​From rags to wraps: students turn old fabric into new venture

ENTERPRISING Ripon Grammar School students concerned about the amount of wrapping we waste every Christmas have put their principles into action.

The budding young sixth form entrepreneurs have launched a creative new business producing reusable fabric wrapping.

Inspired by the traditional Japanese art of furoshiki – a practice that uses cloth to wrap and transport goods – they have been transforming old fabric into stylish reusable gift wraps.

Project leader Sarah Jayan, one of two heading up the school’s Young Enterprise team, pointed out that Britain bins the equivalent of 108 million rolls of wrapping paper each year, or about four rolls per household.

“Wrap which is decorated with glitter or made of foil can’t go in the recycling bin. The wrapping industry creates so much paper waste. Not only is it costly, but all that rubbish is so bad for the planet,” she said.

She explained how she and her team, called Under Wraps, came up with the idea: “We wanted to create the same joy of unwrapping while being sustainable and eco-friendly.

“So, we decided to turn repurposed fabric into Intricate reusable wrapping paper, taking inspiration from the Japanese style of furoshiki wrapping.

“We want to create something beautiful that people would want to use again and again, without throwing it away after one use.”

Each piece of wrapping is hand crafted from upcycled textiles sourced from charity shops and donations. The students carefully clean, cut and decorate the fabrics, blending traditional Japanese patterns with contemporary designs.

The result is a vibrant range of wraps that can be tied and re-tied around gifts of all shapes and sizes – just like authentic furoshiki cloths.

“With Christmas approaching, we hope our reusable wrapping and crackers will become a popular alternative to traditional disposable options – and a reminder that old fabric can have a beautiful second life,” Sarah added.

“There is a real lack of products like this in the market - and it’s something that’s really needed.”

The project has not only inspired greener habits in the student community but also provided the team with hands-on business experience – from product design and marketing to sales and customer engagement,

Young Enterprise coordinator Bob Walker said: “This venture is an excellent example of creativity meeting conscience. They are not only building a business but inspiring meaningful change.”

The team has held several fundraisers, including a movie night and an eco-product sale, to raise the money they need to launch their business and have invested £80 so far.

“We’d be very grateful if people are willing to donate fabric to give it a new life,” said Sarah.

Wraps cost £4 each, with designs catering for different seasons and events and the team also offers a personal wrapping service for an additional charge.

Instagram : @underwrapseco

TikTok: @underwrapps

*Young Enterprise is a UK-based charity which helps young people build the skills to thrive in business through hands-on financial and enterprise education

The Under Wraps team

Sarah Jayan- CEO

Olga Sonta - CEO

Tom Simpson - Financial director

Horatio Hartley - Marketing advisor

Finn O’Cofaigh - Operations manager

James Grayshon - IT / TECH advisor

Hannah O’Connell - Sustainability advisor