Why is reducing plastic so important?

Across its life cycle, plastic adds 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year — more than the combined annual emissions of aviation and shipping. This worsens the negative effects of climate change and contributes to the climate crisis.

Humanity produces more than 460 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with more than 22 million tonnes entering the ocean. Poorly managed plastic waste further aggravates the climate crisis, including shrinking glaciers, floods, more severe droughts and food shortages. Without urgent action, the amount of plastic is projected to triple by 2060.

On 2 March 2022, at the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly, leaders from 175 countries and territories adopted a resolution for a Global Plastics Treaty, with implementation planned for 2024. It was described as the most important environmental agreement since the Paris Agreement.

The evolution of VANA’s environmentally considerate packaging

At VANA, we believe our commitment to environmental sustainability must begin with our own actions before it can spread through society.

The beginning: moving beyond polystyrene

Our candle warmers were originally packed in polystyrene.

This petroleum-derived plastic produces harmful emissions during manufacturing, contributing to marine and air pollution.

Although inexpensive and practical, it is an environmentally unfriendly material and can be inconvenient for customers to dispose of after purchase.

Eggshell paper trays: a step closer to sustainability

Combining eggshells with recycled paper pulp, this packaging material gives discarded eggshells a new use. Compared with the recycled paper previously used, each tonne of eggshell paper trays was estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 495.9 kilograms.

Switching to eggshell paper trays was our first step towards greener packaging and greatly reduced our use of plastic. However, the material had shortcomings in customer experience and product protection, so we needed to keep looking for a better solution.

Nordic inspiration: less plastic, greater impact

During a research trip to Sweden, we noticed a lighting shop using beautifully designed, environmentally considerate materials that also gave products excellent protection. This strengthened our determination to develop sustainable packaging.

A new approach with Taiwanese specialists

After returning home, we worked with local packaging specialists in Taiwan to develop a new protective design using corrugated board made from recycled paper pulp.

The result was sturdy, recyclable packaging, supporting our vision of becoming completely plastic-free. We are also glad to see more brands joining this effort, reducing plastic use and taking on greater corporate responsibility.

Join our green journey

We believe that every choice you make is a step towards a better future. Our exploration of sustainability continues, and we invite you to join this challenging but worthwhile journey towards a better world.