Murchinson-Hume
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
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overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
6.4 out of 10
10 out of 10
8 out of 10
about
Murchison-Hume provides stylish home and body care essentials made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.
highlights
Refillable packaging options
Plant-based, biodegradable formulations
Cruelty-free and pet-safe
Compostable refill concentrates
sustainability
score:
6.4 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Their signature brown bottles are made of PET #1 plastic, which is highly recyclable and they design bottles to be refilled and reused. Shipping boxes and packing materials are reported to be compostable (the company has stated that their packaging is compostable, though its unspecified if home compostable). However, the PET bottles are virgin plastic (no mention of PCR content), and there’s no explicit use of FSC-certified paper or bio-based inks/adhesives publicly stated.
The company offers “waterless” refill concentrates for many products (small 100 mL bottles of concentrate that dilute to refill the standard 17 oz spray bottles twice over).
Ingredient Sustainability
The primary cleaning agents are plant-based surfactants (detergents): for example, decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside (made from coconut or corn sugars) are used in their cleaners. Many Murchison-Hume products incorporate biodegradable enzymes to tackle specific stains: for instance, their stain remover contains protease, amylase, lipase, and others.
Murchison-Hume does employ some gentle synthetic preservatives, but only in minimal amounts. In their all-purpose and surface cleaners, this preservative is methylisothiazolinone, a synthetic antimicrobial. In other products (particularly those more skin-oriented like dish soap or laundry solutions), Murchison-Hume opts for a phenoxyethanol-based preservative system instead. While these preservatives are petro-derived, they are chosen as lower-toxicity alternatives to formaldehyde releasers or old-school antimicrobials.
Energy Use and Footprint
Murchison-Hume provides limited public data on their energy use and emissions. However, the company does take steps to reduce the footprint per use of their products. By selling concentrated refills, they reduce the weight and volume of goods shipped.
There is no evidence of the company tracking or publishing greenhouse gas emissions, using solar or renewable energy at their facilities, or being carbon neutral.
Waste Management
Waste reduction is a clear focus area for Murchison-Hume. They actively promote refill and reuse programs to keep packaging out of landfills. Still, there is little available public information regarding waste mitigation in production and manufacturing.
Business Model
Murchison-Hume’s business model balances selling premium products with encouraging mindful consumption. They do not rely on endless “fast product” launches or trend-driven items. In fact, their core range of cleaning and personal care staples has remained relatively consistent since the brand’s founding in 2008.
On the other hand, as a retail brand they do engage in typical commerce tactics like bundles, holiday gifts, and subscriptions.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Murchison-Hume prides itself on non-toxic formulations that are safe for people and pets. All products are free of the major concerning chemical classes. According to the brand, they never use “harsh chemicals” like chlorine bleach, ammonia, or strong hydroxides in their cleaners. The result is products that score well on independent safety assessments. For example, Murchison-Hume’s Premium Glass Polish (fragrance-free) received an “A” rating (lowest hazard) by EWG.
The presence of benzyl alcohol in leave-on products could be a mild allergen for a small subset of people, but it’s at low levels as a preservative.
social responsibility
score:
8 out of 10
details:
Murchison-Hume is a small, founder-driven company that likely adheres to ethical labor practices, though concrete details are scarce. Production of the liquids is in Australia and the USA, which means workers in manufacturing are protected by relatively strong labor laws and fair wages in those countries.
Murchison-Hume is a fully cruelty-free and vegan brand. This commitment has been validated by third parties: the brand is Leaping Bunny certified.
The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet. They also claim to be “plastic neutral”, which typically involves partnering with community organizations or social enterprises that remove plastic waste.
