Packaging Sourcing: Sustainable by Design, Practical by Nature

At Social Herbalists, packaging isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the experience. From protecting product quality to reducing waste, we see every packaging decision as an opportunity to do better.

We know that many consumers are actively trying to reduce their environmental footprint. So are we. Our packaging sourcing process is built around sustainability, functionality, and transparency, striking the balance between keeping our products safe and our values intact.

Here’s how we approach packaging — and why it matters.

Our Packaging Values

We make our packaging choices based on three core principles:

1. Eco-consciousness – Materials should be recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable wherever possible.
2. Product Integrity – Packaging must protect herbs from moisture, light, air, and contamination to preserve freshness.
3. Practicality – Solutions must be functional, accessible, and user-friendly — because sustainability shouldn’t sacrifice quality or convenience.

We believe good packaging isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it performs, and how it impacts the planet.

Material Selection: What We Use (and Why)

We carefully assess every component of our packaging to ensure it aligns with our sustainability goals:

• Pouches & Tea Bags: We use kraft paper pouches with compostable linings or recyclable materials, depending on the product type. These help protect herbs while offering a lower‑impact alternative to plastic tubs or foil laminates.
• Glass Jars: Where appropriate, we use glass containers — especially for blends intended for longer‑term use. These are fully recyclable and reusable, and they maintain freshness for longer periods without chemical leaching.
• Minimal Plastic Use: When plastic is necessary (e.g. for sealing or inner linings), we opt for food‑safe, BPA‑free materials and always explore bioplastics or recycled content where possible.
• Labels & Inks: We print with eco‑friendly, non‑toxic inks on recyclable label paper. We’re actively testing wash‑off labels to improve the recyclability of glass jars and containers.

Our goal is to make every component of our packaging either recyclable, compostable, or reusable — with full transparency about what goes where.

Sourcing Our Packaging Partners

Just like with our herbs, we’re selective about who we work with. We partner with UK‑ and EU‑based packaging suppliers who meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated use of sustainable materials
• Transparent environmental and ethical policies
• Flexible minimum order quantities (to avoid waste)
• Willingness to innovate and collaborate on new packaging ideas
• Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), ISO 14001, or OK Compost

This helps us ensure every layer of our product — from herb to pouch — reflects our standards.

Keeping It Honest: Our Transparency Promise

We know that terms like “eco‑friendly” and “sustainable” get thrown around a lot. That’s why we’re committed to clarity and honesty in how we describe our packaging.

If something is recyclable but not compostable, we’ll say that. If a label isn’t easily removable yet, we’ll let you know and tell you how we’re working on it. Our long‑term goal is to offer a fully circular packaging model, but we’ll never greenwash or exaggerate where we are now.

We’re on a journey — and we’ll bring you with us every step of the way.

Why Packaging Matters Beyond Aesthetics

• Environmental Impact – Packaging accounts for around 40% of plastic waste globally. By opting for lower‑impact options, we actively reduce our footprint.
• Shelf Life – Improper packaging can degrade herbal potency. Light, air, and moisture exposure all affect quality. We design around this.
• Customer Experience – Sustainable packaging also means clarity, resealability, easy disposal, and minimal waste for our customers.

Your tea or supplement doesn’t just deserve to be high‑quality — it deserves to be protected in a way that doesn’t harm the world it came from.

Challenges & Progress: What We’re Still Working On

Being eco‑conscious isn’t always simple — especially when working with dried herbs that need moisture‑proof, airtight barriers.

• Developing fully compostable labels and adhesives
• Reducing ink usage through minimalist design
• Switching to mono‑material pouches for easier recycling
• Creating refill packs to reduce glass jar consumption
• Offering take‑back or refill schemes in the future

We’re not perfect — but we’re making consistent, measurable progress with every product we launch.

Packaging in Practice: What You’ll See

Here’s what you can expect as a customer:

How You Can Help

Packaging is a two‑way street. Here’s how you can be part of the solution:

• Reuse our jars – They make great containers for spices, dry goods, or even DIY skincare.
• Compost our pouches – If you have access to compost facilities, drop your used pouches in (after removing labels).
• Recycle properly – Rinse any containers and follow your council’s recycling rules.
• Give feedback – Got a better packaging idea? We’re all ears.

Together, small changes lead to big shifts — and we’re proud to have a community that cares as much as we do.

Explore More

Curious about our full sustainability efforts?

• Read about our Product Sourcing Standards →
• Explore the Our Process Overview →
• Shop our Sustainable Herbal Range →

Every jar, pouch, and parcel is part of a larger purpose — and we’re building that future with intention, not convenience.