Environmental & Sustainability Policy
Our Commitment
The Green Woman is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products, operations and supply chain.
As a manufacturer of certified organic personal care products, we believe businesses have a responsibility to protect natural resources, reduce waste and continually improve environmental performance. Environmental stewardship forms part of our decision-making across product development, manufacturing, packaging and distribution.
Our Environmental Management Plan is reviewed annually and forms part of our ongoing Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification requirements.
Packaging & Circular Economy
Reusable Packaging
The Green Woman products are packaged in reusable glass jars and aluminium tins.
We operate a customer jar return scheme through which approximately one-third of jars sold are now returned for cleaning and reuse. Many jars are reused multiple times before eventually being recycled.
Returned aluminium lids are recycled.
The only plastic component currently offered within our product range is an optional reusable pump available for our sun cream.
Reducing Packaging Waste
We actively work to reduce packaging throughout our operations by:
- Avoiding unnecessary secondary packaging.
- Using durable, reusable packaging materials.
- Prioritising recyclable materials.
- Designing packaging with reuse and longevity in mind.
- Reviewing packaging choices as part of our annual environmental review process.
Reclaimed & Reused Packaging Materials
Approximately 40% of the cardboard boxes used to ship customer orders are reused from other businesses and are therefore already on their second life before reaching our customers.
Around 90% of our packing materials are reclaimed from secondary sources, including reused cardboard and unwanted magazines which are repurposed as protective packaging material.
We do not use plastic parcel tape and instead use paper-based tape for packaging and shipping.
Wholesale Packaging Innovation
To reduce waste associated with pallet shipments, we have developed a reusable pallet cover system for wholesale deliveries.
These covers are returned to us and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for single-use plastic pallet wrap.
Carbon & Climate Responsibility
The Green Woman recognises the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations and supply chain.
While we do not currently publish a full Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 carbon footprint assessment, we actively seek to reduce environmental impacts through practical actions across the business.
Key Areas of Environmental Impact
We recognise that our most significant environmental impacts are likely to arise from:
- Raw material sourcing.
- Packaging manufacture.
- Product distribution and delivery.
- Energy use within our facilities.
- Waste generated through operations.
Carbon Reduction Objectives
Our objectives include:
- Reducing packaging waste.
- Increasing packaging reuse and circularity.
- Minimising plastic use.
- Improving operational efficiency.
- Reducing energy and water consumption.
- Increasing understanding and measurement of our environmental impacts.
- Developing measurable carbon reduction targets as the business grows.
Waste Management
Manufacturing Waste
Waste is minimised throughout production wherever possible.
Ingredient containers are emptied as fully as possible and remaining product is used for reference samples where appropriate.
Residual product is removed before cleaning equipment to minimise waste entering drainage systems.
Reuse Before Recycling
All waste materials are assessed to determine whether they can be reused before recycling or disposal.
Particular emphasis is placed on reusing:
- Cardboard boxes.
- Paper packaging materials.
- Shipping materials.
- Glass containers returned by customers.
Recycling
Materials that cannot be reused are sorted for recycling wherever facilities exist.
We aim to maximise recycling rates across all business activities.
Water Protection
To prevent oils and residues entering wastewater systems:
- Equipment and returned jars are wiped clean before washing.
- Reclaimed paper is used to remove excess oils.
- A grease trap system is installed to collect residual plant oils before they enter wastewater and septic systems.
Sustainable Cleaning
We seek to use environmentally responsible cleaning products throughout our operations.
Products currently used include environmentally preferable cleaning solutions from suppliers such as Bio-D, and are approved for use in organic premises by the Soil Association, and as part of our annual audit with them.
These products are selected to reduce environmental impact while maintaining appropriate hygiene and manufacturing standards.
Energy Efficiency
We continually seek opportunities to improve energy efficiency within our facilities.
Measures currently in place include:
- On-demand hot water heating systems.
- Efficient use of manufacturing equipment.
- Resource-conscious operational practices.
- Reduction of unnecessary energy consumption where practical.
Organic Certification & Continuous Improvement
The majority of our ingredients are sourced through suppliers approved within the Soil Association COSMOS Organic certification system.
Our environmental performance is reviewed annually as part of our certification requirements.
We are committed to continually reviewing and improving our environmental performance, packaging systems and operational practices as our business develops.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually.
Last reviewed: May 2026