FAQ - Relevant questions
We strive to be as open and transparent as possible about our operations and have therefore compiled a list of questions that have come up along the way. As a company that works with sustainability issues, we believe it is more important to dare to be transparent than to pretend to be perfect. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at info@gustafochlinnea.se.
How many bee colonies do you have?
In the winter of 2021/2022, we will overwinter 50 bee colonies, and then it remains to be seen how many will survive the winter.
Do you practice organic beekeeping?
No, it takes about two years to be classified as organic beekeeping, and that is something we are striving for in the long term.
Do you use your own beeswax and honey in your skin care products?
No, we primarily use beeswax and honey from certified organic beekeepers, and secondarily from Swedish beekeepers.
Are the skin care products certified organic?
No, not at present, but we will be applying for certification shortly.
Why do you useEPS plastic hives for your bees?
When we started beekeeping, the idea was to have half wooden hives and half EPS hives, but there was a problem with the delivery of the wooden hives, which meant that we had to choose EPS hives for all of our beehives. Gustaf's back problems also contributed to the choice of EPS hives, as they are easier to lift and adjust. We will gradually change the hive material to at least 50% organic material.
Where do the cardboard sleeves come from?
The cardboard packaging comes from a factory in China. Of course, we would prefer to buy them locally, but we have not found any equivalent alternatives at this time. However, we have been careful to check that working conditions are as good as they can be for factory workers and order as many tubes as we can at a time to limit emissions from shipping by boat.
How can the product be allergy-free when there are people who are allergic to honey/beeswax/rapeseed/vanilla?
The product has been safety tested by an independent chemist according to the Swedish Medical Products Agency's criteria. According to the Cosmetics Act, the product must be labeled as "allergy-free." We do not get involved in any debate about whether hypersensitivity or allergy is the case; we refer such questions to the Swedish Medical Products Agency, as they determine the laws we follow.
Why is there a hole in the middle of the lip balm?
All lip balm a dip in the middle; most manufacturers heat the top of the lip balm to make it look nicer. We have chosen to celebrate the hole, because that's how the lip balm wants to look.
My lip balm filled to the brim, so is it less than 8.5 grams?
No, the tubes hold 10 grams. We've written 8.5 grams so that we can always guarantee that you, the buyer, get at least that amount in each lip balm.
Who created your design?
We collaborated with a Gotland-based communications agency called Outhouse Graviz & Kusinerna, who created the packagingand animations. The film about pollination was created by Studio Knut Stahle. These were two really great collaborations where we felt that they understood our vision and did their very best to create a really good design and end product. We highly recommend them!