Melina Reactive Glaze Vase - Olive & Natural

Our Ethical Tag System

The Melina Vase demonstrates material responsibility by prioritising natural, high-durability stoneware over synthetic alternatives, thereby actively combating the environmental costs of disposable consumer culture. Crafted from pure, raw earth minerals, the base ceramic is naturally chemically pure and food-safe. Its distinctive aesthetic is achieved through a specialised reactive glaze that shifts and patterns naturally under the intense heat of the kiln, drastically reducing the need for heavy, toxic chemical colouring agents and ensuring a safer working environment for the artisan workshops.

Our Ethical Tag System

Nkuku ensures its packaging aligns with its ethical standards by using a minimum of 85% plastic-free packaging across its range, opting for FSC-certified corrugated cardboard, unbleached paper, and biodegradable tape instead. For fragile recycled glassware, they replace conventional styrofoam and bubble wrap with honeycomb paper wrap and recycled paper pulp moldings that protect products without generating persistent landfill waste. Furthermore, all transit boxes are fully recyclable, and the brand works directly with its artisan workshops to eliminate single-use polythene bags at the point of origin, ensuring products remain environmentally responsible from production to final delivery.

Our Ethical Tag System

Nkuku create beautifully handmade home and lifestyle products. The brand work with makers throughout the world, combining timeless design with traditional skills and natural materials. Meticulously hand crafted in Portugal, these vases are a contemporary homage to the nation's long-standing ceramic traditions. By harnessing centuries-old techniques, these vases embody Portugal's rich history in ceramic production, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to create truly unique pieces. The process relies on the expertise and experience of the potter and while it is time-consuming we believe it is well worth the wait.

Nkuku takes a strict stand against sweatshops by holding all supplier sites and subcontractors to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, which guarantees safe working conditions, living wages, and zero tolerance for forced or child labour.

As a certified B Corp, the brand works directly with independent artisan cooperatives, fair-trade businesses, and social enterprises rather than unverified middlemen. Compliance is verified through regular on-site visits and independent third-party audits, while Nkuku's practice of setting realistic, humane production lead times prevents the forced overtime and high-pressure environments typical of traditional mass manufacturing.