A team of Year 12 students from King Edward VI School in Lichfield are developing an eco-friendly business as part of the national Young Enterprise Company of the Year programme.
The group, trading as ForeverWrap, has created a reusable fabric gift wrap designed to offer a sustainable alternative to single-use wrapping paper.
The students recently presented their business idea ahead of the Staffordshire Showcase Final at Staffordshire University on 27th April 2026, where they also had the opportunity to speak with Lichfield District Council Leader Doug Pullen.
ForeverWrap is more than wrapping paper; it is a step towards a more sustainable future, one gift at a time. – Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council Leader
At the start of their Young Enterprise journey, the team explored a range of eco-friendly ideas before identifying a clear demand for sustainable wrapping solutions. Research carried out at a school Christmas fair, including more than 50 surveys, showed that many people are looking for alternatives to traditional wrapping paper.
The students highlighted the scale of the issue, with an estimated 227,000 miles of wrapping paper discarded each year in the UK, much of which cannot be recycled due to materials such as foil, glitter and plastic coatings.
ForeverWrap is made from 100% cotton deadstock fabric sourced from a UK supplier, helping to reduce waste. The thread used is created from recycled PET bottles, ensuring sustainability is built into the product.
Each wrap features ribbons sewn into the corners, removing the need for tape or scissors, and is designed to be reused multiple times. The wraps are available in three sizes, priced at £5, £7 and £10.
The team also plans to donate leftover fabric to local charities, including Project Linus UK, where it will be used to create quilts and blankets for seriously ill children.
To promote the product, the students are using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, sharing videos demonstrating how the wraps can be used. Each product also includes a QR code linking to an instructional video.
Initial funding of £3,440 was raised through advertising at the school’s Christmas fair, supporting early production.
ForeverWrap has already been showcased at events including a trade fair in Stone, as well as sales at the Co-op in Boley Park and The Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield.
To find out more or purchase a product, visit: www.foreverwrap.com
