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Our Growing Paper Story

Handmade Seed Paper Since 2010
Growing Paper is a South African manufacturer of handmade plantable seed paper, founded in 2010 by Roxanne Schumann and Nileta Knoetzen. Based on a farm in the Paardeberg region near Malmesbury, Western Cape, the company employs 38 people from the local community and keeps approximately 20 tons of waste paper off landfills every year by turning it into biodegradable seeded paper products. What started as a small idea at a wedding has grown into a sustainable business that ships seed paper worldwide.

How Did Growing Paper Start?

The idea for Growing Paper came in 2009 when Roxanne Schumann attended a wedding and noticed how much beautiful stationery went straight into the bin afterwards. She wondered why paper could not have a second life. Roxanne teamed up with her school friend Nileta Knoetzen, bought some second hand paper making equipment, and started experimenting on the family farm at the foot of the Paardeberg mountain. Their goal was simple: create a sustainable product that would keep waste out of landfills while bringing something beautiful into the world. By 2010 they had officially founded Growing Paper, producing their first greeting cards and gift tags from recycled post consumer waste paper with seeds embedded into the pulp. The concept was that after the paper had served its purpose, it could be planted to grow into flowers, herbs, or vegetables. That idea resonated with customers far beyond what Roxanne and Nileta expected, and the business has been growing ever since.

Where Is Growing Paper Based?

Growing Paper operates from a factory on Wyngaardt Farm in the Paardeberg region, approximately 15 minutes outside Malmesbury in the Western Cape, South Africa. This rural area between the Paardeberg mountain and the Swartland wine region is home to the company’s entire production process. All paper is handmade on site, air dried naturally in the Paardeberg sun, and packed for shipping directly from the factory floor. The location allows Growing Paper to source waste paper from local schools and businesses, keeping the entire production chain within the Western Cape. From here, products are shipped to customers across South Africa and to international buyers in Europe and beyond.

Who Is Behind Growing Paper?

Roxanne Schumann — Co-Founder

Roxanne Schumann
Co-Founder

Roxanne Schumann co-founded Growing Paper in 2010 and works remotely, managing strategy, client relationships, and business development. Her background in sustainable design and her passion for reducing waste drove the original concept of turning event stationery into plantable paper. She continues to guide the company's vision of creating meaningful, eco friendly products.

Nileta Knoetzen — Co-Founder and Production Director

Nileta Knoetzen
Co-Founder and Production Director

Nileta Knoetzen co-founded Growing Paper alongside Roxanne and works on site at the Paardeberg factory every day. As Production Director, she oversees every stage of manufacturing, from pulp preparation to quality control. Nileta is the public face of the company, representing Growing Paper in media appearances on Pasella (kykNET), Kwela (SABC2), the Expresso Morning Show, RSG national radio, and the BOLD Podcast. She personally ensures that every sheet meets the company's quality standards and that seeds are tested for germination at independent laboratories.

About

Franza Louw
Client Director

Franza Louw is the Client Director at Growing Paper, handling customer inquiries, sales, and project coordination. Clients can reach Franza directly for quotes, orders, and custom product development. She works remotely from her farm and manages relationships with corporate clients including WWF, Rovos Rail, Spier, and Boschendal.

Hand made Paper Manufacturer
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