Our Story

Driven by concern for the environment, Jim and Mary-Ellen Lovinsky began making wood curl shavings as an alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials back in the nineties.

Intuitively drawn to the idea of waste-free manufacturing before it was a term in corporate plans, they purchased Aspen from local loggers and shaved it into soft, buoyant curls. Nothing added and nothing leftover. The simple, natural result proved perfectly practical for shipping delicate goods, such as their neighbor’s maple syrup.

Mary-Ellen and Jim with their children Kathryn and James 2005

An honest statement about sustainability

Not much has changed in the decades since, except demand for sustainable packaging around the globe. With an estimated one-third of landfill garbage in the U.S. attributed to packaging, customers today are asking businesses to make an honest statement about their commitment to climate change. 

Sylvacurl helps companies demonstrate those values. No styrofoam peanuts or bio-plastics derived from industrial agriculture. No ambiguous “recycled” craft papers (aka “rainforest paper”) that can come from anywhere in the world. Just wood from the abundant and carefully stewarded Northern Forest that can be simply returned to the earth after use.

Harvesting for regeneration

Aspens are abundant here in New England and their relatively short lifespan and root systems make them particularly adept at regeneration. Considered a low-value species, Aspens are often cut down in a harvest and considered waste. Sylvacurl creates a market for low-grade Aspen and a new source of income for local logging and sawmill families. 

Sylvacurl purchased all of the aspen wood from Robert Lamarre for 30 years, until he retired in 2021.

Today, it is sourced from Goodridge Lumber in Albany, VT.

Family-owned and operated

Jim and Mary-Ellen remain actively involved in Sylvacurl. Their daughter, Kathryn, joined the company in 2021. If you stop by, you’ll likely meet one of the grandkids too. Sylvacurl’s core values remain rooted in family, a healthy and sustainable Northern Forest, vibrant communities, and reducing plastic waste in our environment.

Jim & Mary-Ellen with their daughter Kathryn and grandsons Reed & Windsor: 2022