Sustainability Role Models

Companies across industries - from food and beverage, through cosmetics and accessories, to fashion - are shifting toward sustainability. In order to honor Earth Day, we asked the agents of change from various industries how they perceive sustainability and act on it.

Only by having a wholesome approach to produced goods, from idea to delivery, can we reduce our negative environmental footprint. Packaging can also say a lot about a company’s values. By going green with the packaging and choosing the right materials we will be capable of bringing about real, positive change in your respective markets, and in the world.

In this article, you will get to know the perspective of the respective companies from all over Europe:

Food and Drinks

• Huera Foods
• Coffeedesk
• Psi Bufet

Cosmetics and Accessories

• Vegan Bunny
• Mr. Blackman's
• SoKind
• Jaskółka

Fashion

• Yahmo
• Matiz
• Organic Zoo
• Anema Bags

Food and Beverages

HEURA FOODS

Heura is a plant-based startup founded by food activists Marc Coloma and Bernat Añaños in April 2017. Its mission is to create solutions that will leave the current food system obsolete and accelerate the transition to a world where animals are out of the equation. Their Mediterranean culinary heritage is reflected in their products: clean label, high nutritional values, and taste.

COFFEEDESK 

Coffeedesk means coffee, people and relationships. They continue to fill cups with great coffee through an online store, an online warehouse for business customers and a growing chain of boutique cafes. Specialty coffee is not only the product itself, but the whole process of its preparation – from the farm to the cup, which, due to its complex structure, requires the right tools, knowledge, skills, experience and passion. Coffeedesk tries to put it all into their work every day.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

Our mission is to make the lives of both coffee consumers and producers better. We want to develop taste buds, expand the horizons and build awareness. Sustainability is integral to the positive change in all of these areas. Our vision is to create a responsible coffee community in which both the product and the ecosystem in which it is created will be appreciated, as well as the people's work which translates into added value at every stage. In the world of coffee, the response to climate change is extremely important – it is a valuable resource that grows only in the specific area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Even now, the temperatures there are extremely high and the conditions are becoming more and more difficult. We should be aware that our actions today determine the possibility to enjoy the highest quality of coffee for the next generations.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of?

We asked all of our suppliers for permission to reuse packaging materials – as a result, we reuse cardboard boxes, cut some of them and create filler materials to replace the bubble wrap. Coffeedesk has a special service department where we repair the damaged accessories and coffee machines. For some of the accessories, we provide spare parts in our store. We have also set up a Facebook group called "Second-hand Coffeedesk", whose members can exchange and resell products they have bought from us and give them a second life – almost every product published finds a new owner! The group size is now approaching 5,000 people.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company?

In the past, on coffee farms everything was packed in banana leaves or other organic materials, so, when no longer needed, packaging was dumped into the land – the problem of environmental pollution was unknown to anyone. The most optimal solution would, of course, be to return to such a state, but we do not know whether it will be possible to achieve it in our lifetime. In the meantime, we reuse the packaging in which the goods come to us and we send out orders in the solid cardboard boxes, which our customers often reuse (and let us know about it on social media). We also promote reusable packaging in our store - our products include coffee packaging made of glass or steel, reusable cups, and bottles.
🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you? 

It is hard to find a better example of a socially engaged company than Patagonia, whose mission can be summed up in only one sentence: we are in the business to save the planet. The Patagonia team is doing everything possible to make full use of the resources already produced, giving them a second life. We used the same idea to create our Facebook group "Coffeedesk second hand". There are more and more companies like Patagonia, for example MiiR – a producer of reusable bottles and mugs from Seattle and our supplier, with whom we immediately found a common language. In addition to improving the world by reducing the amount of plastic, MiiR also donates part of the income from each purchase to social purposes. For years, our main suppliers include companies whose values are similar to ours and who are not indifferent to the future of our planet, such as Teapigs – tea brand that uses only biodegradable tea bags, KeepCup – a pioneer in the market of reusable cups, and many other manufacturers of accessories that eliminate disposable tableware.

Cosmetics and Accessories

VEGAN BUNNY

Veganbunny is on the mission of offering self-care treats that brighten up the day of our supporters. They are popular in the Vegan community for their naturally infused candles, & they are starting to build up a cute range of preserved bouquets that last for years, reducing the impact that single-use flowers have on the planet.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

Our aim is to run a brand that values the planet. If the day comes when we prioritize profit over the earth, that will probably be our last day in business. Earth gave us everything we have, the least we could do is use the resources we were given responsibly and always keep finding new ways to give back. 

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of?

Offering zero-waste products to our community is probably our proudest achievement. We considered it crucial to offset the emissions caused by a product, but it's fundamental to reduce the emissions in the first place. Even though zero waste alternatives are a small niche these days, soon (we hope) it will be the ruling concept in developing countries.

We are a carbon positive company and we take many steps to become more earth-ical every day. From small things like 100% of our staff get's to the office using sustainable transportation to planting nearly ten thousand trees in the last two years to offset our emissions.

Our proudest eco-initiative was creating a partnership with both Ecotricity & Viva!. We joined forces to promote green energy in the U.K. How does the partnership work? Every time one of our supporters joins Ecotricity using the coupon code 'VEGANBUNNY', they donate up to £60 to Viva! - the UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity specializing in undercover investigations and high-profile animal campaigns. We’re very happy to support them and the work that they do.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company?

You can work very hard to have a sustainable product, but it will still affect the planet if the rest of the business isn't. Packaging represents a key piece in the sustainable puzzle, especially with us living in an online era. We adore working with Packhelp because it took us a long time to find a company that would align with our ethical values and also that we could afford as a small company.

JASKÓŁKA

Jaskółka is a small Polish craft workshop producing candles and ceramics inspire by nature.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

For us, sustainability means considering Mother Earth at every single step while creating our products. From a diligent choice of our suppliers delivering raw materials needed to manufacture candles, and packaging used to prepare them for shipment to clients & customers, to production process & waste disposal.

We cooperate only with suppliers who are able to prove their environmental-friendly measures as well as the willingness to drive a sustainable future for our planet ie. by supplying us with goods in plastic-free packaging.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of?

10% of income from the sale of the candle Łagodna Bryza is donated to MARE Foundation whose mission is to protect our native marine ecosystem – The Baltic Sea.

The way we pack our products is 100% plastic-free. Despite the fact that our products are fragile, we mastered packing without the need to use plastic – for both minor and larger volume orders.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company?

It is an absolute priority! From one point of view, to achieve candle superiority we care not only about the first moment of truth – beautiful look – or the second moment of truth – unique smell – but also about our sourcing strategy. None of our raw materials used in the manufacturing process was tested on animals. On the other hand, the journey of our eco-candle to our clients & consumers does not end with its creation in our workshop, but in packaging which uncompromisingly is a continuation of eco-adventure.

🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you?

One of the role models for us is the Polish brand Many Mornings for proving that you can create an attractive product in an ecological way, without the use of plastic. I value the company for its activity in social media concerning sustainability. 

Another role model, which is a huge inspiration, is a large company based in Sweden called Northvolt. Its ambitious mission is to “make oil history” by developing various battery systems replacing common oil-consuming engines in different sectors of the European economy. The way in which the company is approaching sustainability in such a complex manufacturing process, from outstanding eco-driven social media campaigns and recycling commitments to the green energy concept which focuses not only on sustainability in terms of the products but also energy needed to power up manufacturing locations, it's very inspiring.

SOKIND

SoKind revolts against the flawed market for harmless baby and mom skincare, creating formulas grounded in the principles of purity and sustainability. They work consistently to create natural and hypoallergenic skincare to provide the highest level of efficacy for skin-deep nurture and protection for sensitive baby skin and the mature skin of mothers before, during, and after pregnancy.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

For SoKind, the first step of designing products is choosing the right and the best ingredients and packaging available for our customers while taking care of Mother Nature. We must always look after one another, animals, nature, and humans as Earthlings. We should all work together to make the experience of life on Earth more pleasant for future generations.

In creating SoKind we strive to make imperative shifts at every level of our production to reduce our ecological footprint. We make it our effort in trying to evolve with a constantly evolving world of sustainability.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of?

Our resource-efficient packaging keeps our environmental footprint at a minimum - in particular when channeled into efficient recycling and recovery routes. All our boxes are made of eco-friendly FSC-certified cardboard that is 100% biodegradable. Our bottles are made of endlessly recyclable glass, recyclable PET, and biodegradable bioplastic extracted from renewable and sustainably farmed sugarcane.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company?

All our suppliers must comply with our code of conduct within sustainability, ethical, and quality requirements. We’re very proud of our packaging. Not only are they aesthetically looking, but they're also resource-efficient which keeps our environmental footprint at a minimum.  

🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you?

We look up to brands such as the Danish textile brand Tekla Fabrics and the Swiss skincare brand Weleda. Both of their philosophies focus on natural ingredients and products. The ways in which they navigate sustainability are truly inspiring and something we look up to as a much smaller company.

MR. BLACKSMAN'S

MR. Blacksman's is a men's grooming company that designs products for men with afro and curly hair. 

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

When you live on an island you have to be resourceful and conscious of the ecosystem you live in. Of course, you can apply that to the planet too. After all, we only have one so we need to look after it. We try to source sustainable ingredients and materials. Things that are easily replaced, that degrade without harming the environment. We often use paper and cardboard for packaging along with glass. When it comes to making products we try to think about how we can make a product work harder, and have multiple purposes so that it means people don't need excess. For us, sustainability comes in many forms and ultimately means trying to do your bit for the planet and those that live on it.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of?

I think we're probably proudest of being able to make some of the products we do. Often companies want you to produce lots of different things - it keeps them in business. For us it's about buying less, needing less, and products delivering more. It's harder to build a business around that but it creates a better world.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company?

See above. There is no point in making sustainable products and putting them in unsustainable packaging that can't be recycled or reused.

🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you?

There are lots of brands we look to for inspiration. I wouldn't say there was one in particular. Some are larger companies who can make big inroads others are small 1 or 2 man bands trying to play their part. What we find however is that the community around the smaller ones is more authentic and driven whereas the larger ones can mostly be about PR. Whatever they are, authenticity I think is key.

