ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION and SUSTAINABILITY
Since the founding of Gourmet Navigator AG, we have been committed to ensuring sustainability in both production and distribution. We carefully select manufacturers’ products and help guide their development.
Cosmetics are always a global commodity. Even so-called Swiss products can only be produced using global ingredients. The designation SWISS COSMETICS or Made in Switzerland should therefore not always be taken literally. No product comes 100% from Switzerland.
Here we discuss our sustainability and that of our manufacturers. We also set out the criteria for our product standards here.
CONTENTS
- None of our ingredients have any hormonal effects and are therefore safe for children
- These are biodegradable and can be broken down in standard sewage treatment plants.
- Sunscreen products must be REEF SAFE and must not harm marine flora and fauna.
- We NEVER use nanoparticles in our products, as current methods cannot filter them out of water and they may cause unknown effects in the bloodstream.
- We label all ingredients according to the INCI international nomenclature. We do not use fantasy names or marketing names, or we replace them with their INCI equivalents.
- We do not sell any products containing NANO particles.
- All make-up products are biodegradable or of natural origin (minerals).
- Palm oil is not used. The Environ products containing palm oil have been or will be removed.
- The use of perfumes is avoided in 95% of cases. 5% of the products use natural fragrances which, according to INCI, must be labelled as ‘perfume’.
- 100% of artificial colourings are avoided.
- All products are dermatologically tested.
- None of our products or ingredients are EVER tested on animals.
- We used to label products that are vegan. TODAY we label products that are not vegan, as over 90% of our SKUs are now vegan. In the case of jane iredale skin care make-up, the figure is as high as 98%.
- Unfortunately, microplastics have not yet disappeared. We avoid including products in our range that contain polymer particles made from mineral oil. In fact, microplastics made from compostable materials are available today.
PACKAGING
- Where available, we also offer bulk packs to consumers to reduce packaging waste.
- Most primary packaging is made from recycled PVC. For these manufacturers, the figure is as high as 98%: Jane Iredale, Healing Earth, Juliette Armand and EPIONCE.
- All manufacturers use recycled cardboard with water-soluble inks for secondary packaging.
- Many manufacturers have followed our advice and now offer products WITHOUT cardboard packaging. This helps protect the environment, and you can find the exact details on our website for each product.
- Plexiglass is no longer used. The transparent packaging is made of biodegradable plastic (Healing Earth) or glass. Aluminium packaging has also been phased out due to excessive energy consumption. Only Delta still uses plastic.
TRANSPORT and SHIPPING
- All imported freight is CO2 offset at our expense.
- The most environmentally friendly option is selected.
- The goods are stored at the Ancora Meilestei social foundation in Wetzikon.
- The goods are packed by staff of the foundation. Apprentices are being trained.
- 99.5% of the packaging material is made from recycled cardboard or paper. 0.05% is bubble wrap. Our suppliers adhere to the same standards.
- The boxes containing the returned goods are reused 100% of the time.
- On request, we will collect all cardboard boxes from our customers for reuse.
- Deliveries are fulfilled exclusively via Swiss Post, as they maintain a public environmental footprint.
- We always offset parcel shipping through PRO-Clima. No extra charge for the customer.
- We strive to keep packaging as small as possible to minimise our environmental impact.
PRINTED MATERIALS
- All printed materials are produced with CO2 offsetting.
- Printing is carried out exclusively on FCK paper or, where available, on recycled paper.
- 100% water-soluble paints are used. No varnishes are used.
Suggestions? Feedback? We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding sustainability.
The person responsible for this page is:
Daniel W. Staeger, Managing Director of Gourmet Navigator AG, 8700 Küsnacht Switzerland
Update 3 August 2023