|
Framing Green Overview
|
|
The picture framing industry, like many, is realizing the importance of becoming more environmentally responsible. Some manufacturers are already doing everything possible to produce products with a lower “carbon footprint”, managing waste carefully, controlling air pollution from the finishing process, and effluents that may otherwise enter the water system. Others, particular those working overseas, may not practice responsible forestry, or pay special attention to pollution. I have even heard venders feign ignorance and exclaim, "We did not have to [worry about going green], we buy all our moulding overseas.”
We believe it is time for change. Two years ago we re-dedicated our framing business towards reinventing our processes and deploying “green best practices” within our industry segment.
After considerable research, we discovered this not a destination but rather a journey, something to constantly refine and improve, as well as encourage our clients and our supply chain to join us in this process. This includes learning to design in optimal sizes to minimize waste and using every scrap possible for a productive purpose. We focused on moulding “Made in the USA” and as local as possible, made with responsible practices, from sustainably forested woods. Other mouldings are made entirely from bamboo. These are our featured products, and we do everything we can to also make these affordable, so our customers choose them over less eco-friendly alternatives. Many products were discontinued if they came from rainforest woods or the manufacturing was dubious.
Recycling is taken as far as practically possible, cut-offs and scraps reused in creative ways, converted into products, or given away on Craigslist. Our waste has been cut through this process over 75%.
Our production studio uses abundant energy efficient lighting. This choice has another benefit – lowering fatigue, increasing quality and reducing the chance of error.
Raw materials are purchased in the most cost efficient methods possible. Combined with our extensive inventory of mat board and moulding, the conventional framing process of small special orders is virtually eliminated. This reduces transportation cost, fuel consumption and packaging.
Clients learn how to "buy green" and therefore helping them save - both in the carbon footprint of the work and reducing the cost of framing.
In summary, we discovered that the strategy simultaneously cuts waste, reduces labor and paperwork costs, saves on packaging and shipping, reduces our cost of materials, enables faster turnaround as necessary and saves on our clients budget – very important in the current economy. I hope that you like our “experiment” and work with us as we continually refine our methods, striving to offer exceptional design, value and craftsmanship on your next project. |
 |
|
|
|
|
Eco Framing
follow us on twitter