We are a small business and believe the many small things we can do will make a difference. For us, the word sustainability means sustainable sourcing, shorter formulation lists, recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging, clean ingredients and buying local. Our sustainability commitment is reducing carbon footprint therefore our focus is on use LESS, buy LESS, waste LESS which is why all esst products are multi-tasking.
We are always on the lookout to change the way we do business as new sustainable practices and options become available.
Australian Botanicals
Our products contain essential oils, we have partnered with a supplier who operates their own farms producing 100% pure, 100% natural, and 100% traceable Australian botanicals. Their business and life philosophy encompasses three driving principles: traceability, sustainability, and the empowerment of their staff.
Packaging and product production
We chose sugar cane tubes for our small cream over aluminium because like plastic, even though aluminium is recyclable, it’s made from bauxite that’s mined. The mining process can leave environmental destruction in its wake, and heating bauxite to yield aluminium requires a large amount of energy. This simply didn’t sit with our brand ethos of reducing carbon footprint. The sugar cane PE that we have used is FDA approved for direct food contact and does not contain any nasties, such as Bisphenol A.
Their production facility operates one of the largest privately-owned solar farms in NSW. It can combine the carbon-neutral sugar cane PE with their own green energy production, resulting in tubes that have almost no carbon footprint.
We chose PET plastic packaging for our large cream, wash and mist. Glass is better from an end-of-life standpoint, but plastic is better from a carbon emissions standpoint.
The shipping boxes are manufactured in Melbourne by a facility that has successfully maintained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification for Australian recycled paper operations since September 2009. Regular auditing ensures the origins of the recycled paper remains consistent with this certification.
Recycling
esst tubes can be recycled by our producer, simply return the empty tube to: esst PO Box 9176, Brighton, Vic, 3186 and we’ll arrange for it to be recycled properly for you. Alternatively great news! TerraCycle is working with businesses to make sure your cosmetic packaging doesn't end up in landfill. Drop off locations here.
Shipping partner
We use Australia Post who reduce emissions through a range of initiatives such as operating the largest electric delivery vehicle fleet in Australia and generating more of their own solar electricity.
Stickers and Tissue paper
We have balanced a luxurious product experience with minimal wastage. The tissue paper we use is acid-free and can be placed in your curbside recycling bins. Due to the stickers having a slight lamination, you’ll need to place them into the normal bin until we have a better option for you.