Sustainability Policy
Mission Statement:
Gold is Timeless - but our planet isn’t.
At Gold Leaf Supplies, we believe that beauty and craftsmanship shouldn't cost the Earth. While gold is a precious, finite material, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting sustainable practices throughout our supply chain and operations.
Redesigning our Packaging & Reducing Waste
We have been actively rethinking how our products are packaged and delivered. We have moved away from plastic-based packaging where we can, in favour of more sustainable, recyclable alternatives. Here’s what we’ve already changed:
- Plastic-free cushioning: We now use paper-based bubble wrap and 100% biodegradable and compostable fill chips. This still offers the same reliable protection, with a lower environmental cost.
- All of our shipping boxes are recyclable, and wherever possible, we reuse boxes from incoming deliveries.
- Paper honeycomb mailers: 100% paper, 100% recyclable, and even more protective than traditional plastic bubble lined mailers
- Paper tape: acid and plastic free, making it easier for you to recycle the boxes that you receive from us.
- We avoid excess packaging: We use just what’s needed — no more, no less.
By rethinking our packaging, we reduce our use of raw materials and lower our carbon footprint.
Supporting Long-Term use Through Art & Restoration
Gold leaf doesn’t just add that extra bit of luxury – it supports sustainable creativity and can be used to extend the life of existing objects.
Our customers use our products to:
- Restore damaged or aging furniture — from antique picture frames to heirloom mirrors
- Upcycle old items into something new and cherished — like repurposed wood tables or thrifted home decor
- Add value and craftsmanship to items that might otherwise be discarded
This is more than a creative choice — it’s a form of circular design, where gold leaf becomes part of the solution to overconsumption. By helping to preserve and elevate existing materials, we’re proud to be part of a movement that values longevity over disposability.
Sustainable Choices in Our Day-to-Day Operations
Sustainability also means looking at how we work — not just what we sell. We’ve made several changes in our own workplace to reduce our footprint:
- As many of our team members live relatively close to our office, we often car share or cycle to work when we can, helping to reduce emissions from daily commuting.
- Shipping Smarter: we aim to ship orders in the most efficient way possible – consolidating multiple items into one package and choosing the most direct shipping methods to avoid unnecessary transport emissions.
- Reusing Materials Internally: From repurposing off-cuts of packaging to using old boxes for internal storage, we minimise waste in our workspace wherever possible. We also sort and recycle materials that can’t be reused.
These may be small steps, but they reflect a larger mindset.
What We’re Working On
We know we’re not there yet — but we’re committed to progress. Sustainability is a work in progress, and here are just a few of our current and future goals:
- We are currently working on partnering up with Ecologi to further improve our climate journey. By placing an order on our website, you will soon be able to choose the option of planting a tree, which will contribute to worldwide reforestation projects. Additionally, we will be funding several projects of carbon avoidance and carbon removal on a monthly/quarterly basis.
- Expand our reuse and recycling program for packaging materials. Even though we are currently already reusing and recycling, we will keep looking to improve where we can.
- Feature more artists and makers who work with upcycled, restored, or reclaimed materials in their gilding work — shining a light on sustainable creativity.
Join Us on the Road to Improved Sustainability
Have a creative reuse project to share? Want to suggest ways we can do better? We’d love to hear from you!
Reach out at info@goldleafsupplies.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @goldleafsupply, to see how gold leaf is being used in beautiful, sustainable ways every day.