External/Postal Packaging
 

You ay have noticed some pre-used boxes being used for external postal packaging of the orders we’re sending out to you. This is because of our new packaging policy.

 

We’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint - and especially to reduce the amount of plastics we use. So, as of Spring 2019, we only purchase in the following packaging items on a new basis:

* Recycled brown cardboard cartons (recyclable with paper/card)

* Ecoflo cornstarch packing chips (Reusable, compostable, and can be safely dissolved in water to dispose of)
* 'Hivewrap' honeycomb paper bubble wrap alternative

* Kraft paper parcel tape 

 

The rest of our packaging is reused from incoming supplies. This may include:

 

* Plastic bubble wrap and foam wrap (reusable, recyclable at carrier bag recycling points)
* Bubble envelopes ('jiffy bags') - these can be recycled by splitting out the plastic bubble wrap from the paper wrapper.  
* Plastic air pockets (recyclable with plastics)

* Brown paper loose-fill (recyclable with paper/card)
* Cardboard boxes and cartons (recyclable with paper/card)

We hope you’ll agree with us that, as reuse involves less energy and environmental impact than recycling, that reuse of these resources is a good idea. We’ll only reuse packaging where it is clean and not contaminated with oils or other ingredients. However, if you would rather not receive your orders packed in recycled packaging, then please email us using the contacts page or the contact form at the bottom of the page), and we will annotate your account to ensure that you always receive your orders in new packaging. We will always send gift orders in new cardboard boxes where possible.

Please note that we no longer re-use polystyrene packing chips. We have completely removed these from our supply chain, having successfully lobbied out suppliers not to use them. This means that ALL packing chips from our orders are now the biodegradable corn type. If you have a corn allergy, please let us know when placing your order, and we'll annotate your account to ensure that we don't use any packing chips with your order.

 

Product Packaging

 

We try to keep product packaging to an absolute minimum, whilst also seeking to ensure that your products reach you in peak condition. The following list details the type of product packaging we use and how it can recycled. All our product packaging is recyclable. Where we can, we are looking at each package and seeing how we can improve on each item from an environmental impact basis.

 

Here’s our list of packaging items currently used as of 2023:

Cellophane bags: Currently used to pack some herbal infusions. Can be recycled in any facility that accepts plastics from Group 5. These are currently being replaced with glassine bags for some products, and a new type of renewable ‘plastic’ called PLA, (Polylactic Acid) which is made from corn starch and is fully biodegradable/compostable. All PLA bags have a message printed on them, advising you that the bag is PLA and asking you to compost it or dispose with food waste, rather than putting it into plastics recycling, as it is not a plastic and cannot be recycled in this way. 

 

Glassine Bags: These are made from pine cellulose and, whilst not currently recyclable in the UK, they are biodegradable. These are used for packaging Facial Steamer Tabs, shower bars and Bath Butters (as the oil content is too high for paper). You'll recognise these as they are not clear/transparent. 

PLA Bioplastic Bags: These are used for soaps and Depth Charge bath products. All PLA bags have a message printed on them to advise you that the bag is PLA and asking you to compost it or dispose with food waste, rather than putting it into plastics recycling, as it is not a plastic and cannot be recycled in this way. 

Paper Bags: Used for loose herbs and spices, larger packs of teas and infusions, and  moth and spider repellents. Can be recycled with regular paper/card recycling.

 

Glass Bottles and Jars: Used for aroma oils, lip scrubs, massage oils, fragrances and liquid skincare products. These are made from recycled glass, and can be recycled again through bottle banks and glass recycling scheme.

 

Dropper Caps (Black Plastic): Used on Aroma Oil bottles (and also on the Tender Essence range of essential oils). Made from polypropylene. Can be recycled anywhere that accepts group 5 plastics.

 

Plastic Bottles (Blue): Currently used for professional sized massage oils and skincare product (250ml and 1 litre products). Made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Can be recycled anywhere that accepts group 1 plastics. We are currently seeking and testing alternatives to these bottles, with a view to phasing out all plastic bottle use.

Plastic 'Jerry Cans': Currently used for bulk product supply for wholesale customers only (5 litre products). Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Can be recycled anywhere that accepts group 1 plastics.

Aluminium Lids: Currently used for massage oils and Headrush Scalp Treatment Oil, as well as larger versions used on lip scrubs, shea butter balms, facial cleansers, Soothe-Ink tattoo aftercare balm, and Flower Power skin healing balm. Made from partially recycled aluminium. Can be recycled anywhere which accepts aluminium food and drinks cans.

 

Aluminium Jars: Used for small Soothe-Ink Tattoo Aftercare balm, shea butter balms, solid/semi-solid skincare products and lip balms. Made from partially recycled aluminium. Can be recycled anywhere which accepts aluminium food and drinks cans. 

Pump Dispensers: Currently used on professional-sized serums and larger massage oils. Made from polypropylene. Can be recycled anywhere that accepts group 5 plastics.

Glass pipette dispensers: Currently used for serums and beard oils. The glass portion can be recycled with glass. The screw cap element is made from polypropylene and can be recycled anywhere that accepts group 5 plastics. The bulb is made from butyl rubber, which is not currently recycled from domestic collections. 

Gift Boxes: Our gift and hamper boxes are all made from cardboard. Can be reused and recycled with regular paper/card recycling.

Gift Bags: Our gift bags are made from natural jute. We also use organza bags for smaller gifts. We encourage customers to reuse these over and over.