It is sometimes said that Vermont is so far behind, it’s ahead. And the same might be true of Sylvacurl. Driven in equal parts by concern for the environment and good old fashioned New England resourcefulness, Sylvacurl founders Jim and Mary-Ellen Lovinsky began making wood curl shavings from Aspen (also called “Popple”) trees that were leftover from timber harvests.
Intuitively drawn to the idea of waste-free manufacturing before it was a term in corporate plans, they purchased Aspen from local loggers and shaved it into soft, buoyant curls. Nothing added and nothing leftover. The simple, natural result proved perfectly practical for shipping delicate goods, such as their neighbor’s maple syrup.
The increased demand for sustainable packaging around the globe has skyrocketed in recent years. With an estimated one-third of landfill garbage in the U.S. attributed to packaging, customers today are asking businesses to make an honest statement about their commitment to climate change. Sylvacurl helps companies demonstrate those values. No styrofoam peanuts or bio-plastics derived from industrial agriculture. No ambiguous “recycled” craft papers (aka “rainforest paper”) that can come from anywhere in the world. Just wood from the abundant and carefully stewarded Northern Forest that can be simply returned to the earth after use.
Particularly suited to gift boxes from regional food producers, Sylvacurl is completely non-toxic, lightweight, and food safe. No chemicals, dyes or perfumes are added. The interlocking nature of the curls securely protects even the most fragile products, while woods' naturally absorbent properties keeps moisture away from delicate foods and adds insulation value. Individuals who receive their product nestled in Sylvacurl enjoy a unique and beautiful unboxing experience, as well as simple reuse or recycle options. The shavings can be reused as packaging, composted in the backyard, used for garden mulch, or simply returned to the earth. When customers feel good about the packaging, they feel reassured that the product inside comes from an ethical and environmentally-conscious company, increasing their brand loyalty.
Sylvacurl’s patented process turns one board foot of lumber into two and half cubic feet of packaging curls, meaning it does not take a lot of trees to make a lot of Sylvacurl. In fact, one average sized Aspen yields 64 standard sized 10 cubic foot bags! Aspens are abundant here in New England and their relatively short lifespan and root systems make them particularly adept at regeneration. Considered a low-value species, Aspens are often cut down in a harvest and considered waste. Sylvacurl creates a market for low-grade Aspen and a new source of income for local logging and sawmill families.
Family-owned and operated, with the next generation now helping to scale the company, Sylvacurl remains committed to its core values: a healthy and sustainable Northern Forest, vibrant communities, and reducing plastic waste in our environment. Sylvacurl is good for the planet and good for the rural economies that depend on a healthy forest economy.