Sustainability by TableWare International
Royal Goedewaagen is a B Corp: An important step towards sustainable craftsmanship
Royal Goedewaagen is proud to celebrate the recent recognition as a B Corp, an important milestone in the long history of our company that has been active since 1610
This cer tification underlines our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and transparent business operations. It fits seamlessly with our aim to create high-quality ceramic products that not only meet modern standards, but are also produced in a responsible way, with respect for both people and the environment
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Sustainability by TableWare International
The Tableware International team is fortunate to experience and hear about the latest developments in tableware from show rooms, ateliers, factories, trade shows and fairs of all sizes around the world. We speak with corporate global industry leaders, small-batch artisans, consultants and designers, retailers, trailblazers and dreamers - all of whom are dedicated to crafting beautiful, functional tableware to be used and enjoyed each and everyday. We discuss the weather (we’re British and Irish, after all), industry trends, their new product launches and everything in-between. And for the past few years the topic inevitably turns to one thing: sustainability.
It’s the topic every business is grappling with, from small individual efforts to reduce waste, to company-wide mandates to shave a little more off harmful emissions volumes.
Some businesses are beginning to reap the rewards of their investments in alternative furnace fuel, while others are breaking ground on solar farms that will define the course of their organisation in the decade to comenot least because the capital outlay can be eye-watering. Others are placing people first, championing equity and respect for the communities along their supply chain. Further still are pioneers like our columnist Jesper Efferbach, a modern day alchemist hard at work on developing new forms of sustainable materials that hold up to the regulatory scrutiny and daily wear of traditional ceramics and glassware. Read about his trials and breakthroughs on page 16 - you’re sure to learn something.
There’s very little connecting these individual sustainability efforts; each business has its own set of objectives and processes,
From the Editor
its own business targets to meet, and each has to define exactly what sustainability means. If there is a common thread then it’s an admission: that sustainability is no longer a feel-good marketing story, but a business imperative shaping the future of the tableware industry - and every industry it brushes up against.
Bottom lines and sales volumes tell the story of the company today, but increasingly it is the maturity, scope and efficacy of its sustainability programmes that allow us to peer into the future and see what the business may become. You’ll read that sentiment time and again in this special publication. Global leaders tend to be early movers in alternative fuels, clean energy and near-hermetic waste recycling loops. Sustainable business is better business.
Inside you’ll read about the tableware suppliers who have taken that mantra on board and are pushing the boundaries of sustainability forward. Hear from market leaders including Arc International, Zwiesel Glas, Derby, Stölzle Lausitz, Vidrios San Miguel and many more. Plus, discover how 2025 will be the year of sustainability at Ambiente in our exclusive interview with Thomas Kastl, Director Ambiente Dining.
Tableware has always had the power to influence the atmosphere and enjoyment of an occasion. It’s why the industry draws such passionate and brilliant talent. Today, it has the power to influence, in its own way, the health and prosperity of the world that will be left behind for generations to come.
Rhys Thomas
- Denby’s recent investments and future plans for sustainability
- Vidrios San Miguel’s ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond
Profile - Stölzle Lausitz CEO Leopold Grupp on paving the way to a greener future
Interview - Steelite’s Tim Harper talks the importance of social sustainability
Profile - Bonna on staying ahead of sustainability demands from business partners and end consumers 44 Profile - LAV shares a company update 46 Profile - Royal Goedewaagen MD Pauline Spin on recent B Corps certification
48 Sustainable businesstableware suppliers share latest products and news
International Awards - a new sustainability category for 2025
Sustainability at scale
Arc International is one of the world’s biggest tableware manufacturers, producing millions of items each and every day. At such scale, sustainability is a balancing act, but a holistic approach to responsible production has positioned the company as a leader in the growing sustainable economy. We sat down with Adam Devey , MD of Arc UK , to learn more
Four million items are produced every day across Arc International’s global manufacturing network. It’s an astronomical figure from a oneof-a-kind tableware supplier that achieved turnover exceeding €735 million in 2023. Headquartered in Arques, Northern France, where the company began manufacturing glass almost two centuries ago, Arc’s global operation today stretches across Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia. A global leader in tableware and glassware, 7,000 Arc employees serve a core customer base of major retail chains and leading hospitality businesses, as well as the wider retail and HoReCa sectors. Simply put, if a business requires glassware, dinnerware, cookware or storage solutions, chances are they’re an Arc
customer - or should be.
Navigating the balance at the intersection of business objectives and sustainability commitments at such scale is inarguably complicated but, as major manufacturer, it’s a responsibility Arc takes very seriously, says Adam Devey, Managing Director of Arc UK.
