This hell note for the Qingming Festival is eco-friendly

Startup Base Genesis, a company looking to breathe new life into time-honoured traditions, has created an eco-friendly joss paper that burns cleanly and without leaving residue. This comes as it looks at reducing paper waste while offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to the burning of joss paper. 

Launched in time for Qingming Festival on April 4, the 'Eco Hell Note' prevents the excessive purchasing and burning of joss paper for ancestors by using the largest possible denomination of money in the Chinese language — ‘Yi ji’ (一极) at 48 zeroes. This is so that a single note can represent stacks of hell notes.

Printed on nitrocellulose paper, the sustainable product ensures complete combustion, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable practice, it said in a statement. 

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The 'Eco Hell Note' was also carefully crafted to reflect the traditional aesthetics of joss paper, featuring auspicious colours such as gold and red, unique serial numbers and an imperial seal.

Burning the 'Eco Hell Note' does not leave ash residue due to the use of flash paper, which burns completely. The note also has a special coating that creates a stunning visual spectacle when burned.

“At Base Genesis our mission is to help our traditions flourish and remain relevant for generations to come, ensuring they not only endure but also contribute positively to the world," said Base Genesis co-founder Chris Huang. "We hope that the Eco Hell Note can help more people uphold our traditions that are dear to us, in a way that is sustainable, socially responsible and keeping with our values of filial piety, giving thanks, and sharing with those in need.

“We are delighted to work with Base Genesis to produce this new spin on the hell note, reimagining a traditional cultural artifact that has been part of Chinese culture for centuries," added MullenLowe Singapore's executive creative director, Shengjin Ang, who worked with Base Genesis on the joss papers. 

"We believe this innovation will bring the younger generation into the conversation, helping them to find a balance between continuing cultural customs and practising a way of life that is important to them,” he added. 

Founded by Huang and Alex Teo, third-generation owner of traditional joss paper wholesaler Ban Kah Hiang Trading, Base Genesis is a startup dedicated to revitalising cherished traditions, connecting past wisdom with future aspirations.

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