Sustainability Policy
How do we choose our suppliers?
We are continually on the look out for suppliers who share our passion for craftsmanship and quality, and who place ethical standards and working practices at the forefront of their sourcing process. Our preference is for supporting smaller cottage industry-type suppliers and skilled craftspeople rather than larger warehouse suppliers or factories.
What processes do we put in place to minimise waste?
We forecast our sales to avoid any excess product. Any products we are unable to sell we will donate to local charity schemes.
What is our take on sustainability?
We tend to refraining from sourcing plastic products a bid to reduce the global plastic issue. We prefer to source products made from materials such as oil and waxes and wood that do not contribute to deforestation. We generally source relatively sustainable fabrics such as linen, bamboo-based or salvaged materials. We do, however, occasionally source less sustainable fabric such as cotton from smaller cottage industry craftspeople.
Our office is paper-free and our use of paper in packaging and parcels and in general is minimised as much as possible.
Is our packaging sustainable?
All our packaging is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable.
What is our animal welfare policy?
We source from suppliers who support standards of humane and responsible animal husbandry and positive sustainability. None of our products are tested on animals.
Where do we source our horn?
The horn is sourced from Nigerian cows and is a by-product of the food industry.
How do we source the leather for our collections?
We only use leathers that are a by-product of the food industry.
Is our soap suitable for vegans?
Yes, our soaps are suitable for vegans .
Are our soaps made sustainably?
Where possible, we source high quality, traceable ingredients in our soap. The essential oils used are high quality and fully traceable. Our process for making soap is developed to ensure less waste, and using sustainable practices and materials.
Are our candles sustainable?
We do not sell paraffin candles as breathing fumes in confined areas can cause respiratory discomfort and possible irritation to humans. The candles we source are made from beeswax; sourced from non-commercial hives; rapeseed; coconut wax or soy. The rapeseed and soy is sourced in the EU, meeting GMO-free and sustainability EU standards. We will not use palm oil or soy sourced outside the EU simply for the risk these materials may pose in rainforest destruction. We will continue to monitor the situation and our options for sustainable raw materials to ensure we are doing the best we can to maintain high standards in this respect.
We do not produce own-brand candles in glass jars simply to try to minimise our footprint and provide a more sustainable alternative to our customers, such as jesmonite refillable containers. We do, however, sell a range of candles from local makers in glass and encourage our customers to return the packaging to us which we will then return to the manufacturer for reuse.
Partnerships - Ecologi
We've partnered with Ecologi, an organisation who support a broad range of verified projects that are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also support a number of tree planting partners across the globe who responsibly plant millions of trees a month on our behalf.
Check out our forest and find how many trees we have planted so far here.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please get in touch! We'd be happy to hear your point of view.
'It's a braw day!'
Oor Wullie
