We Take Sustainability Seriously
Below you’ll find a list of ways we go green and can easily contribute to your properties’ own eco efforts.
Carbon-Neutral
LATHER is a carbon-neutral company through our partnership with Carbonfund.org. All of LATHER’s business activities are audited annually and a contribution is made to offset the company’s carbon footprint through investments in sustainability, such as reforestation projects around the world.
Energy Efficiency
LATHER employees commuting via public transportation are reimbursed, and energy-efficient lighting is used when our natural skylights need to be supplemented.
Green Team
At our corporate office, we have a volunteer-based “Green Team” whose responsibilities include identifying new opportunities for eco-minded actions, implementing paper and plastic recycling programs, and ensuring proper disposal of computer and technological equipment. Achievements have included the introduction of sample packs, shopping bags, cartons, and gift cards made from post-consumer recycled materials. We’ve also implemented in-store recycling programs, where customers receive a discount when they bring back their empty LATHER containers.
Philanthropy
LATHER is proud of our continual work to support local and national organizations that share our values. Our latest project is working to establish the first community garden open to all residents of our home town, Pasadena, California. Community gardens have been shown to offer significant environmental benefits including reduced air pollution, city heat, and surface erosion.
LATHER has partnered with the Baobab Guardians Programme, a non-profit in South Africa that supports the future of the baobab tree population while empowering women whose employment opportunities are limited. Studies show that environmental degradation and climate change are negatively impacting the baobab tree's survival in the long term. Through this unique tree-planting program, women become guardians of baobab seedlings and watch over them until they can survive on their own in nature. The guardians are rewarded financially for each complete stage. When you buy any of our Baobab & Shea Collection products, we donate $1 to the non-profit Baobab Guardians Programme.
Formulations
We were one of the first natural product brands in the industry. Our in-room soaps are vegetable-based, and our product formulations are able to be free of sulfates, parabens, urea, propylene glycol, mineral oil, all petrol-derived ingredients and artificial colorants.
Packaging
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials - Up to 100% of our bottles, 40% of tubes and up to 100% of cartons and paper can be made from post-consumer recycled materials, which eliminates the need to use virgin resources such as petroleum and trees in order to produce new products. Collections made with PCR materials are then able to be recycled again, further extending the environmental benefits.
EcoPure
LATHER is proud to be the first high-end personal care company to utilize EcoPure, an FDA compliant, organic compound added in small amounts to traditional plastic. For more information about EcoPure visit www.goecopure.com.
Soy-based Inks
We happily use soy-based inks for paper and carton printing, which are naturally low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Soy beans are a clean renewable and sustainable resource, unlike the alternative petroleum or chemicals found in traditional inks. Soy ink is also easier to remove from paper during the recycling process than oil-based ink.
End of Life
LATHER is a recognized partner of Clean the World, an organization that recycles used soaps and amenities from hotels and distributes them to third-world countries and others in need. LATHER encourages all of its hospitality clients to explore working with Clean the World to minimize environmental waste and supply vital personal hygiene products to people in need around the world.
Manufacturing
LATHER works with only the most efficient manufacturing partners to ensure not only the most reliable and cost efficient products, but also the leanest manufacturing processes with the least impact on the environment, minimizing energy use and pollution.
Distribution
LATHER's distribution centers are strategically and regionally located to correlate with customer demand to accommodate efficient local deliveries and minimize OTR (over the road/long haul) delivery to clients. We ship full truckloads and consolidated orders when possible and we encourage customers to order less frequently to save shipping costs and reduce greenhouse emissions. Further, LATHER chooses to work with delivery carriers that have biofuel options.
Environmental Achievements
Our Bamboo Lemongrass Collection won the IHM&RS Editors' Choice Award for “Best New Product, Green Guest Amenities” at the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) in November 2012.
Retail products have won various editorial awards, including Natural Solutions 2012 “Beauty with a Conscience” awards showcasing the best products that meet stringent standards for safety and purity.
Kind Traveler
The heart that loves travel is the heart that can do good things for the whole community – people, animals, and the environment. And that's why we created Kind Traveler, a Public Benefit Corporation that's the first socially conscious 'Give + Get' hotel booking platform that transforms travelers into a financial force for good.
As our brand continues to grow, we aim to take our holistic vision to a higher level, seeking out opportunities to give back to the community, educate our customers, sustain the environment, and continue support endeavors that help others lead a more radiant life.