business matters

Investing in a Greener Future

Seawhite of Brighton is an independent manufacturer and supplier of art and design materials based in Partridge Green, West Sussex. The company supplies educators and retailers throughout the UK and Europe (with an increasing international presence) and remains a family-run business.

In its early years, the company was based out of a former Brighton pub, selling only PVA adhesive and plastic sheeting to education. However, after identifying an opportunity to produce robust artist sketchbooks, the company expanded, and has since evolved to a 75+ strong workforce selling over 2 million sketchbooks every year – most of which are manufactured in stateof-the-art units here in Sussex.

In August 2022, Seawhite celebrated its 50th year in business, prompting reflection on what the company has achieved to date, whilst also considering the impact it will make in the next fifty. Operating in a traditionally resource intensive industry, the business recognises how its actions can have far-reaching effects, therefore makes an ongoing effort to trade as sustainably as possible.

Over 80% of Seawhite’s products are made in the UK, with much of the cartridge paper, coloured card and paper ranges produced to our specification by a British paper mill. All Seawhite’s papers are made from sustainable sources, and great importance is placed on knowing the provenance – right down to the pulp.

Seawhite have introduced several innovative products to the market, namely the CupCycling™ range of paper and pads, through its partnership with James Cropper PLC. These products are made from recycled single-use coffee cups (from outlets including Costa and McDonalds) and are one of the company’s most significant contributions to the national reduction of single use plastics. Similarly, Seawhite’s ‘Crush’ papers are made with agricultural waste (corn cobs) using hydro-electric power. Recycled watercolour paper that is certified carbon neutral was also recently introduced.

This year Seawhite completed the installation of solar panels on its Sussex units, enabling the production of sketchbooks and pads to be 100% powered by renewable energy. Replacing all office lighting with low energy LED bulbs has also been worthwhile, as energy prices continue to climb.

With customers emphasizing the importance of CSR, Seawhite have taken steps to build trust through independent audits and accreditation. The business is currently ISO 14001 certified – meaning it is recognised by an international set of standards for commitment to reducing environmental impact. Seawhite is registered with Sedex – an online database that allows buyers and suppliers to share data about how sustainable, responsible, and ethical their business practices are. A top score on Environmental & Social Governance by Dun & Bradstreet (the world leader in producing commercial data and analytics on businesses) provides further reassurance to customers when it comes to sustainable procurement.

With a diverse customer base spanning prestigious institutions, retailers, and artists, Seawhite has become well-established in its field. The business attributes this to a long-term outlook centred around the sustainable practices mentioned, but also maintaining a large stock, and offering quality, personalised service.

If you would like to know more about Seawhite, please visit seawhite.co.uk. Our Partridge Green factory outlet is open to visitors and stocks the full Seawhite range (plus specially discounted products), open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm.