Green
Being certified as organic by the Soil Association means that Neal’s Yard is helping to cut the use of pesticides in farming worldwide, maintaining healthy soil and locking in more carbon to the earth, which supports climate change adaptation by enriching soil and increasing food security, especially in times of flooding and drought. Organic farming also avoids the use of artificial nitrogen-rich fertilisers, which are potent sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming techniques also support biodiversity, as well as being better for the health of locals and especially the farmers themselves.
As well as supporting sustainable farming practices around the world, Neal’s Yard Remedies generate some of their own renewable energy in the UK, and were the first high street retailer to be certified as officially Carbon Neutral. Their purpose-built eco factory in Dorset (UK) is designed to minimise their use of resources during production.
One of Neal Yard Remedies’ greatest strengths in terms of sustainability, however, is their innovative approach to packaging: they use beautiful, simple blue packaging for all of their products that not only reduces the need for them to use artificial preservatives in their products, but also means that they can reduce manufacturing emissions by minimising the production of new packaging styles. Their blue plastic bottles are made from 100% post consumer recycled materials, meaning that they are more energy-efficient to produce while also reducing landfill. All of their glass bottles and plastic bottle tops are easily recyclable, and they also offer British customers the chance to bring in old bottles to Neal’s Yard shops and get a 10p per container returned discount on their next purchase. They have been certified by FSC and the World Land Trust for their sustainable packaging.