Fashion

YAHMO

Yahmo is a Berlin clothing brand paving the way for creativity, colour and expression in the sustainable fashion world. Driven by anemoia, the feeling of nostalgia for a time you’ve never known, they create ethically made women's & men's wear that expresses a sentimentality for the past.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

Yahmo only came about through the random opportunity presented to our founders to repurpose leftover textiles. The very first product we launched was literally made from materials that were saved from landfills. In addition to unique design, sustainability is the very core of our brand.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of? 

Since our first days in 2016, we have partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant 10 trees for every purchase from our online store. We also pride ourselves on only working with fabric suppliers who share our values of sustainability. Our products are made from high-quality sustainable materials such as Tencel, Cupro, and Organic Cotton.

🌱 What role does sustainable packaging have in your company?

Of course, sustainable packaging plays an important role for an online clothing brand. When it comes to our packaging we avoid single-use plastics and only use recyclable cardboard boxes made from FSC® certified materials with at least 70% recycled content.

MATIZ 

Matiz is a platform enabling buying sustainable fashion. Its mission is to redefine the concept of luxury, with craftsmanship and sustainability at the core of its values. Matiz is committed to selling carefully selected, sustainable fashion, accessories, and beauty products while supporting ethical standards, local production, and minimal waste.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

Sustainability means everything to us. We're on a mission to reshape the fashion industry, helping consumers to be more conscious in their purchases and promoting small brands that produce sustainably and locally. 

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of? 

First of all, one of the things we're most proud of is that we have been able to create a 100% sustainable platform that brings together fashion, accessories, and lifestyle in one place. On the other hand, we're also proud of every customer who has ever bought from Matiz because with this action they have supported the growth of sustainable brands and that means a lot.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company? 

It was essential to have packaging that matches our mission and values, therefore everything is made with sustainable and biodegradable materials.

 🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you? 

For us, every Matiz brand is a role model, but there are a few that we are particularly proud of: Rrroad is a non-gender brand that every purchase allocates a % to help society at risk of exclusion. Nael is a swimwear brand that uses oceanic plastic to make every set. These two are an example of our over 80 national and international brands that are working towards sustainable fashion industry.

ORGANIC ZOO

Organic Zoo believes in a simpler, kinder world for children to enjoy and inherit, creating timeless 100% organic clothing that’s better for the little ones and for the planet.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

Sustainability has been at the heart of our story since the day we started creating, as we recognise that selling clothing has an environmental impact. We believe in a simpler, kinder world for our children which is why we’ve been creating timeless 100% organic clothing. We aspire to encourage our customers to make more conscious purchasing choices.  

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of? 

‘All The Rest’ is a recent project that we are very proud of. ATR was designed to refresh, rehome and repurpose past season archival materials – to create beautifully imaginative and organic kids betting. As a brand, we are committed to making a conscious effort to actively reduce our waste wherever possible. We are excited about future projects and continuing our journey of sustainability. 

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company? 

To us, every detail matters, which is why we’re making sure that our customers experience the highest quality from start to finish. We searched long and hard to find the perfect packing which is in line with our brand values and exciting to receive. Our orders arrive to customers in cotton tote bags that are useful, washable and reusable. We also offer beautiful gift boxes that are made of sustainable cardboard. These can be repurposed for crafts and storage, decorated or coloured in by little ones.  

🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you? 

In our opinion, Veja has revolutionised the sneaker market, they are pioneers in finding sustainable materials to make cool sneakers! We admire their ethos and approach to sustainable fashion. 

We are also admiring Babaa. They have built a brand around the core values of sustainability, using only local and natural materials. We really respect how they support their local Spanish Shepherds and use sustainable craftsmanship and natural dyes. The colours of their knitwear are just irresistible!

ÁNEMA BAGS

Anema Bags is an Italian fashion brand producing bags without using animal skin or fur. The brand is based on three fundamental principles: ethics, cruelty-free, and sustainability. Nature offers us many zero impact alternatives and it is in everyone's best interest to use them.

🌱 What does sustainability mean to your company?

At Anema, we believe that sustainability is for everyone. It is not something you buy or an object, it is not even a fashion or an aesthetic choice. Sustainability is a lifestyle that should aim to benefit everyone, people, and the planet. As a sustainable company, we simply try to do good around us.

🌱 What are your top 1-2 sustainability-related initiatives that you’re most proud of? 

We produce fashion accessories. Choosing sustainability means selecting the right materials. We are very careful about their origin and manufacturing process. We have adhered to carbon-neutral shipping plans and are committed to providing our workers with a safe and pleasant environment that fuels creativity.

🌱 Why role does sustainable packaging play in your company? 

A fundamental role. Packaging is an integral part of our product. It helps us to communicate our philosophy at a glance. We chose a cute recycled paper box and adorned it with our logo. 

 🌱 Do you have any sustainable brands that are role modes for you? 

The landscape of sustainable clothing brands is vast, and we believe they all do a great job of changing the perspective of many consumers. It is as if we were a new market, a small family even. We share the same values. A special mention certainly deserves Desserto, our supplier and pioneer of sustainable alternative materials to leather.