Welcome to our journal! As we reflect on the past year, we are thrilled to share a remarkable milestone that has continued to inspire and drive us forward. It has been a year since our studio, Drag And Drop, was honored with the prestigious Green Product Award in the Interior & Lifestyle category, along with the Green Product Audience Award Top 10. This momentous occasion reminds us of our commitment to sustainability and the positive impact we have made in the past year through our environmentally conscious approach to design and manufacturing.
About Green Product Award:
Established by Nils Bader in Germany in 2013 with a noble mission in mind, Green Product Award holds great importance in the design and manufacturing industries. It is both an annual competition as well as a platform that promotes sustainable design and innovation, driving positive change and inspiring businesses and individuals alike to embrace sustainability.
The selection process of the Green Product Award is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only the most deserving products receive recognition. The jury comprises experts from diverse fields which meticulously evaluate each submission with an eagle eye for specific criteria such as environmental impact, resource efficiency, social responsibility, and overall design excellence.
It fills us with immense pride and joy to announce that our ceramic 3D printed Intertwined Vase, met and surpassed these rigorous standards, earning us the prestigious Green Product Award. This accolade is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our passion for pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship in an environmentally friendly way.
The Intertwined Vase:
The Intertwined Vase embodies the mesmerizing fluidity of growth patterns found in plant roots and tree trunks, offering a truly unique and captivating aesthetic.
What sets the Intertwined vase apart from traditional vases is its innovative design approach. Inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature's growth patterns we’ve designed an object with an organic shape featuring intricate intertwining.
The design takes advantage of the freedom that the 3d printing technology allows – each curve and contour tells a story of the harmonious interplay between art and nature, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that would not be possible to fabricate with slip casting or in any other way.
Sustainability Features:
The Intertwined Vase's allure extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Sustainability lies at the core of its creation. We believe that responsible design should go hand in hand with artistic expression, and that's exactly what we're aiming to achieve with this piece as well as with the rest of our ceramic collection.
- One of the key sustainability features of the Intertwined vase is the utilization of 3D printing technology – it minimizes material waste by precisely constructing the vase layer by layer. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that often generate significant material waste, our 3D printing approach ensures optimal material usage, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Additionally, our hand-finishing procedure further enhances the vase's eco-conscious nature, as it preserves the human touch and craftsmanship while minimizing energy consumption.
- Moreover, we are committed to using as little ceramic glazing as possible, hence we only use it in the interior of the vases, where it is needed for waterproofing. The process of manufacturing ceramic glazes in energy intensive and by reducing the amount of glaze needed for each vase, we reduce the vase’s carbon footprint. This choice not only adds a touch of authenticity and earthiness to the product but also aligns with our sustainable philosophy.
- Many people ask us if our clay is completely natural or whether it contains various additives. We can confirm that we alongside almost everyone else in the ceramic 3D printing community use 100% natural clay without additives - the same one that a traditional potter would use.
- We have implemented measures to utilize as much as possible of the raw material. 99% of the clay from the failures in the manufacturing process (which do happen by the way, 3D printing is not plug-and-play yet) is reused to create new products, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. We’ve invested in professional pug mills that are able to recondition the clay so that it can be reused instead of thrown away.
- 20% of the electrical energy used to run the workshop is green. It comes from solar panels installed on top of our building, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuel energy. Our goal is to increase the percentage in the coming years.
- When it comes to packaging, we have made a conscious decision to not use any kind of plastic. Instead, we use 100% recyclable unbleached cardboard for our packaging, avoiding plastic entirely and ensuring that our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the product itself.
Customer Feedback:
We have been truly humbled by the positive feedback and heartfelt appreciation from customers who have experienced the Intertwined Vase. Their feedback highlights not only their appreciation for the design but also for the sustainable aspects embedded in it. The product is a vessel for displaying a piece of nature in their homes as well as a reminder of their commitment to live a more sustainable life.
Sustainable Living:
The recognition from Green Product Award is not only a celebration of our success but also an opportunity to inspire you to embrace sustainable living. We believe that small steps toward eco-conscious choices can make a significant difference in shaping a better world for future generations.
Consider incorporating eco-friendly products and design elements into your own home. Opt for sustainable materials, such as natural, biodegradable, recycled or upcycled items, whenever possible. Seek out products like the Intertwined Vase that embody both stunning design and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, take the time to appreciate the natural world. Step outside and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Marvel at the intricate patterns of leaves, the elegance of branches, and the resilience of plant roots. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, we can develop a greater appreciation for its delicate balance and become more inspired to protect it.
We are immensely grateful for winning the Green Product Award with our Intertwined Vase. This recognition reinforces our dedication to sustainable design and craftsmanship. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity while minimizing our environmental impact.
We invite you to explore the beauty and sustainability of the Intertwined Vase and consider how it can enhance your own living space. Embrace the stories it tells, the craftsmanship it embodies, and the values it represents. Let it serve as a reminder that every choice we make has the power to shape a greener future.
Together, let's continue to champion sustainability in design, celebrate the wonders of nature, and make conscious choices that have a positive impact on our planet. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to inspiring more sustainable living through our creations at Drag And Drop.