What does sustainability mean to us?
Sustainability is not a marketing term for us, but the core of our brand. The brand BIRKENSPANNER originally emerged from a simple question: How can glitter work without harming the environment?
Most glitter on the market is made of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles enter rivers, lakes, and ultimately the environment through wastewater after makeup is removed, where they are virtually impossible to break down.
Our biodegradable glitter takes a different approach. It is made from plant-based cellulose and is certified biodegradable. This means that when it is washed off, it breaks down as part of the natural cycle instead of remaining in the environment as microplastics indefinitely. This innovation alone forms the heart of our company and, for us, represents the most important contribution to greater sustainability in the world of cosmetics and glitter.
PRODUCTS & MATERIALS
When developing our products, we make sure that they are both skin-friendly and environmentally friendly.
We deliberately avoid harsh or unnecessary chemical ingredients and instead rely on formulations that are as simple and skin-compatible as possible. Whether glitter, primer, or oils, our products should work well without unnecessarily burdening people or the environment.
Another important aspect for BIRKENSPANNER is transparency regarding raw materials and manufacturing. We try to source our components as locally as possible, preferably from Germany or Europe, to keep transport distances and the associated emissions as low as possible.
Our products are also manufactured predominantly in Germany, especially in and around Cologne. This gives us short supply routes, good control over quality and production processes, and allows us to work directly with our partners.
BIRKENSPANNER strives to operate its business with as little plastic as possible. Our goal is to avoid plastic wherever possible.
That is why we primarily use materials such as glass or metal. We only use minimal amounts of plastic when there is no technically viable alternative.
We also make sure to use packaging materials that are as simple and easy to recycle as possible. We consciously try to avoid composite materials or heavily coated packaging that is difficult to recycle.
Our goal is not perfection, but continuous improvement. Whenever we find a better solution, we try to implement it.
Social Engagement
For BIRKENSPANNER, sustainability means not only environmental responsibility but also social engagement.
We regularly support social initiatives and organizations, for example through product donations or collaborations with projects and associations. These include campaigns with organizations such as Viva con Agua and other nonprofit initiatives.
We also enjoy working with other sustainable companies and start-ups. We believe that change works best when people and companies support one another.
Shipping to your home
As an online shop, shipping our products is an important part of what we do. At the same time, we know that logistics always involves emissions and the use of resources. That’s why we aim to make our shipping processes as efficient and resource-conscious as possible and continuously work to improve them.
When it comes to packaging, we make sure to use as little material as possible. We always choose the smallest suitable package size, avoid unnecessary filling material wherever possible, and ensure that our shipments are packaged with little to no plastic. We also only print documents such as delivery notes or invoices when absolutely necessary.
Whenever possible, we ship all orders via DHL GoGreen. This means that the emissions generated during transport are offset through investments in certified climate protection projects.
At the same time, we are constantly looking for more efficient and sustainable shipping solutions — for example through optimized packaging sizes, shorter transport routes, or new logistics approaches that can help reduce emissions even further.
Despite all our efforts, one thing remains true: the most sustainable way to shop is often locally. That’s why we are partnering with more and more stores that carry our products. With our Store Locator, you can easily find the nearest retailer and discover our products in person. We update the overview regularly, as our network continues to grow and new partner stores are added all the time
Mica gives many cosmetic products their characteristic shimmer, but this raw material is repeatedly criticized because of its origin. Where does mica actually come from, what problems are associated with its extraction, and which alternatives do we use?
In our article, we explain transparently how we at BIRKENSPANNER handle this raw material and why we primarily rely on more responsible alternatives.
Aluminum is used in many cosmetic products, but why exactly? What role does this raw material play in glitter and other products, and why do we at BIRKENSPANNER consciously choose not to use it?
In our article, we explain what aluminum is doing in cosmetics, how we develop our products without aluminum-containing additives, and why transparent ingredients are important to us.
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