on specialized sites such as Japonmania, the Furoshiki workshop, jhinparis or the Etsy market place. Do you want changing patterns? We go to the e-shops of fabric retailers like Petit Pan, Ma petite épices or the eternal Saint-Pierre market in Paris.

What to find his happiness to wrap his last minute Christmas gifts.