Sow Exotic’s Plastic-Free Packaging and How It All Works!
At Sow Exotic, we believe in growing greener, and it doesn’t stop at our plants. From our plastic-free packaging to our eco-friendly shipping practices, everything we do is designed to protect the planet while helping you grow the food forest of your dreams. Whether you’re unboxing your first mango tree in Florida or your 10th ice cream banana in Alaska, you’ll notice we’ve put a lot of care into what we send—and how we send it.
Here’s everything you need to know about our plastic-free packaging, sustainable shipping, and what to expect when your new plants are on the way!
Plastic-Free Packaging
We’ve said goodbye to plastic and hello to plant-based, compostable, reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials! Every Sow Exotic order is packed with eco-friendly goodness from the soil to the shipping tape.
Here's what you'll find in your box:
Plant-Based Moisture Holding Bags
As an alternative to wrapping plants with plastic, each plant from Sow Exotic ships in a plant-based biodegradable bag to lock in moisture and keep soil in place during transit.
We currently use two types of moisture-holding spill proof bags. Both are certified Compostable by BPI and meet ASTM D6400 and European Standard EN 13432 for compostability.
For Small & Medium Plants
Cellophane packaging is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastic packaging. Cellophane is 100% compostable and easily biodegrades in soil, just like plants and leaves.
Our cellophane bags are made from eucalyptus cellulose fibers sourced exclusively with sustainable forestry principles. The manufacturing process that produces them is "carbon zero' and causes no increase in carbon released into the atmosphere.
For Large & Extra Large Plants
Made entirely from plant-based materials, these bioplastic bags biodegrade naturally in your home compost bin, leaving no harmful residues behind. Strong enough to reuse to line the compost bin, these versatile bags can also go right into the compost heap along with kitchen scraps.
The translucent mint green bioplastic is an industry standard to show these bags are biodegradable. Bio Bags contain NO polyethylene or chemical additives, are verified by the Non-GMO project. Soy-based inks and dyes are CEN certified. DEBIO certified for use in organic agriculture.
Boxes & Tape
Made in the USA from recycled materials. Cardboard boxes are biodegradable and can be composted, recycled, or reused in a million different ways.
Our 200 lb. corrugated test boxes are made with heavier paper and have 60% greater bursting strength than 32 ECT boxes. Greater bursting strength means fewer damaged boxes during shipping.
We use water-activated reinforced kraft paper tape that is completely biodegradable, recyclable, and repulpable. Our paper tape is an amazing alternative to petroleum-based acrylic tape made from non-renewable resources.
Using reinforced paper tape with strong starch-based adhesive allows us to use LESS consumable packaging. Water-activated paper tape is incredibly strong and holds it’s seal through extreme temperature, light, and humidity.
Plastic-Free Planters
We're committed to a greener way of growing. That's why we ditched the plastic nursery pot and ship almost all of our plants in plastic-free plantable pots. Plantable pots help support strong healthy root growth and happy, productive plants.
All of our plantable pots are made from plant-based materials. And since our plant sizes vary, so do our planter sizes and materials.
Why It Matters
When you order from Sow Exotic, you’re doing more than growing a garden—you’re joining a movement toward sustainable, regenerative gardening. Our plastic-free packaging and earth-friendly shipping reflect our belief that how we grow matters just as much as what we grow. Together, we’re reducing waste, protecting ecosystems, and building a greener future—one plant at a time.
