Do you have questions about Chanv packaging and its environmental impact? Just like you, we've thought about the well-being and protection of our planet. We never wanted to have a negative impact! Our approach doesn't boil down to a complex list of standards and regulations. Rather, it's an adherence to common values shared with our customers, to the love and respect of a Nordic land, the cradle of natural cosmetics in harmony with your skin.
Over-consumption and waste: no!
One of our starting points in considering Chanv's environmental impact was to recognize the importance of reducing the over-consumption of cosmetics. It may seem surprising, but excessive use of body care products is not good for the skin and has a detrimental impact on the planet. Production rates are accelerating, leaving the environment in a state of chaos, unable to keep up with this frenetic pace.
That's why we've been working for years with local partners and our community to make immediate, lasting and profound changes to the whole system.
What's more, our products are formulated to be versatile and offer a multitude of benefits. Being concentrated and effective, you don't need to use large quantities.
"A drop of water may seem insignificant, but when thousands of drops come together, they can form a mighty ocean."
Prefer packaging made from recyclable materials
Packaging plays an essential role in protecting and preserving the quality of the natural, biodegradable ingredients in every Chanv product. However, it is also a major source of waste and pollution. That's why Chanv's standard tubes contain 45% EcoPrime PCR (Post Consumer Resin), giving a second life to products that were destined for landfill.
Indeed, after studying the environmental impact, it was concluded that it was preferable to extend the life of the containers rather than use a vegetable resin such as sugar cane. The EcoPrime resin used in Chanv tubes offers the same advantages as Ocean Bound resin, only the method of plastic collection differs.
Chanv tubes are therefore recyclable (code 02). Caps are made from number 5 plastic resin, which is fully recyclable and already recycled.
Eco-responsible suppliers for a greener future
Choosing a supplier who shares common values towards the environment and people's well-being is also essential. Consequently, it was essential that materials such as the paper used for secondary packaging boxes benefited from appropriate certifications:
- All papers (liner and medium) are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and/or equivalent in terms of recycled paper (with a chain of custody).
- They are also SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified.
These certifications guarantee that the trees used to manufacture the papers come from forests where sustainable management rules are respected. The papers do not contain environmentally toxic substances. They comply with safety standards for lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, and are also tested for the absence of metals such as antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, copper, manganese, nickel, selenium, silver and zinc. All internal manufacturing processes are rigorously traceable and controlled at all times.
Reducing, absorbing and storing CO2
Another very important point is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by working with local suppliers. Containers are supplied by a Granby-based company, located just 45 minutes from Chanv's head office, so we avoid long plane or boat journeys.
What's more, growing Chanv oil™ absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Plants grow rapidly and can capture a very significant amount of CO2, up to 15 tonnes per year on one hectare of cultivation. The captured CO2 is stored in the stems and leaves, and even after harvesting, the captured CO2 remains in the fibers, making them a sustainable material suitable for a variety of uses.
By cultivating 20 acres, Chanv manages to sequester over 120 tonnes of CO2 per year. To give you some concrete equivalents, here's a list of examples that emit around 120 tonnes of CO2 per year:
- 120 tonnes of CO2 per year, or around 52 cars (2.3 tonnes per car)
- 324 short-haul flights and around 580 long-haul flights
- 40 American fireplaces
- The combustion of 60 tonnes of coal to produce electricity
- CO2 emissions resulting from the production of cement to build 40 houses
- Incineration of around 228 tonnes of solid waste
Chanv oil™ cultivation also has multiple other valuable ecological benefits:
- Low water requirements
- Contributes to soil decontamination
- High natural resistance
- Improves soil health
- Does not require pesticides
- Reduces soil depletion
- Produces biodegradable and versatile plants (cosmetics, personal care, food supplements, etc.)
Recycling Chanv packaging: simple gestures, positive impacts
Properly recycling Chanv containers preserves their quality, facilitates the recycling process, prevents odors and nuisances, and encourages better waste management. These little gestures, which I'm sure you're already familiar with, make all the difference. As simple as that, here's how to recycle Chanv packaging:
- Cut tubes open for easy cleaning
- Rinse under water to remove residues
- Scrape as required to remove potential dirt
- Drain to remove excess water and avoid contamination
- Take care not to mix them with other non-recyclable materials.
As you can see, Chanv packaging is by no means secondary: it is the focus of real thought and concrete choices to make a positive impact on the planet. The use of materials such as PCR EcoPrime resin, FSC- and SFI-certified paper guaranteeing sustainable forest management, and the reduction of over-consumption all help us achieve our objectives. Vigilant and on the lookout for the latest innovations from our local partners, Chanv packaging will evolve to preserve the environment and nature.
Who knows, maybe very soon we'll be able to design them from the natural fiber of our key ingredient!
