Sustainable style
D
espite the setbacks in retail over the past few years and the postponement of trade exhibitions at the start of the year, nothing seems to be getting in the way of progress at Vent for Change. The supplier dubs itself the sustainable stationery company with style, and if protecting the planet wasn’t enough, it also supports children’s education projects worldwide with every item sold. Vent is quickly cementing its reputation as the poster child of all things sustainable and ethical when it comes to gift stationery. As it announces the launch of another range of unashamedly raw recycled notebooks, it is furthering its position as groundbreaking and right on trend. “The public’s enthusiasm for all things sustainable has been a long time coming but we have been working towards this point for years,” says Evan Lewis (pictured above), founder of Vent for Change. “Our range is designed specifically with both people and the planet at the centre of everything we design and deliver.” Since its launch into retail in 2019, the reception from retailers and consumers has been extraordinary, says Evan. It appears that once retailers and buyers understand that the range is not only sustainable but also contributes towards good causes, they consider it a must-have. Crossing over between a stationery and gift collection also helps; Vent is not positioned as a functional stationery supplier but as a conscientious and purposeful option to choose for discerning consumers.
Reclaimed and recycled
Its range includes notebooks made using reclaimed leather and recycled boards as well as coffee bean, kiwi, cherry and lavender waste. Pencils are produced in the Vent pencil factory in Worcestershire from recycled CD cases, and old plastic drink bottles are used to create refillable pens. The latest launch, the Reclaim range, uses waste cotton and wool to create tactile covers for a range of stylish notebooks in four natural colourways. The use of recycled as well as sustainable papers enables Vent to design for a multitude of purposes. “We don’t really have to sell the range to those we meet at the shows and exhibitions. It’s as if we’re pushing against open doors,” says Evan. “The demand for genuinely recycled, sustainable and ethically produced stationery is going to be a pillar of retail for years to come, and we’re delighted to be playing our part and leading from the front.” To reduce carbon footprint and to ensure Vent knows exactly what’s going into every item, all products are produced in the UK or mainland Europe. With a rapidly growing network of resellers throughout the UK giving feedback, Vent will be expanding its sustainable stationery range throughout 2022. Vent is in huge demand, and is enjoying
Share a Pencil Day
As well as supporting education and school projects worldwide with every sale made, Vent for Change ºalso organises Share a Pencil Day each year, a Global Education Awareness Day teaching UK schoolchildren the importance of education and why millions of children are still missing out on the education they deserve. Central to Vent’s social philosophy, its Ambassador for Change programme gifts recycled pencils to charities and volunteers working overseas. Since 2017 the company has given away tens of thousands of free recycled pencils
“Our range is designed specifically with both people and the planet at the centre of everything we deliver’’
enquiries from retailers large and small right across the country, says Lucy Heath, Vent’s retail sales director: “We can see clearly that there is a growing interest in sustainable and social products from retailers and consumers alike, and putting our resources into our retail proposition ahead of online is proving a fantastic strategy for growth.’’ Combining beautiful design with impeccable eco-credentials and its social philosophy is key to success. Vent has once again been shortlisted for a Gift of the Year Award and awaits the judges’ decisions at Spring Fair with nervous anticipation. Putting great design at the heart of its process sets it apart from many purpose-led brands. “Beautiful design sells but adding a conscience to a brand as well only goes to show what can be done if you put your mind to something you truly care about” concludes Evan.
Email: retail@ventforchange.co.uk Web: www.VENTforChange.co.uk www.greetingstoday.co.uk 41
