Sustainability

Jigsaw puzzles have offered screen-free entertainment for centuries, long predating television and the cell phone. While they remain a low-tech, affordable form of fun, their production and lifecycle do have an environmental impact. This has led to a growing focus on sustainability within the puzzle industry.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Puzzle Production

Historically, jigsaw puzzles transitioned from being entirely wood-based to primarily using paperboard backings. While this shift allowed for more cost-effective mass production, it inadvertently increased the environmental effects associated with large-scale paper production. These impacts include:

• • Deforestation: Although paper often comes from managed tree crops rather than wild forests, the sheer volume of production contributes to the demand for timber.

  • Air Pollution: Manufacturing processes for paper and cardboard can release pollutants into the atmosphere.

  • Waste Pollution: Paper products contribute significantly to landfill waste, accounting for approximately 25% of all landfill content.

  • High Resource Consumption: Paper production is notably energy- and water-intensive.

The Shift Towards Sustainable Puzzling

Recognizing these environmental concerns, many puzzle manufacturers are now actively integrating sustainable practices throughout their production processes. This includes innovations in materials, packaging, and inks:

• • Sustainably Sourced Puzzle Board (FSC-Certified): Leading companies are adopting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified blackboard and other sustainably sourced papers. This ensures that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests, minimizing the ecological footprint. Some manufacturers have also eliminated plastic from their core manufacturing processes.

  • Compostable Inner Bags: Moving away from traditional plastic inner bags that hold puzzle pieces, many brands are now utilizing compostable and reusable bags. This innovative swap reduces plastic waste and offers a more eco-friendly way to store pieces.

  • Plant-Based Inks: Traditional puzzle printing often relies on oil-based inks containing petroleum. A significant sustainable advancement is the use of plant-based inks, derived from vegetable oils like soybean or corn. These eco-friendlier inks are being used for the puzzle images themselves, as well as for boxes and reference posters.

  • Biodegradable Packaging Seals: Instead of non-recyclable cellophane shrink-wrap, many puzzle boxes are now sealed with biodegradable stickers for transport. This ensures the product remains secure until it reaches the consumer's home, without contributing to plastic waste.

Giving Old Puzzles a New Life: Recycling and Repurposing

Even after completing a puzzle, there are sustainable options for its end-of-life:

• • Recycling: As paper products, puzzles can be recycled. While the process of separating all the pieces for recycling can be tedious, it's a valuable effort to divert waste from landfills.

  • Donation and Reuse: Websites like Craigslist and FreeCycle are excellent platforms for donating or finding new homes for old puzzles, promoting reuse and extending their lifespan.

  • Creative Repurposing: For the crafty individual, old jigsaw puzzles offer endless opportunities for unique DIY projects, transforming them into art, coasters, or other decorative items.

Final Thoughts

By making conscious choices in materials and encouraging end-of-life solutions like recycling and reuse, the jigsaw puzzle industry is steadily moving towards a more sustainable future, allowing puzzlers to enjoy their pastime with a lighter environmental conscience.