KariKari Sustainability Commitment

At KariKari, we believe that caring for your skin, hair, and body goes hand-in-hand with caring for our planet. We’re a small but growing beauty brand rooted in East Africa, and we want to be transparent about our journey towards sustainability. This statement outlines where we are today – including an honest acknowledgement of our current plastic packaging – and where we’re headed as we transition to eco-friendlier solutions aligned with our eco-conscious philosophy.

Acknowledging Our Current Use of Plastic

Honesty is the first step to accountability. The reality is that many of our products are currently packaged in plastic containers. We know plastic has significant environmental drawbacks – globally, an estimated 91% of plastic is never recycled, ending up in landfills or as pollution . Here in Nairobi and Kampala, plastic waste is a visible challenge, and we don’t shy away from the fact that KariKari is contributing to this problem by using plastic jars and bottles for now.

Why do we use plastic today? As a small business, plastic packaging has been the most accessible and practical choice for protecting our skin, hair, and body care formulations. It’s lightweight, durable, and affordable – important factors for a young brand trying to deliver quality products to our community. However, “accessible” doesn’t mean “ideal.” We are fully aware that single-use plastics are not a sustainable long-term solution. In line with our values, we take responsibility for this current reality and are actively working on solutions.

We want to assure you that this is a temporary step in our journey. Being honest means admitting we have room to improve – and we absolutely do. Our commitment is to evolve beyond plastic, and we’re investing time and resources to make that happen as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re implementing creative ways to reduce the impact of the plastic we do use (more on this below).

Our Commitment to Sustainable Packaging

KariKari is wholeheartedly committed to transitioning to sustainable packaging. Our vision for the near future is to package our products in materials like glass or 100% recycled plastic – solutions that are kinder to the environment while still keeping your products safe and effective. Here’s what we’re working towards:

•            Glass Containers: We plan to introduce glass jars and bottles for our product lines. Glass packaging is not only elegant and non-reactive with natural formulations, but it’s also 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly without quality loss . By moving to glass, we aim to significantly reduce plastic waste and ensure that our packaging can be part of a circular economy (glass can be melted down and remade indefinitely). We’re sourcing sturdy, attractive glass containers that you’ll be able to repurpose or recycle easily. Our goal is that over time, the majority of KariKari products will come in glass – a big step toward eliminating single-use plastic from our supply chain.

•            Recycled Plastic Options: Where glass isn’t feasible (for example, certain hair care bottles or where breakage is a concern), we are exploring 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic for our packaging. This means using plastic that has been collected, cleaned, and reprocessed into new containers, rather than virgin plastic. Using recycled plastic drastically cuts down on the need for new plastic production and keeps waste out of the environment. In fact, a recent initiative in Kenya showed that packaging made from 100% recycled plastic can eliminate thousands of tonnes of new plastic use and pioneer a circular economy model . We’re learning from such examples to adopt packaging that has a life before and after its time with you. Our aim is to ensure any plastic we do use is not new plastic, but material given a second life – and that it remains recyclable after you’re done with it.

•            Timeline & Transparency: Transitioning packaging materials is a process that involves redesigning products, finding reliable suppliers, and ensuring the new packaging meets health and safety standards. We are actively prototyping and testing these sustainable packaging options. By 2026, you’ll start seeing limited-edition KariKari products in glass bottles and jars. By 2027, we aim for all new product launches to use either glass or recycled plastic packaging. We will keep you updated every step of the way. Our promise is to be transparent about our progress – and any challenges – as we shift to earth-friendlier packaging.

This commitment to sustainable packaging isn’t just a business decision; it’s part of who we are. KariKari was founded on an eco-conscious philosophy – from ethically sourced ingredients to chemical-free formulations – and packaging is the next frontier in living out that philosophy. We’re excited about the changes on the horizon and the positive impact they’ll have on our planet.

Looking Forward: Our Promise

Our journey toward sustainable packaging and practices is ongoing, and we are committed to continuous improvement. We know we won’t become 100% eco-friendly overnight, but we intend to make steady, sincere progress. We owe it to you – and to the beautiful environment that inspires our ingredients – to push for better solutions every day.

Moving from plastic to glass or recycled packaging, setting up refill stations, collaborating with recyclers, and incentivizing our customers – these are not just corporate checkboxes for us. They are a reflection of KariKari’s core belief that business can be a force for good. By prioritizing feasible steps and community impact, we aim to show that even a small beauty brand can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for reading and for holding us accountable. Every time you choose KariKari, you’re not just buying a product – you’re supporting a young brand’s aspiration to do better for our planet. We invite you to join us on this path. Return your empties, come refill with us, share your ideas, and keep encouraging us to improve. With your help, we’ll transform KariKari’s packaging and practices into a model of sustainability that we can all be proud of.

Together, let’s nurture beauty sustainably – one bottle, one refill, one community at a time. 🌿🤝