At Treat Kitchen, we’re always looking for ways to do things better for the environment and for our community. Running a sweet gifting business means we use a lot of packaging, so we’ve made it a priority to cut down on waste and reuse as much as we can. From turning old boxes into protective filler to helping out with local projects in Nottingham, we’re proud to be making changes that have a positive impact both inside and outside our business.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: From Boxes to Protective Filler
When it comes to packaging, we’ve taken a big step forward in reducing waste. Instead of buying new filler materials, we invested in a shredder machine that transforms the cardboard boxes we receive into protective filler for customer orders. This way, every order is packaged with recycled material, keeping your treats safe on their journey to you.
It might not look the prettiest compared to glossy store-bought packaging, but it does the job brilliantly. And the best bit? It’s far kinder to the environment. Reusing what we already have means fewer materials going to landfill and a smaller carbon footprint.
We also reuse boxes wherever we can- because sometimes the most sustainable step is the simplest one: giving existing packaging a second life.
Supporting Local Charities and Community Projects
Sustainability isn’t just about the planet- it’s about people, too. We’re proud to support charities close to our hearts, including Base 51, which helps young people in Nottingham, and Double Impact, which provides support for people recovering from addiction.
Every Christmas, we also take part in the Nottingham Basket Brigade, helping deliver festive hampers and gifts to families who could use a little extra joy during the holidays. For us, it’s not just about giving treats - it’s about helping create memories and spreading kindness when it’s needed most.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves in the Community
We’re big believers in hands-on help. Over the years, our team has joined in with all sorts of community projects, from supporting the Canal and River Trust with weekly plant watering to helping a local primary school plant trees. They might sound like small things, but together they make a real difference to the spaces we live and work in.
One of our favourite activities is hosting gingerbread decorating sessions at Stonebridge City Farm. These events bring people together, reduce waste by using up leftover gingerbread kits, and always boost our team’s morale. There’s nothing like a bit of icing and sprinkles to remind us what community spirit is all about!
Why It Matters to Us
As a small business, we know our choices matter. Every time we reuse a box, support a local cause, or take part in a community project, we’re making a contribution to something bigger. Sustainability isn’t a one-off project—it’s a mindset.
We’re not perfect (and we don’t pretend to be), but we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and excited to keep finding new ways to do better. At Treat Kitchen, sustainability means creating gifts that feel good to give, taste good to enjoy, and leave behind a little less waste.
Looking Ahead
We’ll keep finding ways to reduce our impact, whether that’s through packaging innovations, waste reduction, or more local projects. Most importantly, we’ll continue to put sustainability and community at the heart of everything we do.
Because for us, making life sweeter isn’t just about what’s inside the jar or the box—it’s about how we treat the world around us.
