About Terra Tag: Eco-Friendly Recycled or Seed Paper Name Badges for Events
The Story Behind Our Sustainable Name Badges
Our story is simple, yet meaningful. I’m an artist and strategic designer with three decades in management consulting. I’m no stranger to organising client workshops and events. But it was a candid observation from our son that sparked a change. Noticing a pile of discarded event name badges and lanyards in my office, he said, "Mum, you know all that just ends up in the tip, and it's SO bad for the planet." Out of the mouths of babes.
This realisation, combined with the exorbitant costs and lack of eco-friendly options with event name tags and lanyards, set us on a mission. We wanted to offer Australia an innovative, all-in-one solution that was not just sustainable but also cost-effective. And so, Terra Tag was born.
Every Terra Tag name tag tells a story of dedication and care. Handcrafted from paper donated by government offices, schools, and businesses, our recycled or seed paper name tags are a testament to community spirit and environmental responsibility. The paper is handmade in our studio and is thick, durable, and full of character and paired with an ‘oh-so-soft’ biodegradable cotton lanyard.
Guests at events often have a visceral reaction when handed a Terra Tag. Expressions like "It's about time!" or "I'm so glad someone addressed this issue" are common. The artisanal, homemade feel of our tags resonates with many because while simple, it’s a solution so many have been waiting for. We believe that small innovations can have a significant impact.
Our commitment doesn't stop at seeded paper name tags. We're continually innovating, ensuring every aspect of our product, from the undyed cotton cord to the packaging, is eco-conscious. We even developed a DIY Terra Tag Kit for those with budget constraints to ensure eco-friendly name badges are accessible to all.
Family is at the heart of Terra Tag. Every member plays a pivotal role, ensuring we stay true to our mission: reducing the event waste that ends up in landfill and educating businesses about sustainable choices. By choosing Terra Tag, you're sending a clear message about your company’s commitment to the environment and waste reduction.
Great acts are made from small deeds.
Meet the Team
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Lachlan Sweet
The impetus for Terra Tags after seeing the volume of event waste generated by businesses. He continues to work on developing sustainable Terra Tag solutions outside of his school commitments.
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Ben Sweet
With 25 years of customer experience leadership in large corporations and start-ups, Ben leads our customer engagement and support, ensuring a fantastic experience for those choosing Terra Tag's eco-friendly event solutions.
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Rhonda Sweet
Brings 30 years of global management consulting experience and strategic design to Terra Tag. She leads strategy, operations, and partnerships, and is our Master Papermaker.
How Terra Tag Creates Sustainable Name Badges: It's Not Your Typical Paper Mill
From Scraps to Sheets
It starts with a bunch of waste paper. You know, the stuff that businesses, schools, and printers are about to chuck out? We rescue it! Why? Because there's too much good paper already out there just waiting for a second chance to become a sustainable Terra Tag name badge. We hand chunk this paper to ready it for pulping – it's like giving it a new lease on life.
Upcycling Equipment
Now, about our gear. We don't do shiny and new. Instead, we hunt down quirky treasures – a blender from a café that's seen better days, a mould and deckle made from old window screens and timber offcuts. Even our workbenches and chairs are pre-loved finds from Facebook Marketplace for our eco-friendly name badge production.. Everything's got a story, and we love that!
A Little Vat Goes a Long Way
Paper mills use a ton of water. That's why our recycled paper name badge process is water-conscious. We use just enough. We’re not about giant vats that guzzle. We keep it small and sweet. Our vats are upcycled tubs that use just enough water (less than 20 litres) to get the job done. We care about every drop of water.
The Drying Adventure
And then there's our drying box – it's a bit of a creative masterpiece, made from old bike boxes, blotters from restoration projects, and flyscreen doors that were headed for the dump. It's not just a dryer; it's a testament to ingenuity and efficiency. With the help of solar, we produce perfectly flat, smooth, and beautiful sheets of paper, each one a testament to our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Our Process: More Than Just Paper
Here at Terra Tag, we're not just about making paper. We're about making a difference. Every sheet we create is a step towards a cleaner, greener planet for Australian events. And when you hold one of our Terra Tags, you're holding a piece of that dream.
Embracing the 3 Rs
Our philosophy at Terra Tag is clear: Reuse. Reduce. Recycle. We're not just about recycling paper; we're reimagining it. By reusing what's overlooked, we reduce waste and breathe new life into the discarded. It's more than recycling – it's a commitment to a circular economy where every resource matters. Join us in turning yesterday's waste into today's treasures, and let's cherish our planet together.