Whether it’s for a last-minute Christmas present, a token of self-love or the beginning of a greener 2022, these eco-forward brands prove that sustainable swaps don’t have to be big to make a difference.
Weleda
Nature-forward beauty brand Weleda celebrates its 100th anniversary with a B Corp Certification, joining an international movement of companies that do business in a meaningful way, with high standards and values anchored in their corporate bylaws.
‘B Corp certification proves that a company has strong commitments and results in terms of social and ecological standards. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of how their own consumption impacts the planet and society. This trend can help make the world a better place,’ says Stefan Siemer, Weleda’s Head of Sustainability. The B Corp certification’s focus is on social added value and ecological sustainability – it is about the environment, biodiversity, species protection, human rights, climate protection, employees, and customers: business as a force for good.
‘Working sustainably, in harmony with nature, comes naturally to Weleda because it has been our purpose since 1921, but that does not mean it comes easily! It takes determination, commitment, and investment,’ says Jayn Sterland, Managing Director of Weleda UK and recently appointed Chair of the UK’s new Sustainable Beauty Coalition.
The new B Corp status reflects Weleda’s significant and continued efforts to become more sustainable throughout its operations. With recertification every three years, Weleda has embarked on a process that aims at ever higher standards and continuous improvement. It’s a paradigm shift.
Redeem 20% off the Weleda range on weleda.co.uk using the code ‘SUBLIME20’ (UK addresses only. The code is valid until 31 March 2022).
Modibodi
Founded in 2013, Modibodi is Australia’s original leak-proof apparel brand, designing underwear, swimwear, active wear, maternity wear, and reusable nappies to replace disposable hygiene products and offer a sustainable solution to manage periods, incontinence, discharge, breast milk leaks, sweat, and more.
Modibodi is warm, authentic and human, breaking taboos and helping people with all kinds of leaky bodies get on with their lives. They offer a range of products and sizes across three brands: Modibodi®, Modibodi RED for tweens and teens, and Modibodi Men to manage incontinence, sweat, and chafing. The Modibodi leak-proof products have been scientifically tested and proven to absorb fluid and repel odour, and are antimicrobial, thanks to the brand’s patented technology which keeps you fresh, dry, comfortable, and confident, as well as reducing the impact on the environment.
Through sharing real stories of real individuals, embracing all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and abilities, and celebrating bodies for what they do over how they look, Modibodi is working to change people’s lives for the better as well as being better for the planet. The brand committed to sustainability and social impact, helping end period poverty and normalising conversations about periods and leaks through education and supporting people in need globally.
To date, Modibodi has sold millions of garments worldwide, saving billions of single-use disposable hygiene products like pads, liners, and tampons from ending up in landfill. Plus, by switching to Modibodi, you’ll be saving 70% carbon emissions compared to disposable pads. Changing the world should be as easy as changing your underwear. Waste-free, leak-free, worry-free protection.
For 15% off your purchase, use code ‘SUBLIME15’ on modibodi.co.uk (minimum spend £55, excluding maxi, Give a Pair, gift vouchers, and bundles. The code is valid until 31 March 2022).
Riso Gallo
The first international brand in the sector to have produced rice from sustainable agriculture, making their premium best-selling risotto rices – Gallo Risotto Tradition, Arborio, Carnaroli and Carnaroli Rustico – fully sustainable, Riso Gallo has created a circular economy.
The brand collaborates with innovative startups giving new value to the by-products of the rice mill. Rice House is an Italian initiative in which the secondary materials in rice cultivation are used to construct houses – the rice husks and bran are used to make plaster while thermos-acoustic insulation uses both rice husk and rice straw fibres. Rice by-products are also used for furniture production by Mogu, plus the wastewater from Riso Gallo’s Nero rice is used as a natural clothes dye used by the Albini Group.
Riso Gallo’s 100% Italian rice can be traced throughout its supply chain – from cultivation to packing – to minimise their impact on the environment each step of the way. All plastic vacuum packaging is now suitable for recycling, following the launch of a new eco-sustainable, low-environmental-impact plastic, and the Gallo Risotto Traditional, Arborio, Carnaroli, and Carnaroli Rustico are now in packs made with FSC-certified cardboard to protect the grains. The excellence of the products and the high quality standards are also guaranteed by the BRC and IFS certifications and the Sustainable Rice Platform scheme.
Riso Gallo is working on developing a new, hyper-sustainable, non-GMO Italian rice, and is committed to reducing and monitoring greenhouse emissions and using energy from renewable resources. A love for the environment stems from the collaboration with farms that guarantee full respect for workers’ rights – Riso Gallo guarantees fair and stable prices which are agreed before sowing.
WaxWrap
Around 740,000 miles of cling film is used by every home in the UK each year. That’s enough slow-to-break-down cling film to wrap around the earth 30 times. Play an active part in the war on plastic by switching to WaxWrap, a sustainable, reusable beeswax wrap designed to keep food naturally fresh, without polluting waterways or poisoning wild and marine life.
Minimise food wastage by using WaxWrap for storing anything from cheese, salad leaves, fresh herbs and vegetables to packed lunches and leftovers. These wonder wraps meet rigorous environmental standards, making them a safe and responsible choice for the home. Made from just four natural materials – organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, pine resin, and beeswax – each pliable and grippy wrap allows food to breathe. Wraps can be washed over and over and should last for around a year (about 200 uses) and, when they come to the end of a long and happy life, are completely compostable.
All in all, WaxWraps perform better than cling film and most waxed wrap products. Vegetarian Society approved and available in a range of five products including a handy bag, a pre-cut sheet and practical on-a-roll, creating a convenient and viable alternative to disposable cling film.
WaxWrap is an official supporter of Less Plastic CIC and donates 1% of its sales to help fund plastic waste production projects with 1% for the Planet.
Purchase yours on waxwrap.uk, in Planet Organic, or Whole Foods Market.
Ami Iyök
It only makes sense that a natural cosmetics brand’s name translates to ‘mother earth’. Taking nature and environmental awareness as key pillars in the commitment to ecology, this Amazon-inspired Spanish brand guarantees that all ingredients and formulas meet the strictest quality standards.
From cleansers and toners to body oils and serums, Ami Iyök’s ‘ecosmetics’ are free of GMO, petroleum derivatives, or any active ingredient that does not respect the properties of the raw materials – most are 100% natural in origin and certified organic by EcoControl BDIH and NATRUE. Products are presented in avant-garde, eco-friendly packaging made of poplar wood from FSC-certified plantations and recyclable violet glass containers that prolong the conservation of its formulas.
But the brand’s commitment goes beyond cosmetics; it extends to the world and the planet. For this reason, Ami Iyök stays away from palm oil and reduces CO2 emissions as much as possible during the manufacturing processes, as well as being unstoppable activists for animal rights – their blog and social media channels are used as a platform for organisations whose projects across the globe meet the education, food, and health needs of many families and children. Biopiracy and fair trade are issues they are highly aware of, choosing suppliers carefully to ensure that their trading methods are free of injustices towards ethnic minorities.
Get 20% off your purchase on ami-iyok.com with code ‘amisublime’.