Sustainability

Wherever possible: choose the sustainable option.

Sustainability in Materials and Products

  • Our papers and envelopes are made from recycled materials. It's not always FSC-certified, because that certification process is too expensive for some of our producers.
  • Our papers and envelopes are British-made to reduce emissions relating to transport.
  • Our ink is British-made, and when we can, we salvage old tins from print shops that are closing down.
  • Our pencils are made in England, and the wood for them is from an FSC-certified source.
  • Our packaging is recycled or compostable, and reused where it makes sense.

Sustainable Practices in Production

  • We print our tests onto scrap paper, these scraps are made available in our scrap bags, or get recycled into new paper.
  • We reclaim ink from the press rollers and use it to decorate new sheets for notebooks, and prints.
  • Where possible, we use low-to-no-solvent methods to clean up after printing, including using specialized, handmade brushes from Rosa Harradine.
  • When we do need to use solvents, we opt for the industry's best in terms of lowest impact on the environment.
  • For clean-up, we use old rags instead of rolls of paper towelling. The rags are more robust and just make more sense than using first-use paper products.

Ethical and Local Sourcing

  • Our equipment is purchased (in order of preference) vintage, used, and locally-made-new.
  • Our equipment is recyclable (lead type, paper) or compostable (wood type).
  • Our studio is walking distance from home, so we don't need to commute by car.

Environmental and Community Commitment

  • We donate a portion of our profits to forest and hedgerow regeneration projects in the UK, as well as peatland restoration in the UK and globally -- we're aiming to send 1%.
  • We volunteer with Protect Earth and our local litter pick.

Sometimes our choices cost a little more, sometimes they cost a little less, sometimes they take a little longer, sometimes they speed things up. But every one of those choices helps us to reduce our impact on the environment.