Plastic vs. Glass - Our Footprints

All of our containers are designed to be reused and recycled. We put effort into exploring innovative options to our current recycled plastics and glass, and push the boundaries with our suppliers. Once promising trials of plastic-like containers made from seaweed or other alternatives are more durable, we might be able to release some of our footprint concerns. 

Until then, we use glass jars for our creams and balms and would love to carry all of our products in glass, however the energy that goes into making glass as opposed to plastic has a larger environmental impact, including the transportation footprint. Glass is also greater in volume and weight, requiring extensive packing for protection. 

Creating glass is unfortunately energy intensive, though it suggests that it is a far kinder ecological choice than plastic. Glass is durable and has longevity, allowing it to be reusable. It’s quick and easy to clean and lends itself well to recycling, boosting its environmental credentials.

Waterfall in hvalfjordur

The most commonly recycled plastic is HDPE, which is our main plastic player, is considered to be one of the safest forms of plastic and simple to recycle. We passionately point out that our plastic containers are not to be compared with single-use plastic bottles that sadly end up in the landfill or the ocean.

When plastic is responsibly recycled and repurposed, the problem decreases significantly. The process of creating a plastic bottle is far less intensive than producing glass, and metal for that matter, resulting in a far smaller carbon footprint. Carbon being one of the largest contributors to global warming.

As we put high integrity into handpicking our herbs, we parallel that thoughtfulness when it comes to our container choices. Alongside encouraging our customers to reduce, reuse and recycle. We offer our body and hair products in 1000 ml, which lends itself to a reduction of containers and can be transferred into smaller containers for travel. In Iceland, we offer refill service and it is our goal to extend that service internationally.

That’s our two krónas in protecting the earth and oceans, while honoring uninterrupted views of the horizon.