There's a growing appetite for sketchbooks that take sustainability seriously without compromising on the working experience. The Seawhite ECO Kraft Starter Sketchbook does exactly that — a genuinely eco-friendly sketchbook that's also a pleasure to draw in.
The paper inside is 100gsm Kraft paper, sized to perform with both wet and dry media, and is acid and chlorine free. It carries Cradle to Cradle™ certification — one of the most rigorous sustainability standards available, assessing products across material health, recyclability, renewable energy, and social responsibility. The cover is made from natural PEFC-certified card, giving the sketchbook its characteristic warm, unpretentious kraft appearance. The product is 100% vegan and made in the UK.
The warm, mid-toned kraft surface creates a different drawing experience to white cartridge. It works particularly well with graphite, charcoal, conte, pen and ink, and coloured pencils, and responds beautifully to white or light-coloured media used as highlights — the toned ground adds atmosphere to a drawing from the very first mark. It handles light washes and ink without immediately buckling, though for heavy watercolour work a dedicated watercolour pad would be more appropriate.
Each sketchbook is portrait bound with rounded corners and staple binding, and contains 32 pages (16 leaves).
We stock the ECO Kraft Starter Sketchbook in two sizes: A4 (210 x 297mm) for everyday sketching and carrying around, and A3 (297 x 420mm) for life drawing, larger observational work, and anyone who prefers more room to work. Both sizes are priced to make them easy to buy in multiples — the kind of sketchbook you can fill without worrying about wasting pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kraft paper like to draw on? Kraft paper has a warm, mid-brown toned surface — quite different from white cartridge. It works well with most dry media including graphite, charcoal, conte, and coloured pencils, and is particularly effective when using light or white media as highlights. It handles light washes reasonably well, though it is not a substitute for dedicated watercolour paper.
What does Cradle to Cradle™ Certified mean? Cradle to Cradle™ is an internationally recognised sustainability standard assessing products across five categories: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness. It's considerably more rigorous than a basic recycled content claim.
Which size should I choose — A4 or A3? The A4 is more portable and suits everyday on-the-go sketching. The A3 gives significantly more working space and is a popular choice for foundation and degree students, life drawing, and artists who prefer working at a larger scale.
Is it suitable for wet media? The paper is sized for both wet and dry media, so it handles light washes without immediately buckling. For heavier watercolour work, a dedicated watercolour pad would be more appropriate.
Is it vegan? Yes — both sizes are 100% vegan products, made in the UK.
