About Shipping - Simple and Waste-Free, Kind to Nature -
our packaging
Introducing Nagaraj'sInitiatives
Minimal packaging.We are committed to environmental considerations while keeping shipping costs down.
01
Minimal Packaging to Reduce Shipping Costs
Typically, cosmetics come with an outer box called a cosmetic box and packaging to protect the product. At Nagaraj, we prioritize minimal packaging to keep shipping costs down. We don't include cosmetic boxes, and our e-commerce products are sent in minimal plastic bags for product protection.
Shipping costs are an additional burden for customers, beyond the product itself. We strive to keep shipping costs from increasing so that our products remain affordable even for customers in remote areas.
(By the way, I've accidentally dropped the glass storage bottle from the top of the refrigerator and onto a hard floor in a cafe several times, but it has never broken. It arrives safely with regular shipping.)
02
Because I've Seen Mountains of Trash
As a hairstylist and makeup artist, I have many opportunities to receive cosmetics. When I open them, removing the products from numerous outer boxes and packages, an incredible amount of waste is generated. I really disliked the mountains of trash created by cosmetic packaging alone.
Of course, outer boxes have their advantages. They protect products from damage, look nice on the outside, and allow for product descriptions. Packaging has many benefits.
The reason cosmetic shipping costs tend to be high is due to the weight and shape of the cosmetics themselves. Many cosmetics cannot be sent in small packages, which inevitably increases shipping costs. Design costs for packaging are also considerable. While aesthetics are very important, Nagaraj is committed to reducing waste, keeping shipping costs down, and focusing on the contents without spending excessive money on design.
03
We Only Spend Money onContents and Storage Containers
We spend money on the contents (oil) and the storage containers. Everything else is kept to a minimum.
Storage containers are very important for oil. Since we don't add additives, it's crucial to prevent oxidation with light-blocking containers. If plastic products are used, their chemicals can sometimes leach into the oil. Because oil is a living natural material, the storage container is extremely important. (For those purchasing refills, we recommend transferring to a light-blocking storage bottle as soon as possible.)
Therefore, light-blocking glass bottles are the most suitable containers for oil storage. We minimize costs other than the contents and storage containers. To keep shipping costs down, we use bottles that fit into Nekoposu (a small parcel delivery service).
We do receive requests for container improvements, but changing the current containers would require a cost adjustment. Given the recent rise in prices, we have decided that we cannot further increase the current price of the oil.
04
To Use Glass Bottles for a Long Time
Instead, we offer refill pouches. We created refill pouches with the idea of giving back to those who want to reuse expensive glass storage bottles for as long as possible.
When Nagaraj was first launched, we didn't have enough money to produce refill pouches. At that time, we sold sets of three bottles to customers, but after hearing requests for "larger sizes" and "it's bothersome to throw away glass bottles," we eventually created the pouches once we had sufficient funding, thanks to many people seeing our posts on social media.
Fortunately, the refill pouches have been well-received by repeat customers, and we often hear feedback such as "it's great to be able to buy refills cheaply."
05
Packaging Materials, As Much Paper As Possible
Minimal packaging. We tried various things when the brand was first launched, but the result of our efforts to keep shipping costs down and minimize plastic led us to our current form, where we choose outer packaging materials made of paper as much as possible.
The founder has received and used countless cosmetics over the years, but when it came to disposing of the waste, there were always large amounts of air-cushioned materials and too much non-recyclable packaging, making sorting a hassle. While getting beautifully packaged products was exciting, the subsequent chore of waste disposal was unpleasant.
Therefore, by using paper for packaging materials as much as possible, we made it easier to dispose of them as recyclable waste. There is still room for improvement, and things may change as our product line expands. Nevertheless, we want to continue to be as considerate as possible.
The Scenery I Sawin Rural India
When I lived in rural India,I saw wild animals living alongsidemountains of trash every day.
When picking up trash, plastic, glass, pottery, and all sorts of things emerge from the soil. In Japan, incineration facilities are excellent and can burn various things, but in India, it's difficult and high-temperature incineration is not possible. Countries like that should be doing more for environmental protection, but it's often challenging.
This experience in Indialed to my current environmental awareness.
Wild peacock walking on a pile of trash
There are many perfect, luxuriousbrands out there.And they are wonderful in their own way.But if these small efforts,which I have experienced and worked onsince launching Nagaraj,can be a trigger for even a slight changein someone's mindset––With that thought, I continue.
