Environment

Nkuku is an environmentally aware company. We endeavour to create products using recycled and natural materials through sustainable methods of production.  We consider the environment in everything we do and it has a large impact on the products that we sell.  This being said we are under no illusions and are aware that to truly help the environment it is better to reuse things, not waste things and not buy gifts that you don't really need!  Not very good for business! On the positive side, if you are buying a gift then at the very least Nkuku offers a product that has considered the environment.  We hope that the items you do purchase will be kept for a lifetime, perhaps storing priceless memories in one of our albums and passing them on to the next generation.

Nkuku is a member of BAFTS, WFTO and has been awarded the Blue Butterfly Trust Mark.

Environmental Policy 

Product Development 

• Design and source products to minimize the environmental impact of both production and distribution.
• Ensure the product developed is not a fashion item but has longevity within the market.
• Select items that are handmade by skilled artisans through sustainable methods of production.
• Use recycled materials and natural dyes where possible.
• Ensure any materials used in the production of Nkuku goods are taken through the appropriate channels, have the correct government certification and meet European Union standards. 
• Import using sea freight and avoid air freight to limit damage to the environment
• Encourage the continued use handmade crafts,  age - old techniques and traditions.
• Prohibit the use of animal testing

• Practice an efficient recycling policy in the office.
• Continue to reassess packaging methods and ways of reducing the impact on the environment.
• Use recycled material for packaging and filler where possible
• Re-use packaging where possible
• Ensure all company literature and marketing collateral is printed on recycled paper
• Ensure re-use of paper and envelopes.
• Ensure Green procurement where possible for office materials – e.g. all paper recycled.
• Use chinaware provided for refreshments not disosable cups or plates.
• Separate out recyclables and recycle locally
• Turn off PC monitors when not in use
• Turn off PCs and network printers every evening
• Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible.
• Actively promote recycling both internally and amongst its customers and suppliers.
• Practice car sharing to work.

Information on materials currently used in production of Nkuku products.

Jute

We use natural jute in the manufacture of our rugs and baskets. Jute is a great eco product as it is made from natural vegetable fibre that can be spun into coarse strong threads. This makes it perfect for creating strong, durable rugs and baskets. 

Cotton Paper

Our photograph albums and journals are handmade from cotton paper.  Created from pieces of recycled cotton, this ancient paper making skill has been passed on from generation to generation.  The cotton is not grown specifically for papermaking; instead, we collect the cotton left over from the clothing industry. It would otherwise go to waste.  The paper is perfect for photograph albums and journals and it is great to think that each sheet has been made by hand. 

Wool

Our wool throws are hand made from recycled wool and finished with a soft felt border.  The discarded wool garments are collected and all the buttons, zips and poppers removed; leaving only the wool.  This wool is then sorted into colours and these colour groups are then ground into a very thin fibre; this fibre is then turned into new wool yarn creating stylish new products to use again and again.

Saris

We use recycled traditional heavy saris; some up to 25 years old to make our heavy sari range. The sari's come in assortment of rich colours made from luxurious silk threads. This ensures that each album and journal is always unique. We use recycled Kantha saris to line our Savannah Leather Range and small purses.

Wood 

The majority of our wood products are hand made from mango wood. The mango wood is sustainable and is FSC certified. The Mango trees are initially grown for their fruit but once they have stopped producing they can be cut down and used to create wood products. The removal of the old trees makes space for farmers to plant new mango trees. This not only means that none of the wood is wasted but offers a supplementary income to mango wood farmers. 

The she sham wood we use is taken from sustainable forests and is government certified.  

Paints/Dyes

We work with as many natural dyes as possible, such as tree bark and vegetable extract. All other dyes that are used with our products contain no harmful ingredients and are AZO free and chemical free dyes and meet with EU legislation.

Metals

We use recycled metal in the manufacture of many of our products. Our frames are handmade from either a mix of recycled light metals or aluminum. Recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy and produces only 5% of the CO2 emissions as compared with primary production and reduces waste going to landfill. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely.

Glass

Nkuku's glass products are made from recycled glass. Although glass is one of the most harmless materials produced by the world (this is because it is essentially made of raw materials) it does not break down in landfill. Recycling glass not only saves energy (50% less energy than that required to make new glass) but is an ongoing process, as glass can be recycled continually. This means we can create new beautiful glass products with less impact on our environment.