At Sanctum Australia, we're not just a skincare brand; we're a community of individuals who share a common goal to redefine skincare, one natural ingredient at a time. As we embark on Plastic-Free July, we want to open up a conversation about our packaging choices and unwavering commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Why Do Genuinely Natural Skincare Brands Use Plastic?

Have you ever wondered why natural skincare brands even use plastic? We get it—plastic doesn't exactly scream "eco-friendly." But here's the truth: our priority is ensuring that our chemical-free, Certified Organic range remains accessible to everyone while we await advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. That's why we choose 50% post consumer plastic for all our tubes.

Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity and freshness of our products, protecting them from external contaminants, and ensuring their efficacy. We use a natural preservative system that is 100% chemical-free and has its own restrictions. We could use synthetic preservatives to better stabilise our products and perhaps consider plastic alternatives. However, from the beginning, back in 1992, we embarked on creating products that:

• Remained true to their promise of being natural
• Carried meaningful levels of active ingredients
• Didn't cost a fortune
• Really worked

Safe & Organic Skincare for Every Family

At Sanctum Australia, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, Certified Organic skincare, regardless of their income. Unfortunately, many plastic alternatives are significantly more expensive, driving up the cost of our products. This would make our skincare range less accessible to lower-income earners, contradicting our mission to provide natural, effective products for everyone. By using recycled plastic, we can keep our prices affordable while still making a positive environmental impact.

Committed to Innovation: Our Search for Sustainable Solutions

Rest assured, we're not just waiting for sustainable packaging solutions to come to us. We've actively explored a variety of plastic alternatives, including plant-based plastics, biodegradable materials, glass, and aluminium. Each option has its own benefits and challenges, particularly when maintaining the purity and effectiveness of our chemical-free products. We're committed to finding the right balance that aligns with our values of sustainability and eco-consciousness.

Doing Our Part: Recycled Plastic Packaging

We're proud that all our tubes are made with 50% recycled plastic—a testament to our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. These tubes are not only recyclable themselves but also contribute to the circular economy by giving new life to existing plastic materials. Plus, we're continuously reevaluating and increasing this percentage as technology advances.

Your Local Zero Waste Box (or) In-Shop Recycling Bin

In our factory shop, you'll find our Terracycle Zero Waste Plastic Box—a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of plastic packaging from all your beauty products. By providing this option, we aim to facilitate responsible recycling and ensure that even more plastic is kept out of landfills. Your contribution in bringing in your used packaging will help us make a significant environmental impact, empowering you to be part of the solution.

Beyond Packaging: Our Holistic Approach to Sustainability

While we continue to innovate and explore plastic-free alternatives, our dedication to sustainability extends beyond just our packaging. From sourcing organic ingredients to minimising our carbon footprint, we're constantly striving to minimise our impact on the planet. We choose suppliers certified by sustainable farming practices, and all our choices are audited by third parties to ensure you can be 100% certain that we're:

• Certified Organic (thanks, ACO!)
• Vegan (thanks, Vegan Australia!)
• Not tested on animals (thanks, Cruelty-Free Australia)
• Made in Australia (thanks, Australian Made!)

Join Us: Embrace Plastic-Free July

Plastic-Free July is an opportunity for reflection and action, a chance to reevaluate our choices and make conscious decisions that benefit us and the environment. As we navigate this journey together, we invite you to join us in embracing sustainable living practices and making a positive impact on the world around us. This year, we're joining Plastic-Free July by:

• Eliminating single-use plastics from the office. For example, no plastic lids for our coffee cups!
• Encouraging colleagues to refill their water bottles by supplying fresh spring water!
• Recycling - we've chosen a Recycling Boss! They monitor people's garbage habits, educate people on how to dispose of rubbish and ensure everyone puts rubbish in the correct bin! Not all heroes wear capes.
• We have joined APCO to keep us accountable and leverage support from experts in working towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets. These targets were set by APCO in collaboration with government, industry, and community stakeholders. They are fundamental stepping stones to a more sustainable future and a genuine circular economy.

Apart from Plastic Free July, we have an Environmental Plan that we are working towards, and these are our KPIs to reach by 2025:

• Increase the use of renewable and bio-based packaging by 20%.
• Transition 50% of our suppliers to use cardboard or recycled secondary packaging.
• Adopt 100% compostable fill for dispatch. DONE!
• Boost the use of multi-use pallets by 20%.
• Adhere to the National Plastic Plan for 100% renewable, recyclable, or compostable plastic by 2025.
• Reduce landfill waste by 10%.
• Improve our recycling rate by 10%.
• Broader environmental initiatives to include:
  • Increasing the use of organic materials.
  • Promoting sustainable formulations. DONE!
  • Reducing water consumption.
  • Decreasing non-renewable energy consumption.

Thank you for your continued support as we work towards a future where skincare is nurturing for your skin and for the planet we call home. Join us in reducing plastic waste this July by implementing some of these changes in your daily life! Every household needs a Recycling Boss - they could even wear a special hat!