Policies - Environmental Policies

Nkuku is committed to reducing its environmental impact while creating timeless, handcrafted homeware using natural, recycled and responsibly sourced materials. We consider environmental impact across product design, sourcing, packaging, transport, operations and end of life.

Product development

We design products with longevity, repairability and responsible material use in mind.

Materials

  • We prioritise natural, recycled, upcycled and responsibly sourced materials, including recycled glass, reclaimed metals, cotton offcuts, leather offcuts, recycled saris and other industry waste streams.
  • We encourage suppliers to expand the use of recycled inputs and reduce their environmental impact.
  • We avoid unnecessary composite materials that make products harder to recycle.

Product life

  • We aim to make durable, repairable and timeless products.
  • We encourage customers to buy better and buy fewer, valuing craftsmanship and long product life.

Packaging

We continually review how our products are protected in transit while reducing packaging. Many products must travel through monsoon conditions, extreme heat, rural road networks and international sea routes. Effective protection matters because breakage and replacement create further environmental impact.

Progress to date

  • An 85% reduction in plastic packaging since 2019 through redesign and material changes
  • Removal of plastic void fill, including bubble wrap and air pillow bags, from UK outbound deliveries
  • Replacement of small boxes with recyclable paper mail bags, reducing cardboard use
  • Retail box redesign that saves 4 tonnes of cardboard each year
  • Use of recycled corrugated cardboard for outbound cartons
  • Reuse of original supplier packaging for outbound trade orders where possible

Next steps

  • Remove remaining polystyrene from the supply chain
  • Continue the transition from bubble wrap to corrugated paper protection
  • Review packaging annually and publish material updates
  • Work with suppliers to increase the availability of recycled and recyclable protective materials

International freight

International logistics are a significant source of emissions. We use sea freight wherever possible and only use air freight in exceptional operational circumstances.

  • We consolidate shipments to reduce emissions per unit.
  • We maximise container fill and use 40-foot high-cube containers where appropriate.
  • We combine goods from multiple suppliers where this reduces the number of containers required.

UK operations

  • Our head office follows a zero-waste-to-landfill policy through a specialist local waste management company.
  • Hybrid and remote working reduce commuting requirements and support employee wellbeing.
  • Our Cycle to Work scheme encourages active travel.
  • We seek to reduce energy use through efficient lighting, heating controls and responsible procurement.
  • We continue to review renewable electricity options.

Customer deliveries

  • We use reduced and zero-tailpipe-emission courier services where practical.
  • We optimise parcel size to support more efficient last-mile delivery.

Returns and circularity

  • We aim to resell, repurpose or reuse as many returned goods as possible.
  • We work with specialist resale and liquidation partners so products can be given a second life.
  • We analyse returns data to improve product design, packaging and damage prevention.

Measurement and governance

  • We measure Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions annually.
  • We communicate environmental expectations through supplier standards and material guidelines.
  • We review supplier performance and share learning to support improvement.
  • We review this policy annually and update it when our activity, evidence or regulatory obligations change.

Future priorities

  • Increase renewable energy use across operational sites
  • Work with suppliers on lower-impact finishes and dyes
  • Explore take-back schemes for selected product categories
  • Expand product care and repair guidance
  • Continue reducing waste across our operations and supply chain

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