In 2018, we were delighted to launch a brand new style of packaging at Songbird Naturals that has proved to have had a huge impact on our waste contribution.
Our Ecotubs are a brand new take on sustainable packaging within the massage industry. These cardboard pots are biodegradable, recyclable and compostable, and allow our customers and ourselves to substantially reduce plastic waste.
Made of sustainable cardboard with a corn starch based lining, they are available for all of our massage, reflexology and fascial release waxes and balms, in 200g and 400g sizes.
At Songbird Naturals, we wholeheartedly recognise the importance of recycling, and will always encourage customers to recycle our plastic tubs. However, the recycling process still involves carbon use and opting for metal tins still involves mining and recycling. We therefore believe that biodegradable and compostable packaging is the way forward, and we are fortunate to be manufacturing a product that doesn’t necessitate having packaging that lives much longer than what’s inside.
For those who would like to reduce their plastic but still prefer the look of the traditional plastic tubs, Ecotubs have the added benefit of fitting neatly into the 350g and 550g Songbird branded tubs. This allows therapists to have one ‘Master Tub’, which they can continue to reuse. However, many customers have decided they no longer need the original plastic tubs at all and have embraced going completely plastic-free.
When the Ecotub is finished with, it can be recycled with general cardboard waste or composted with household green waste (or your very own compost heap, where it will decopose, but over a longer period of time!)
Due to the nature of the natural packaging, the oils in the massage waxes will gradually penetrate the cardboard over time, resulting in some dark patches. This is completely normal, non-greasy and does not affect the quality of the product. However, we are currently in development of an even superior Ecotub that we hope will further decrease the need for our original plastic tubs.
In May 2019, we calculated that we saved over 30kg of plastic due to customers purchasing Ecotubs instead of our original pots. Over a year, this adds up to over a third of a tonne of plastic. We’d like to think this shows just how much of a big difference small changes can add up to. With our Ecotubs becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst customers, we hope to substantially grow this figure over the coming years.
All Ecotubs purchased from Songbird Naturals arrive in cardboard boxes filled with biodegradable corn starch packaging and sealed with paper tape, meaning customers can choose to make their order entirely plastic-free.
If you’re yet to try our Ecotubs, give them a go and let us know what you think. You may be saying goodbye to plastic before you know it!
