Our materials and why we use them

Our materials are chosen with great care - we consider how they are required to function, their durability and their impact on the environment. We choose natural materials where possible, but our biggest aim is to create products which are made to last.

This sustainable crop is a fast-growing grass which needs no fertiliser and self-regenerates from its own roots, reaching adult size in only 3 to 5 years. It’s naturally anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial - making it a perfect material for us to use as a lid/chopping board on some of our lunch boxes. We apply a natural mineral oil finish to seal it and if used and cared for properly, it will last a lifetime.

We use recycled polyethylene (PET) for the outer fabric of our lunch bag, and are looking to use it in other product ranges. It is tough, hard wearing, water repellent and easy to wipe clean. PET is the most common material used to make single-use bottles. It feels like a nice reversal of usage that the recycled bottles can be made into a product that will actually encourage users to lead a more sustainable life by avoiding single-use food packaging.

All our product packaging is made from unbleached and uncoated cardboard, making it better for recycling (you can even add it to your home compost!). When a product is purchased from our site, we will sometimes ship it in recycled boxes or recycled filling material to avoid using new packaging. While this might not look as pristine (or the box might sometimes be a bit larger than the item inside), our aim is to reuse whenever possible to minimise our impact.

We use active charcoal as a natural and plastic-free water filter to remove contaminants and add good minerals to tap water. Following a traditional Japanese technique, our charcoal producers only prune the branches of their fast growing native trees, without removing the roots. This means the trees can grow back, and be harvested again, in 5-year rotations. They source the wood local to their kilns and this ensures the forests where the wood grows is protected.

We love using sustainably-sourced cork as a lid material on our vacuum insulated food thermoses, and on some of our water bottles. It is renewable, biodegradable and 100% natural. It is obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting process that ensures the tree’s continued life. It is also an excellent insulator which helps the contents of the vacuum jars stay hot (or cold) for hours on end.

The glass used in some of our products is Borosilicate - it is lightweight, strong and can withstand extreme temperatures (so safe for use in ovens, microwaves, freezers or dishwashers). It is also thermal shock resistant, so less likely to shatter when exposed to sudden temperature change. It is also chemical resistant, taste-neutral and free from lead and BPA free. It will age extremely well, last a lifetime and is 100% recyclable.

We use high quality 304 – 18/8 stainless steel for its long-lasting durability and excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. It is also 100% recyclable. Most importantly, it is a material that can last a lifetime and even improve with age and use. It may take on the odd scratch, dent, or bump, but this will only add to its character and charm. Every mark will tell a story and make the product unique to you.

We mix recycled and sustainably-sourced (PEFC) wood with either polypropylene or TPR. This material can be recycled into itself but most importantly, it gives a highly durable finish that will age well. It increases the amount of bio-based content in the polymer, and also increases its perceived value as it will age better and not show scratches, stains or wear the same way that standard single colour pristine plastic does.

Every time we use a plastic, we use it sparingly and responsibly because sometimes, a specific plastic is the best material for the job required. These include polypropylene, Tritan, and POM. We understand and agree with the backlash against plastic pollution, however the issue is single-use plastics and the mountain of waste it leaves behind. We make sure our plastics are BPA, BPS and phthalate free, are fully recyclable and most importantly are made to last.