Environment & Sustainability

What we are doing to improve

From our Support Office to our warehouse and across all our stores, our team members work hard each and every day to care for and protect the environment in which we work. We are working across every stage of the product lifecycle to become a more sustainable business at every turn.
Raw MaterialsWe are already designing products with many different sustainable materials, from seagrass and mango wood to materials made from recycled plastic and re-purposed waste. We are constantly looking at how to improve the raw materials that are used in our products, as well as using any waste material where we can. 
ManufacturingWe have developed our OB Supplier Environment Code of Conduct so that we are crystal clear with our suppliers about the minimum environmental standards we expect from all our suppliers.
Distribution & Packaging
The design and buying teams are working to reduce plastic packaging on products wherever they can. Our online order packages are now as plastic-free as possible. We use paper void filler and all our mailout bags and boxes are now fully recyclable and made from recycled paper or cardboard.

And in store, we are use paper bags. Our paper bags are sustainably sourced from well-managed forests, made from 70% recycled content and are printed with eco-friendly inks. They can be fully recycled. They also help contribute to our charity partnership donations: in England, Scotland & Wales, we donate 8p of every 10p charged for a paper bag to UK Youth. In the Republic of Ireland, we donate 4 c of every 5c for a paper bag to Youth Work Ireland.

Our gift card envelopes and jewellery pouches are made of recyclable paper glassine.
Usage
We want our products to stay in use for as long as possible – and many are designed for a second life too! Our candle jars and gift boxes are strong and re-usable, drawstring bags for PJs and bed linen are made to be re-purposed
 
We also want to help more people do their bit to reduce our collective impact on the environment. We are stocking more and more sustainable products such as bamboo toothbrushes, seagrass plant pots, reusable coffee cups and reusable straws. If you have any suggestions of sustainable products you would love to see in store, then let us know!
Waste & DisposalIn almost all our stores and at our office, 100% of waste is now diverted away from landfill. And we have set ourselves an ambition to have an 80% recycling rate from our stores.
We have partnered with Re-Fashion to help you recycle your loved, but no longer worn, high-end high street fashion. Simply add a bag to OB order and fill with pre-loved pieces from your wardrobe, then return for free via Collect+ and know that you are you are helping make one small step towards stopping fashion heading in to landfill. Get your bag here
Driving Down Emissions
We are an active supporter of the British Retail Consortium Climate Roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040. We are monitoring our energy use across our warehouse, office and stores, so we can understand where energy savings can be made.
Better Cotton InitiativeWe are members of the non-profit organisation Better Cotton. Better Cotton supports licensed cotton farmers all over the world by providing essential training on water efficiency, caring for soil health and natural habitats, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and ensuring fair working conditions.

Better Cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that Better Cotton can be mixed with other types of cotton on its journey to a final product and is not physically traceable. However, Better Cotton farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in equivalent volumes to those we ‘source’. Click Here to learn more information about mass balance.
Our cotton sourcing commitmentsWhen you see the Better Cotton mentioned on our products you will know Oliver Bonas is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally. We already source 73% of our cotton via our Better Cotton membership and we are committed to sourcing 80% of our cotton by 2023.

Animal Welfare

We believe it is not acceptable for animals to suffer in the name of fashion, lifestyle products or cosmetics and we will take all reasonable steps to protect the welfare of animals.
Animal TestingWe do not accept animal testing on any products, either during production or on finished products. We will never knowingly purchase ingredients, formulations or products from suppliers who have conducted, commissioned or been party to animal testing for cosmetics purposes on these products.
Vegan products We have a range of faux leather fashion and accessories as an alternative to leather for our customers. We have certified some of our bath and body products with The Vegan Society.
Farmed animals Leather, Bone Inlay and Sheepskin must be a by-product of the meat industry and come from farms with good animal husbandry.
Banned materials The following animal materials must not be used in our products: Fur, Angora, Down, Mohair and Endangered Species.

Recycle your Old Electronics

Unwanted electrical equipment is the UK’s fastest growing type of waste. Many electrical items can be repaired or recycled, saving natural resources and the environment. For online purchases, please contact Customer Services who will send you a Free Returns sticker so you can send your item to our warehouse. Email: AskUs@oliverbonas.com. If you’re buying a new electrical item from OB, we will recycle your old one for free. Just return your old unwanted like for like electrical items to an OB store within 28 days of purchasing your new product. Proof of purchase will be required.

For more information on WEEE recycling (Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment) and to locate your local recycling centre (UK only) go to Recycle Now.