Wild Sage + Co.

Packaging
Plastic use is virtually eliminated from both product and shipping materials. All soaps and solid products are sold either “naked” or simply wrapped in recyclable, compostable paper. Liquid items (like the Bath & Body Oil and Plastic Free Conditioner) come in reusable/recyclable containers, such as aluminum tins or bottles, with minimal plastic components. Wild Sage + Co also sells plastic-free paper packing tape for shipping, using a kraft paper tape with natural rubber adhesive. For order shipments, the brand uses recyclable or compostable fillers (often starch-based packing peanuts or recycled paper).

Ingredient Sustainability
Notably, the brand avoids any use of palm oil, a crop notorious for deforestation; instead they substitute local or less intensive oils such as rapeseed (canola) and sunflower seed oil. Wild Sage + Co also incorporates wildcrafted botanicals: they grow herbs in their own garden to infuse into products, and utilize natural clays (French green clay, pink clay) and salts (Epsom, Himalayan pink salt) for color and therapeutic properties. Such minerals are naturally occurring and used in modest amounts.

Wild Sage + Co emphasizes sustainably sourced and organic ingredients but does not detail every supply chain. Some high-impact ingredients simply aren’t used at all (no palm, no petrochemicals, no microplastics). Others, like argan oil and shea butter, are noted as organic on product pages, which usually implies ethical sourcing. Still, the brand does not detail the origin or farming practices behind each ingredient (so we don’t know if, say, their coconut oil is certified sustainable or their cocoa butter is fair trade).

The only notable synthetic ingredients are in a few specialty formulations where a safe synthetic is needed for performance – for example, the Plastic Free Conditioner. This product is 100% vegan and plant-based but does contain a conditioning emulsifier (Behentrimonium Methosulfate, with cetearyl alcohol) and mild preservatives. These ingredients are lab-made from natural sources (BTMS is derived from rapeseed oil) and are readily biodegradable in wastewater​

Energy Use and Footprint
Wild Sage + Co has a relatively small operational footprint, but there is limited public information on their energy use or carbon emissions. As a cottage-based manufacturer, production is small-scale and manual, which inherently consumes less energy than mass production in large factories.

Waste Management
By focusing on reusables, compostables, and long-lasting goods, they significantly cut down waste generated both in production and after consumer use.

When they discontinued a product (their salt scrub), they published a DIY recipe on their blog to let customers make it themselves rather than forcing them to buy a packaged replacement. Encouraging DIY and refill practices is an unusual but commendable way to reduce waste and consumption.

Also on the production side, the closed-loop thinking means they try to use every part of their raw materials. Plant matter that goes into extracts yields multiple outputs (oil, hydrosol, etc.), and what remains can likely be composted. Although not explicitly stated, it’s consistent with their kaitiakitanga philosophy that organic waste (e.g. spent kawakawa leaves or flaxseed press cake) would be returned to the soil on the farm as natural fertilizer. Any cooling water or condenser water in distillation is reused in the next batch, reducing waste water.

Business Model
Wild Sage + Co operates a direct-to-consumer and small-scale wholesale business model built around transparency and ethical production. The brand sells its products primarily through its own website and at select stockists (listed on their site) which include eco-friendly boutiques and refill stores. The product range is thoughtfully curated and relatively focused.