Why We Choose Glass Jars for Tallow Skincare (and Skip Plastic & Tin)
In a world obsessed with convenience, packaging often gets overlooked. But when it comes to traditional ingredients like tallow, the container matters almost as much as what’s inside. At The Tallow Pantry, we’ve chosen to use amber glass jars — not because it’s trendy, but because it makes sense.
Let’s Talk About Plastic
Plastic is everywhere — cheap, light, and easy to produce. But it’s not the best home for natural fats. Over time, oils and fats can interact with plastic, especially in warmer conditions. Even food-safe plastics can absorb and release odours, which means your beautiful, clean tallow could end up carrying a faint “plastic” note.
And then there’s the environmental side: plastic is rarely recycled efficiently, and most ends up in landfill. For something as pure and simple as tallow, that just doesn’t feel right.
The Tin Temptation
Tin or aluminium tins look charming — they’re light, stackable, and often used for balms. But there’s a catch: over time, the natural fats in tallow can react with metal, subtly affecting colour and scent. Some tins are lined to prevent this, but those linings often contain synthetic coatings or plastics anyway — a quiet irony for something marketed as “eco-friendly.”
Why Glass Wins
Amber glass protects what’s inside. It shields your tallow from sunlight, preserves its texture, and doesn’t leach or absorb odours. It’s non-reactive, endlessly recyclable, and beautiful in its simplicity — timeless, just like the product it holds.
We also love that glass encourages reusability. While we don’t have a jar return system in place just yet, glass jars are easy to reuse at home — for storage, refilling, or repurposing in everyday life. As a small-batch business, we’re intentional about every decision we make, and a return-and-reuse system is something we’d love to introduce in the future when it’s genuinely practical and sustainable.
Old Wisdom, New Consciousness
Our grandparents didn’t use plastic, and their pantries and apothecaries were lined with glass jars for a reason. They knew that real ingredients deserved real materials. Choosing glass isn’t nostalgia — it’s common sense wrapped in tradition.
Choosing glass isn’t about keeping up with trends — it’s about respecting the product, the process, and the planet.
Because what holds your tallow matters just as much as the tallow itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does The Tallow Pantry use glass jars instead of plastic?
Glass is non-reactive, doesn’t absorb odours, and won’t interact with natural fats like tallow. It helps preserve the integrity, scent, and texture of the product over time.
Are tin containers bad for tallow?
Tin and aluminium containers can react with natural fats unless they’re lined. Many linings contain synthetic coatings, which can undermine the simplicity of a traditional product like tallow.
Is glass more sustainable than plastic?
Glass is endlessly recyclable and easier to reuse at home. While no packaging is perfect, glass aligns best with our values of longevity, reuse, and thoughtful consumption.
Do you offer a jar return or refill program?
Not at this stage. As a small-batch business, we’re mindful of what’s practical and sustainable. A return-and-reuse system is something we’d love to explore in the future.
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