“Our commitment to sustainability was driven by a combination of corporate responsibility, customer demand, and the recognition of its longterm benefits for the environment and business,” he says. “As a global leader in tableware, Arc saw the impact of industrial production on the environment and recognised the need to innovate and invest in sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability and success in a
Did you know?
Arc has been using electric fusion for the production of fluosilicate glass for many years, with plans to fully electrify furnaces and cut emissions by more than a third by the end of the decade.
rapidly changing market.”
The company was an early mover in sustainable production, becoming one of the first tableware manufacturers to join the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest initiative for voluntary commitment to sustainable development, in 2003.
enhanced its operational efficiency by reducing energy consumption, waste, and production costs. Additionally, the company’s proactive stance has facilitated innovation in product design and materials.”
One such innovation was a breakthrough in lightweight glass products which “helps to reduce
“Sustainable business is undoubtedly better business”
Adam Devey, MD, Arc Uk
That commitment positioned the company ahead of the regulatory shifts and changes in cultural attitudes that would evolve in the subsequent two decades.
“Being an early adopter of sustainability has provided Arc with a competitive edge, enabling the company to align with the growing expectations of ecoconscious customers,” says Adam. “It has strengthened Arc’s brand reputation as an industry leader and
material use and transportation emissions while maintaining quality and durability”, says Adam. “These products exemplify Arc’s commitment to reducing the overall impact on the environment.”
The Arc Responsible programme
Foundational to Arc’s wide-reaching sustainable change is the Arc Responsible programme, a range of initiatives aimed at minimising the environmental impact of its
manufacturing and wider business functions. This systemic, holistic approach to business operations takes into account environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic growth.
“This encompasses a range of actions, from reducing carbon emissions, reducing water consumption and minimising waste, to creating durable, ecofriendly products,” Adam explains.
“Arc focuses on developing efficient manufacturing processes, optimising resource use, and fostering a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled to reduce their overall impact on the planet.”
The results have been incredibly impactful. Since 2010, carbon dioxide emissions have been cut across the company by 27%, largely through investments in energy-efficient manufacturing technologies and optimising logistics and transportation processes. Water withdrawals have also been reduced by 30% over the past five years, a result of better awareness, research into water leakage, and consistent development of closed loop circuits.
But Arc’s sustainability commitments expand beyond the boundary of its own operations. Its market leadership gives Arc the ability to help strengthen the
Committed to the UN Global Compact
“Arc is a proud participant in the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative designed to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies,” says Adam Davey, MD, Arc UK. “Through this initiative, Arc commits to aligning its strategies with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, while taking actions that advance societal goals. This involvement reflects Arc’s dedication to global sustainability standards. Arc was one of the first 100 French companies to join the United Nations Global Compact in 2003.”
of both sectors, ensuring that its products align with the broader environmental goals of its diverse customer base.”
Sustainable business is better business
As demands from customers and end consumers continue to prioritise sustainability, Adam believes that “sustainable business is undoubtedly better business”.
Adam. “The long-term ambition is to switch to electric power for the majority of the furnaces on the French site. The switch to electric smelting furnaces aims for a 37% reduction in emissions compared to 2019 for the whole site by 2030.”
circular economy throughout the value chain, as well as aiding its partners to meet their own sustainability goals.
“Arc’s approach to sustainability extends beyond its own operations, positively impacting its partners’ supply chains,” says Adam. “By offering durable products, optimising manufacturing processes, and promoting responsible sourcing and procurement, Arc enables its partners to meet their sustainability goals. This approach includes reducing packaging waste, and collaborating on sustainable transportation and logistics solutions to minimise the overall carbon footprint.”
This requires keen understanding of Arc’s two core markets, retail and HoReCa, where sustainability has become “an increasingly high priority”. While retail customers are primarily concerned about eco-friendly packaging and production, Adam explains, the hospitality industry has its own set of priorities.
“HoReCa clients emphasise product longevity, durability, reusability, and the reduction of waste in day-to-day operations. Arc tailors its approach to meet the specific sustainability needs
“Arc firmly believes that sustainability efforts not only contribute to the well-being of the planet but also enhance business performance. Eco-conscious practices lead to operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and stronger customer relationships.”
“Being an early adopter of sustainability has provided Arc with a competitive edge”
Adam Devey, MD, Arc Uk
To that end, the company has initiatives in place to continue refining and “continuously seeking ways to bolster its sustainability efforts.
“The company plans to further reduce its carbon emissions, and expand its use of renewable energy sources in production,” Adam says.
