CRANBOURN® and Sustainable Packaging

Here at CRANBOURN^®, our ethos is at the core of everything we do. We are currently on the journey to becoming a certified B Corp business, and we place huge importance on our transparency, operating ethically and creating sustainable products.

The natural world is a crucial part of our business, as we travel the globe to seek out the finest natural ingredients and botanicals to craft our fragrances. Caring for the planet is at the heart of everything we do, and we carry that sentiment through into our processes and packaging.

Our carefully designed packaging has been thoughtfully crafted and detailed so that you receive it in perfect condition without it costing the earth. You can find out more about our product design and manufacturing ethos here.

Unfortunately, many modern luxury brands do not place such importance on being environmentally conscious. For many, being sustainable has slipped down the list of priorities, with aesthetics and image being placed higher. We believe there is another way – a way to combine sustainability and luxury and create products that are both stylish and environmentally conscious at the same time.

The packaging dilemma

Product packaging has numerous important functions. This includes protecting the product from breakage in the post, preserving the freshness of the ingredients, and ensuring nothing contaminates or damages the product. Unfortunately, there is one material that is durable, cost-effective and strong enough to fulfil all of the above – plastic.

Since its creation in the late 1800s, plastic has been the most popular packaging choice. It is flexible, water resistant, airtight and can be moulded into any shape. In modern society, over 2 million tonnes of plastic are used in the UK every year.

The problem comes when we dispose of this flexible material. It does not biodegrade, and instead pollutes our land and sea without breaking down into natural materials. It is not a sustainable option for modern businesses – so it is our collective responsibility to seek out earth-friendly alternatives.

Sustainable alternatives

There are some incredible, innovative new packaging materials emerging in retail. From shredded coffee cups to wood wool, there are plenty of natural materials that can be used to pack up and protect products.

When it comes to staying sustainable, the best option is to take it back to basics. Though it seems traditional (and even old-fashioned!), cardboard remains one of the best choices for external packaging.

Put simply, cardboard ticks all the boxes for creating a sustainable product. It can be recycled all over the country, giving consumers an easy way to dispose of it from their own homes. Cardboard is endlessly recyclable – which means further packaging can be created from the discarded card. Another bonus is its lightweight structure, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.

Most luxury retail products are wrapped in glossy glistening plastic, and there is a misconception that cardboard can feel more rustic than a luxury. Here at CRANBOURN^®, we disagree. Cardboard is impressively versatile and can be beautiful and eye-catching branded. We have opted to package our luxury fragrances in cardboard, so you do not have to compromise your sustainable values to have quality products.

Combining luxury and modern sustainability

We carry our ethos through everything we do – not just our packaging. When it comes to our products, our employees and our processes, we prioritise the welfare of people and the planet – not just profit. Our journey to becoming B Corp certified reflects our commitment to driving positive change in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about B Corporations, you can read our CRANBOURN^® & B CORP journal post here.