SUSTAINABILITY

Limited Scale + Growth
Atelier Wolfson makes a limited number of pieces each year. I operate on an intimate scale. Everything is made to order and pre-order.

I choose to limited my scale, because by doing so, I limited the impact I have on the planet. I can maintain careful control of my process and reap all of the benefits that come from producing here in my studio and using locally sourced materials. I am not, and never will be, mass-market consumerism.

Atelier Wolfson - does not believe that constant growth is in any way sustainable, or a good idea. The Earth evolved to function through a complex network of natural recycling processes, and these processes are slow. Constant growth, and the economic system which depends upon it, is the primary cause for the degradation of our environment and of human rights worldwide.

Here at Atelier Wolfson, I chose to grow slowly, and sometimes, I choose to not grow at all. I also consciously chose who I want to work with, aligning with what is truly important, all the while building long lasting and more meaningful relationships over time, based on trust and mutual respect. I carefully consider the development of each new piece coming out of the studio, and make sure that I get it right before bringing it to market. I never make a commitment to deliver an order unless I am 100% certain that I can fulfil the order, delivering a high-quality piece, on time, every time.

Material Sourcing
Honouring the principles of agriculture and zero waste, Atelier Wolfson never works with leathers which are farmed exclusively for their skins, or with chrome tanned leather. More than 90% of the world’s leather is chrome tanned. The method was devised in 1858 as tanneries looked for ways to speed up traditional methods and to save money. Chrome tanning is usually achieved by placing hides into acidic baths consisting of a mix of chemicals, in most cases this means that the leather is no longer a natural product. These baths create masses of toxic wastewater that when left untreated, cause huge environmental and health impacts. Whilst contributing to global air and water pollution, obscene wastage, human and animal exploitation.

Atelier Wolfson is committed to working exclusively with natural vegetable tanned leather provided by founding member of the 'Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetal' complying with high standards of environmental, ethical and social sustainability, and carry a globally recognised traceable guarantee certificate printed with anti-counterfeiting techniques. The Italian bovine hides are a by-product of food production. To the strict adherence of the EU farming standards, the animals are humanely treated and responsibly raised, resulting in hides of exceptional quality. No animal is killed for its skin. 

The vegetable-tanning process is metal-free, relying on natural plant based tannins to imbue the skins with their characteristic firmness, coloration, and earthy scent. Tannins come from renewable sources and are valued for their antioxidant, antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Natural vegetable tanned leather will naturally biodegradable with time. 

Packaging
From the dust bags to packing boxes, tissue paper, paper tapes and mailing 'potato sacks', I only use materials that are biodegradable and contain as many recycled elements as possible. Even our business cards, compliment cards and invoices are made from re-cycled materials.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Atelier Wolfson. As part of my sustainability journey and belief in contributing to the well-being of our planet, I have proudly partnered with Noissue's Eco Packaging Alliance. Their mission is to support and empower a shift towards sustainable business practices by building a community that can be better together. For every packaging order placed, a tree will be planted in areas of need of reforestation.

In total 44,716 trees have been planted worldwide so far, and 876.56T of carbon reduction.

Learn more here: Eco Alliance

 

By minimising waste through circularity, Atelier Wolfson seeks to reduce its impact on our environment, pioneering a new way of thinking about what we surround ourselves with.

As we make new choices, it is only then that the earth can begin to heal.