Sustainability

We are committed to producing with purpose and continually improve, to better our planet.

We’re Supporting Native Forest Restoration

At Forty Thieves, we believe small actions can create meaningful change. As part of our sustainability journey, we’ve partnered with Trees That Count to support the restoration of Aotearoa’s native forests. By funding native tree planting, we’re helping protect the environment we call home while working to mitigate our carbon footprint.

Our Partnership with Trees That Count
Through Trees That Count, we support projects that restore native forests across New Zealand. These initiatives help rebuild ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and create healthier landscapes for future generations.
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Our First Milestone
To date, we’ve funded 124 native trees, supporting the Love our Waiheke Wetlands project in Auckland. These pioneer plantings are an important step in restoring local wetlands and improving natural habitats.
Long-Term Impact
Over the next 50 years, these trees are expected to remove approximately 28 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere while supporting wildlife habitats and improving water quality. It’s one small step toward a healthier environment for people, wildlife, and our communities.

Our Impact, Measured

We believe in being open and transparent about our environmental impact, including where we are today and where we can do better.

We produce approximately 1.5 million jars each year, with our measured operational carbon footprint for FY26 estimated at 36.44 tonnes CO₂e using the Climate Action Toolbox. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to five return flights between Auckland and London.

By measuring and sharing our impact each year, we can track our progress and accurately offset our carbon footprint.

Choosing sustainable packaging

As an environmentally conscious company, we choose sustainable packaging over plastic alternatives

Recycled glass jars & metal lids

We use glass jars made from 90% recycled glass. Producing recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%.

FSC® approved paper labels

We use only FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) approved paper labels and cartons that are 100% recyclable. Our labels have are a natural textured stock.

Plastic-free online orders

We choose paper and cardboard instead of bubble wrap or other plastics to protect your jars throughout the delivery process.

"Sustainable. Motivated. Ethical"

– Sonia Lee, Boardroom Magazine Autumn 2023

Combatting food waste

We’re passionate about helping to feed our community, protect wildlife and support local schools.

When our production team switches between nut butter textures, we bottle up the surplus into what we call Second Chance nut butters.

These jars are donated to NZ charities including our local soup kitchen; Love Soup and conservation group; Pest-Free Hibiscus Coast.

AVERY DENNISON RECYCLING PROGRAMME

Thousands of metric tonnes of label waste ends up in landfill every year.

Made from paper and silicone, our label backing (the paper that our labels come on) is processed and split overseas, and then recycled into tissue paper.

This initiative is both traceable and measurable giving us peace of mind that Forty Thieves label backing isn’t getting lost in transit.

Download the full impact report