🌿 Sustainability at Whittle Waxes
How we think about sustainability — in practice
Why it matters
We all want to make better choices — for our homes, our families, and the environment around us.
The products we use every day don’t just affect the surfaces we apply them to. They can impact the air we breathe, the health of our homes, and the natural world beyond it.
We don’t believe in alarmism — but we do believe that small, considered choices add up over time.
Our approach
Our aim is simple:
To provide products that are safer for you, your home, and the environment — without compromising on performance.
That means thinking beyond just the finish itself, and considering the full life of the product — from how it’s made to how it’s used and maintained.
What goes into our products
We prioritise ingredients and formulations that are:
- Derived largely from renewable resources
- Low in harmful emissions and odours
- Safe for use in family homes
- Suitable for surfaces that come into contact with people, pets, and everyday life
The result is finishes that are not only effective, but also more pleasant to work with — and to live with.
Designed to last
One of the most important aspects of sustainability is longevity.
A finish that lasts — and can be easily maintained — reduces the need for sanding, stripping, and redoing work.
That’s why our approach focuses on:
- Durable, breathable finishes
- Simple maintenance over time
- Repair rather than replacement
It’s better for the timber, and better for the environment.
Packaging & practical choices
We’re continually looking for ways to reduce waste in how we package and ship our products.
Some of the steps we take include:
- Reusing cardboard boxes wherever possible
- Using crimped cardboard and paper-based packaging
- Replacing plastic void fill with biodegradable pulp materials
- Using recyclable tins and containers
- Choosing biodegradable tape where suitable
There are still areas we’re working on — and where practical limitations mean plastic is sometimes necessary — but we’re always looking to improve.
Behind the scenes
Sustainability isn’t just about the products — it’s also about how we operate day to day.
In our warehouse and workspace we:
- Avoid toxic or unnecessary cleaning chemicals
- Recycle and reuse materials wherever possible
- Compost organic waste and reduce general waste
These are small actions — but they reflect how we try to work as a business.
Working with like-minded partners
We work with suppliers who share our values around responsible production and long-term sustainability.
This includes a focus on the circular economy — where materials are used responsibly, waste is minimised, and products are designed to last, be maintained, and eventually be recycled.
It’s about moving away from a “use and discard” mindset, and toward a more considered, long-term approach.
Looking beyond sustainability
We believe it’s not enough just to reduce impact — we also need to give something back.
That’s why we’re working toward initiatives such as:
- Planting out a koala corridor with hundreds of trees
- Supporting long-term environmental regeneration
- Continuing to review and improve how we operate
Always improving
We don’t claim to have all the answers.
But we’re committed to asking the right questions — and to making steady, practical improvements over time.
🌿 A Simple Philosophy
Better products.
Safer homes.
A lighter footprint.
📘 Coming Soon: Free Guide
The Art of Restoration & Reuse
Restoring, reusing and making timber last.
A practical guide filled with real projects and simple techniques — showing how thoughtful care and reuse can extend the life of timber and reduce waste.
👉
Free Guide
What Our Customers Say
FAQs
The Whittle Waxes Story
Most companies go from A to Z. We went from Z (Zimbabwe) to A (Australia). What an exciting journey it has been - and it's not over yet!
Although Whittle Waxes officially launched in Australia in 2004, our journey (and love affair) with timber started a long time before that. Company founder, Giles Whittle-Herbert, grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, where he inherited a passion for working with wood that goes back generations. For many years he ran a successful carpentry business in Zimbabwe.
On arrival in Australia in 2004, Giles noticed a big gap in the market for natural and safe hardwax oils. He already had an excellent working relationship with an overseas supplier, so all he needed to do was make the Australian market aware of the many benefits of hardwax oils.
20 years later, Whittle Waxes is proud to be leading the way in the supply of natural, high quality finishes in Australian, with satisfied customers across the board, including home renovators, professional polishers, flooring suppliers, timber companies, architects, and designers.
Our Evolution Hardwax Oil continues to exceed expectations and is now a firm favourite all across the country, particularly with those who appreciate a quality finish that is safe, durable and environmentally friendly. Whittle Waxes has introduced a number of other quality products, including colour stains, exterior oils, Wax Polish and Floor Care for easy floor maintenance.
At Whittle Waxes, we genuinely love to interact with our clients so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks for all your support!