Start with WHY
“When bringing new products to the market our priority is not focused on WHAT we launch but we really try to define WHY we launch it, in an ethical context. Are we supporting a recycled material or supporting a new eco friendly material? Is there a good supporting story with the craftsmen? Those answers define WHY we are on the market”. - Henrik Marstrand, Founder and CEO
An ethical choice of material such as renewable or certified wood, recycled waste and new efficient energy sources is our source of inspiration.
WE CARE about using resources responsibly in our designs, as well as the quality of the materials we use, their durability, the timelessness of the pieces and the conditions in which they are manufactured. WE CARE about the people we work with by implementing or motivating sustainable business principles within the production chain, as well as demanding that our rapidly growing base of committed production partners are properly certified. WE CARE because within every one of the millions of products we use to improve our lives, there are associated environmental, ethical and social consequences. WE WANT to inspire consumer behaviour and engage people in sustainable thinking, making design matter and reducing our ethical footprint.
Master artisans in Northern India, crafting the Mater Bowl TableWith a distinct passion for wood and quality textures, we partner with master artisans, exploring both ancient and modern techniques. From old woodturning communities to the newest LED techniques, we constantly explore materials and production methods that are friendly towards Mother Earth without compromising aesthetics. An ethical choice of material such as renewable or certified wood, recycled waste and low energy light sources is our source of inspiration. Great craftsmanship and pure materials produce quality and durability - making design that lasts a lifetime and ages beautifully, marking the passage of life.
CSR & Certifications
At Mater we strive to continuously reducing our environmental impact. We seek production partners who are certified in sustainability. By complying with these standards and certification initiatives, they demonstrate to us their credibility and commitment towards improving people and the planet.
The UN Global Compact
Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principled approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the Global Compact principles into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.
See our UN Global Compact Communication on Progress | Download our latest UN Global Compact Communication Report
Sustainable Harvesting
Mango wood is, fundamentally, the byproduct of an already thriving industry of the mango fruit. A big part of the Mater collection is made of the fast-growing mango fruit tree that is felled when the tree stops to bear fruit, and a new tree planted. The mango tree is replanted every 7-15 years, which continues a sustainable lifecycle. Harvesting wood that was previously burnt or left to break down naturally not only provides extra income to the farmers, but provides sustainable furniture.
A pile of mango wood set to dry at our production partner in Northern India.
The picture was taken during our recent visit in October 2017.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The majority of the Mater collection is labeled and manufactured in FSCTMcertified wood. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council and is an international, recognised non-profit organisation. In an FSC-certified forest no more trees than the forest can reproduce is felled, so the exploitation of nature is avoided. In addition, FSC guarantee that flora and fauna are protected and that the people who work in the forest are guaranteed education, safety and a fair pay. Read more at www.fsc.org
Upcycling & recycling
At Mater we see opportunities in waste and scrap materials to recycle, reuse and create new and durable products. The aluminium products are sand-casted of partially recycled, aluminum scrap, like old car components and bicycle wheel.
Our aluminium products are made in the township of Moradabad, in Northern India where skilled craftsmen are practicing the ancient teqhnique of sand casting. Sand casting is a traditional, metal casting process characterized by using sand as mould material. The production process requires time and precision. After the mould cavities and gate system are created by compacting the sand around the models or carved directly into the sand, the melted metal is poured into the mould box.
LED
To reduce the energy consumption, our environmental impact and achieve the highest energy efficiency as possible, we have chosen to use LED technology in our lighting. LEDs are extremely energy efficient and the positive effects on the environment because of lower energy consumption is large. LED technology also makes it possible to work with heat-tolerant materials in lighting - such as wood and cork - because the LEDs does not emit the same high degree of heat as incandescent bulb.
Leather
All the leather types at Sørensen Leather comply with EU regulations, which impose the strictest requirements in the industry for every aspect of the production process.
