irashai services ltd
irashai (pronounced ih-rah-shay) is an informal way of saying welcome in Japanese. Our business has evolved from primarily working as a cultural consultancy in areas such as sourcing of Japanese products, materials and ingredients. We have a particular focus on the environment and traceability. As well as Japan, we also now work with suppliers from Europe, India and Pakistan as well as closer to home in the United Kingdom.
Japan and Japanese sourcing is still a key area of the business and is reflected in many of the products sold. In recent years, Japan has experienced a shrinking local market and are having to consider the wider market. Combined with advanced technology and a design-led approach, Japan are leading the way in many new environmental products, services and new development - often by combining old and new methods in production.
Overall, this website has come about thanks to our own personal passion for all things eco, the environment, true sustainability and knowledge of where products are made. We are working with producers directly to ensure craft skills are nurtured and supported for future generations.
During our research we have discovered a lot of really unusual and design-oriented products, materials and ingredients. We have chosen some of these products to list on the website as we have worked closely with their manufacturers and have gained first hand experience in using the products and materials.
We aim to deliver quickly and safely, be as helpful as possible, and resolve any problems with minimum fuss.
Customers seem to like our honest, down to earth approach.
We are always working on our range, and continuing to build awareness of what we do.
Ngaire Takano is a sourcing specialist and works across multi sectors providing support to businesses, chefs, individuals (Personal buyer), NGO's, designers and manufacturing companies.
Ngaire is an ex organic buyer and product supply chain analyst. With a passion for supporting eco, artisan, ethical, biodynamic, organic and environmentally sound producers, Ngaire sources ingredients, materials, finished products and services. With specialist skills on traceability, Ngaire works with manufacturers, designers and individuals who wish to implement a cleaner and traceable supply chain from start to finish.
Ethical and Environmental Policy
At irashai services ltd we are committed to the following:
- Carrying out a sustainability and traceability analysis on all our products, ingredients and materials.
- Our offices are powered by Green Energy.
- We recycle, reduce and compost within the office.
- We source and use environmentally friendly suppliers - local, national and international.
- We recycle all paper, glass and cardboard. We even return our plastic fruit containers from the supermarket who supplied them.
- We either travel by train, motorbike or walk to any client meetings.
- We use recycled boxes, packaging and envelopes to send out our products.
- Any paper documents sent out are on recycled paper envelopes and recycled and traceable paper.
- We reduce the use of notebooks and excess use of paper.
- We use eco friendly couriers when shipping items to customers.
- All our items from Japan are sent via ship.
- Over 75% of our consumerables are either organic, locally sourced, fairly traded, biodynamic or free ranged.
- We love supporting and working with social enterprises and youth groups or charitable associations.
- We encourage collaborating and building a sustainable network within business and local community - member of Transition Town.
- We encourage our suppliers to continue to showcase their green credentials and further reduce their output. For example, Oigen enables any small iron particles that are too small to be recycled for the casting of pans to be upcycled by the Local Council in her town for use in building/road works.
- We switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
- We would like to assist our customers to use our products in an environmentally friendly way. We even provide an odd tip or two in newsletters and blogs we write.
- Our business cards are also printed on recycled paper - thanks to Moo.
We welcome your enquiries or questions.
Social Networks
irashai services ltd is listed in the following categories
Business Services / Consultants & AdvisorsBusiness Services / Suppliers
Education & Training / Courses & Training
House & Home / Products
