Environmental sustainability: For us, it all starts with product design.

At Studio Z, we believe the design community does play a pivotal role in promoting environmentally responsible products and processes.

After all, there’s no better time than during the initial stages of product design to ponder such fundamental questions as:

* How much material is necessary?
* Can the product be composed of recycled – and recyclable – components?
* How can our design help to minimize waste and energy use during manufacturing, while maximizing long-term durability?
* And last but not least, Can we specify materials that are either biodegradable or easily returned to the recycling stream at the end of the product’s useful life?

By making the sustainable choice whenever possible, we designers can often have a direct influence on the manufacturing process that follows – and perhaps encourage others in the supply chain to think sustainably, as well. Fortunately, several Studio Z customers and colleagues already share our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our goal now is to expand these circles of influence.

Thinking globally and acting locally also keeps us constantly engaged in creative problem-solving. As a result, we are regularly discovering interesting and surprising new ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency at Studio Z.

For instance, our Jacqform™ process provides product-tailored and part-specific patterns designed to fit their intended components – from seating to plush toys – like a glove. It’s a giant step beyond more traditional, and traditionally wasteful, methods of working with fabric.

And our Trashy Goods line of rugs and bags made from leftover fabric and loom trimming puts the “fun” back in “funky.” Who says sustainability can’t be cool?

As we hope these examples illustrate, Studio Z is committed to exploring creative new ways of reducing our environmental footprint without compromising the quality or artistry of our work. And if by chance we can inspire others to do the same, all the better.

Please join us in thinking and acting sustainably.