Sustainable Packaging: Our Commitment to the Planet

When we founded The Gourmet Company, we knew that creating beautiful gift hampers came with a responsibility to minimise our environmental impact. The gifting industry, by its nature, generates significant packaging waste, and we were determined to be part of the solution rather than the problem.

Our sustainability journey began with a comprehensive audit of our packaging materials. We discovered that by making thoughtful changes at every stage of the process, from sourcing to delivery, we could dramatically reduce our environmental footprint without compromising on the premium experience our customers expect.

Our hamper boxes are made from FSC-certified cardboard, sourced from responsibly managed forests. We designed them to be sturdy, beautiful, and multi-purpose: many of our customers repurpose them as storage boxes, display pieces, or organisers. By creating packaging worth keeping, we extend its life cycle and reduce waste.

Inside the box, we replaced traditional plastic fillers with biodegradable alternatives. Our cushioning material is made from recycled paper pulp that can be composted in your home garden. The tissue paper we use is produced with soy-based inks and is fully recyclable. Even our ribbon is made from organic cotton that can biodegrade naturally.

Our shipping materials received the same attention. We eliminated single-use plastic tape in favour of paper-based alternatives. Our outer shipping boxes are made from 100% recycled cardboard and printed with water-based inks. During warmer months, when temperature-sensitive products require insulation, we use wool-based insulating liners that are both effective and compostable.

We have also addressed the challenge of individual product packaging. We work closely with our artisan partners to encourage sustainable packaging for their products. Several of our suppliers have switched to glass jars, recyclable aluminium tins, and compostable wrappers as a result of these conversations.

Our returnable hamper programme, launched in 2024, takes sustainability a step further. Customers in Mumbai can opt for our premium wooden hamper boxes and return them after use. We sanitise and recondition them for reuse, creating a circular model that significantly reduces material consumption.

Looking ahead, our goal is to achieve zero-waste packaging by 2026. We are investing in research into innovative materials, including seaweed-based wraps and mushroom-based packaging, that could revolutionise how we present our products. We believe that luxury and sustainability are not just compatible, they are complementary, and we are committed to proving that every day.