Creating Sustainable Products

Product Ideas with a Green Twist

In today's eco-friendly world, it's crystal clear that we need to step up our game when it comes to packaging and storing our products. Those old-school materials like plastic and disposables? Yes, they're a major contributor to pollution and a drain on our resources. That's why people, both in the business world and among us regular consumers, are on the hunt for options that won't wreck the planet. Sustainable packaging is the superhero that's here to tackle the problems of waste, resource guzzling and carbon belching head on.

Let's start with everyone's favorite eco-friendly solution: paper. Now recycled or responsibly sourced, paper is a champion in the sustainable packaging game. You've seen it in the form of adhesive paper tape, cardboard boxes, paper bags and shipping cartons. Remember that shipping boxes can last for more than one shipping cycle! By using this renewable resource, businesses can kick plastic to the curb and help keep our forests safe. What's more, paper can break down naturally and is a recycling superstar. We love packaging our supplies in small paper bags and we've replaced bubble wrap with STRETCH elastic paper wrap. Also, crumpled wrapping paper does a really good job of protecting the products in the shipping box! But... if you want elegant paper packaging, try French tissue paper.

Now let's talk glass. It's the number one choice for storing fragrance oils, making container candles and home scents because it's inert and non-toxic. We like glass so much that we even offer glass cups for tea-light candles. Unlike single-use plastics, glass doesn't crumble under pressure; it can be recycled over and over again without losing its cool. So we save resources and energy compared to making new glass. But there's a catch: glass is heavier, which means it can add a bit to transport costs and emissions.

Metal is another rock star in the sustainability show. Think aluminium and steel - these are tough materials that can be recycled without losing their mojo. Aluminium's bonus is that it's lightweight, which helps reduce those pesky transport emissions. So you'll often see metal tins and containers with lids used for container candles.

Biodegradable and compostable materials are the new kids on the block. They're made from things like cork, hemp, eucalyptus cellulose, cornstarch, sugar cane or potato starch and break down naturally without polluting the environment. Perfect for securing candle jars, packaging wax melts, soaps or similar products. We love our cork lids for closing candle jars and keeping them safe and secure. In terms of more sustainable products for candle making, we really like the range of wicks made from unbleached cotton and hemp fibres. They are also waxed with natural wax. If you want to decorate your candles or melts more sustainable, try Bioglitter™ - the world's only eco-friendly and certified brand of biodegradable freshwater glitter. But remember, such materials need the right environment to decompose, so don't just throw them in the garden.

Sustainable packaging isn't just about materials, it's also about how we package things. Smarter packaging designs that save space and use environmentally friendly inks and glues can make a big difference. And don't forget the cool trend of reusable packaging, where you take candle containers back to refill them or use cotton bags to pack a candle jar and then reuse the bag for other purposes. It's like saving the planet one candle jar at a time!

The best part? People are becoming more aware. Customers want companies to step up their sustainability game, and many companies are getting on board, making green commitments that not only make us eco-conscious folk happy, but also boost their brand's street cred.

In short, sustainable packaging is our ticket to a greener future. Materials such as paper, glass, metal, biodegradable and bio-based polymers are our trusty sidekicks, helping us reduce waste, conserve resources and cut carbon emissions. But it's not just about the materials, it's also about the way we package things and get creative. Let's develop products responsibly!