ELIRA OFFICIAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Doesn't our packaging look so elegant? What if we told you that this is not store-bought, but recycled from old milk formula boxes? Would you believe us?

First, let's start from the beginning.
When our small business journey started, we opted to use corrugated cardboard boxes and gave it a vintage design using old books and old art papers I had leftover from school projects. While yes, it looked good and was aesthetic, in the long run, we realized how unsustainable it actually was. It wasn't quite reusable. In general, people also just tend to just throw the boxes and the shredded paper wrappings inside.Even as these are made of paper and the paper fillers were all recycled, it still ends up in the trash or in the landfill, because the truth is, there are very few people who know how to properly reuse, reduce, and recycle, and even fewer who actually do these, despite knowing how to.This beginner mistake, we realized, could be detrimental to the environment in the long run.

Our next step was to recycle tissue cores, and paperbags to make a vintage packaging, but again, our main concern was the packaging's longevity, and its tendency for customers to simply disregard or throw away.

Our next idea was to make our own seed papers, but in the long run, doing seed papers ourselves ended up in consuming a lot of water and electricity, something we couldn't quite afford at that time, and it was not adaptable during the rainy and stormy seasons the Philippines have.Sidenote : Please support Silent Beads PH and their cause. They have been creating seed papers and seed paper packaging and we believe it is an amazing idea, because not only do they recycle paper, it is embedded with vegetable seeds that are easy-growing. This is not a sponsored advertisement.There was also a time where we made... whatever this abomination was...But hear us out, we used old wallpaper and materials that have damages as decorations. It was recycled, yes, but at what cost?
cue dramatic music

Sometime in the end of 2021, Elira's aunt had given birth, and soon, there were milk cardboard boxes piled the corner, about to be thrown away.However, they were really sturdy, and most were really of high quality. It would be a huge waste to simply throw these away (in this economy?) especially when they were good material we could recycle.Thus, we hired our first employee, now our business partner at Asteria, to make these boxes.

However, there was another problem. (You thought it was over, huh?)
The seal.We absolutely adored wax seals because of the vintage vibe they gave, however, because these wax seals required heat/fire, we considered two things :
1. It greatly contributed to the Philippine Weather/Humidity (there was a time where heatwaves were visible in the work area, esp during summer)
2. In order to heat the wax, you'd need a candle, and while candles can be therapeutic, most of them contain paraffins, which, when combusted, releases carginogens in the air. Not only that, candles made with petroleum based paraffin wax causes greenhouse gas emissions, which would be a contributor to global warming.To solve this, we switched to fake wax seals, which is basically painted, melted hot glue. BUT. (nope, not over yet)
Most hot melt glues are not really biodegradable, as some are made of polymers, resin, and plasticizers (also the fact that there is no electricity on most days...)To simplify, we came up with this kind of layout.
These are longer lasting, and can be a permanent container for the products you bought.

We also invested in jewelry box packaging, and silk drawstring bags for that more classy, luxury vibe.However, (not again... it never ends, does it?)
because these jewelry boxes and drawstring bags are outsourced, we personally have no guarantee on its sustainability and its possible production waste, compared to the packaging we actually make.That being said, for our next project, we want to implement :
• Jewelry bags/Drawstring pouches made from recycled cloth, especially ones made from fast fashion.Through this, we'll be able to open job opportunities, as well as help eliminate waste caused by fast fashion.Yes, we're ambitious, and mark our words when we say we'll make a change in the luxury industry.And you, our dear community, are a huge part of that. ♡

ELIRA OFFICIAL

SHIPPING POLICY

GENERAL POLICY

All products are securely packaged and wrapped in bubble wraps or bubble mailers. Pictures will always be sent to customers before shipment.Once packages have been shipped out, we no longer have control of what happens to it, and we will not be held responsible for any untoward incidents, damages, or loss(es) that the parcel would incur after it has been dispatched by the couriers.We will not offer refunds for damages caused during shipment.

LOCAL SHIPMENT (Philippines)

Local shipments are made via J&T Express or LBC.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT

Shipment will be made via the following couriers, depending on the client's preference.
•Tracked Postal
•EMS
•DHL
•LBC
•FEDEXShipping fee will be charged to the client on a separate invoice, and will be paid for during the actual shipment of item. This is because the couriers do not give exact quotations or estimates for overseas shipment, until after the parcel is at the courier.We do not have control of external fees such as customs fees and tax duties that apply to your country upon the arrival of your package. Please not that you will have to pay for these as well.

ELIRA OFFICIAL

PAYMENT METHODS

Payment methods are only accepted through the following channels :
•G-Cash
•Maya
•Bank Transfer
•PaypalWe do not and will not be accepting Cash On Delivery (COD).

ORDER PROCESS

Is this your first time placing a custom order? Do you have anxiety ordering for the first time because you don't know what to do? Or are you just here because you want to know how to reach us? Worry not, because this guide is for you! Here, you'll have an overview of the order process so you'll know exactly what to do and what happens to your order.I. Choosing products
-To see what we offer, please view our catalogue here
-After choosing what you'd like, take a screenshot or note down the specific products you want and message us via our email or via our other links found at the homepage.II. Ordering
-Once you have messaged us with the product or list of products you want to order, we will then send you an invoice digitally, and once you have settled the payment, we will also send a corresponding receipt.
-You will then be added to the waitlist which you can constantly monitor for progress on your order.III. Progress and Update
-Generally, you will be updated 1-2 times per day, and sometimes more, on the progress of your order.
-There are two phases. First is the Designing Phase, where you will be presented with 2-3 concept designs of your item, and the Working Phase, where progress images and/or videos of how your item was made, will be sent.
-We will often be reaching out to ensure that you will be immersed in the magic of the creation process with us.IV. Packing and Shipping
-A packing video of your order will be made and posted on our social media channels.
-Photos of your packed item will be sent to you before shipment.V. Shipping Details
-We will only request for your shipment details one night before shipment date. We will save these details and then request you to delete your message containing this information. This is to ensure your privacy incase there may be any unexpected technical difficulties that could happen to our accounts.And that's it! We hope you will enjoy both the process and the items you receive. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are always available to respond to your queries.