Get your free simple living guide!

Is washi tape recyclable? And what is it made of?

Last updated on

Washi tape, the decorative paper masking tape popular in arts and crafts circles,  has taken the craft world by storm. 

This brightly coloured paper tape can liven up even the most boring of notebooks. 

But is washi as eco as we’ve been led to believe?

Is washi tape recyclable?

washi tapes

Washi tape is a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, meaning no clear guidance exists on its suitability for recycling. 

Nonetheless, most recycling authorities will take all types of tape with paper recycling and we can assume a similar procedure should be adopted for washi tape as with other tapes.

This isn’t always with the intention of recycling them, however.

Here are some facts on the recycling process of tapes:

  • The tape is pulped and put into a bath of water and chemicals. Any non-paper contaminants, such as glues or plastics, float to the surface and are skimmed off. 
  • With standard plastic tapes, the plastic will rise up and be thrown out. 
  • Paper tapes, which have become popular as part of the eco-movement, should remain with the rest of the paper waste as the chemicals making up their glues will separate and float up.     

Thereby, washi tape should similarly separate into paper and adhesive, with the paper entering the recycling process. 

Note that most recycling contractors ask that not too much tape be included in each batch, so while small amounts should be accepted, a bin full of nothing but tape may be seen differently.   

Is washi tape eco-friendly? 

Washi paper has been hailed as a wonderfully sustainable product. This is in part down to how it’s made. 

The Japanese are famed for their papermaking, with traditional handmade papers still available today and well prized by artists. Washi is one of these types of paper, and in many ways, it is a superior and more sustainable product than western paper. 

forest

Western paper is primarily made from trees, which are felled usually after having grown for a minimum of two decades. Washi, by comparison, is often made using branches taken off trees, scrub or other plants such as hemp, meaning the growing time is much shorter, and trees are not killed during the process. 

Additionally, the adhesive is made from rubber, which can be sustainably harvested from rubber trees by tapping into them and collecting the liquid extruded. 

So is washi tape biodegradable? The good news is that because it is made of natural fibres this product is highly biodegradable, unlike plastic sellotapes. 

Here is how washi paper is made:

  • Most washi paper is made from the bark of mulberry, gampi and mitsumata. This is processed into a pulp and shaken out on a screen to form a sheet.
  • Then adhesive is attached to the underside of the washi. This adhesive is usually made of rubber, a natural product of the rubber tree. 
  • Finally, the tape is cut into thin rolls, so it can be used as we would use sellotape.

Another element to consider is that washi tape is reusable. We often don’t think of the sticky tape we use to seal up parcels or repair envelopes as a single-use plastic, but just think back to how much you’ve used in your lifetime and how quickly it ended up in landfill. The durability of washi tape, and the fact you can remove it and use it elsewhere also means it needn’t be a single-use item. 

However, there are two areas where washi may fall down:

  • Today it is often made in a factory setting, rather than by hand, with an associated carbon footprint. 
  • It also contains dyes, the origins of which we can’t be sure and may have their own environmental impacts. 

What are  the alternatives? And are they recyclable and/or eco-friendly?

Paper tape

If you’re looking for an eco tape, then you are best to go with paper tapes over plastic ones, as paper tapes are generally easier to recycle.

Paper tapes have risen in popularity in recent years, as many people try to reduce how many single-use plastics they use. 

Most paper tapes have until recently been relatively similar, predominantly brown in colour. However, some more interesting patterns are beginning to appear. 

Yet, although recyclable, most do not remove well and are not reusable. 

Masking tape

Paper masking tape can be an alternative as this is often easier to remove, though if applied to paper it is still likely to tear. 

Masking tapes come in a small range of colours, as they are primarily designed for practical purposes there are no unicorns in sight. 

Additionally, not all recycling centres will accept masking tape, and this is something you will need to check. 

On the plus side, many masking tapes are made from recycled materials and some newer versions market themselves as recyclable.  

Packaging tapes

Packaging tapes are primarily made of paper; however, be careful as some are reinforced with filaments that make them unrecyclable. 

Gummed tape

Gummed tape is a popular packaging tape that only becomes sticky once it’s wet. It’s become prevalent with many larger organisations but is impossible to remove once it’s been stuck in place.    

Cellulose tape

If you prefer the traditional look of tape, then you’ll be glad to hear you can get biodegradable cellulose tape that looks just like traditional plastic tapes. 

Why is washi tape so popular?

What has caused washi tape to become so popular with crafters for scrapbooking, decorating envelopes or gift wrapping is the variety of colours and exciting patterns it can be brought in, from a unicorn prancing across a blue sky to golden polka dots. 

What makes it even more beloved is the fact that washi tape can be easily removed without damaging the paper or leaving behind marks

Finally, washi paper is as long-lasting as other paper tapes, due to its strength and durability of washi paper and it can also be used on a variety of surfaces, such as glass and even on walls.   

Then, is washi tape the way forwards?

There are certainly many upsides to washi tape from an environmental standpoint. It’s made from a sustainable source, it’s biodegradable, and it’s reusable. So should we all be going out and stocking up on these fashionable new craft supplies? 

However, if you had one roll of sellotape and replaced it with ten washi tapes, is that really an eco choice? 

Everyone needs a few colourful treats to brighten up their days, but remember that washi is a step in the right direction, rather than an answer to all your eco prays. 

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Jonathan Davies

Jonathan Davies

Content manager @ beeco. Raised in the countryside, you can find me near water, whatever the weather.
quote people sunshine

Get your free guide to simple living

And subscribe to our newsletter to discover amazing eco-products and receive the latest eco-news straight to your inbox.