High on the agenda is a full energy rework at its French production facility, electrifying the furnaces to deliver greater emissions reductions.
“Arc has been using electric fusion for the production of fluosilicate glass for many years. It is now the subject of intense research for applications such as melting soda-lime glass,” says
Crafting a sustainable future
Minimising environmental impact and responsible sourcing are the two key pillars of ArdaCam Glassware’s approach to sustainable business. Chief executive Damla Önen shares more about the company’s efforts to drive sustainable growth, and how increased transparency will help partners make better informed decisions
What is ArdaCam Glassware’s approach sustainability?
Our approach to sustainability focuses on responsible resource management and minimising environmental impact. We integrate sustainable practices into all operations, prioritise collaboration and transparency, and view sustainability as a core aspect of our business strategy.
What sustainability expectations do you regularly hear from your retail and HoReCa partners?
The main demands from our retail and HoReCa partners regarding sustainability include:
1. Sustainable Sourcing: Partners expect products made from eco-friendly materials and ethically sourced components.
2. Transparency: There is a strong demand for clear
Fact
information about the sustainability practices and certifications of products.
3. Waste Reduction Solutions: Many partners are looking for ways to minimize packaging waste and implement recycling programs.
4. Energy Efficiency: Retailers and HoReCa partners often seek energy-efficient products.
5. Consumer Education: Partners want support in educating their customers about the benefits of sustainable products to drive sales and awareness.
What are the core initiatives that drive your sustainability commitments?
We have several key initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability, including energy efficiency programs that implement energy-
Supporting local communities is important to ArdaCam Glassware. The company partners with organisations to support local environmental change, education opportunities, and promote conservation efforts.
saving technologies in our facilities, and waste reduction strategies focused on recycling, composting, and minimising single-use materials. Our sustainable sourcing efforts prioritise eco-friendly and
linked to the future success and health of a business. It is not just a trend; it’s becoming a core aspect of successful business strategies. With a focus on sustainability, ArdaCam prioritises eco-friendly
“We integrate sustainable practices into all operations… and view sustainability as a core aspect of our business strategy”
Damla Önen,
CEO, ArdaCam Glassware
ethically sourced materials in our supply chain. Additionally, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by setting targets to lower greenhouse gas emissions through optimised logistics and increased use of renewable energy.
We also engage with local communities by partnering with organisations to promote environmental education and conservation efforts, continuously exploring new ways to drive sustainable growth.
Do you believe that sustainability is closely linked with the future success and health of your business? Absolutely, sustainability is closely
materials and production methods. We elevate the table setting and make everyone enjoy the moments of connection with ArdaCam glassware, where style meets responsible living.
What sustainability developments can we expect from ArdaCam Glassware in the near future?
We aim to implement a circular model by encouraging glass recycling. Our commitment to transparency will also grow, with regular updates on our sustainability initiatives and their impact, ensuring our customers can make informed choices that align with their values.
“Sustainability means viability for the future”
Zwiesel Glas recycles around 96 per cent of its waste product annually, an increase of 6 per cent since 2017.
Kathrin Strous , board member of Zwiesel Kristallglas AG , shares an insight into the company’s staggering on-going investments in sustainability, from alternative fuel to locally-sourced raw materials and energy efficiency innovation
Clink together a pair of Zwiesel Glas glasses and you’ll hear a very particular chime. So particular, in fact, that the company’s master glassmakers will instantly recognise it as the signature note of Tritan crystal glass, a breakthrough material developed and introduced by Zwiesel Glas in 2002 that’s emblematic of the company’s sustainability commitment.
Tritan crystal glass was an instant hit at launch and, thanks to a combination of durability, brilliance and break resistance, continues to be the glass of choice for modern consumers and B2B HoReCa partners across the globe. Made from 60% per cent recycled Tritan crystal glass, it is a hallmark of the German crystal glassmaker which, for more than 150 years, has placed innovation and progress at the heart of its operations.
“From its foundation in 1872 to
procurement, to energy sourcing, water recycling and even packaging for the end consumer. Each step in the value chain is finely tuned to help reduce harmful emissions, increase energy efficiencies or, in many cases, both.
“Our overall attitude to sustainability is: sustainability means viability for the future! From our point of view sustainable business definitely is better business,” says Kathrin. “We understand the topic of sustainability not only as the most environmentally friendly and best possible utilisation of material and energy resources, but also include topics in the area of human resources and aspects such as sustainable management.”
It’s not a new philosophy for the company. Shortly after the introduction of Tritan crystal glass, Zwiesel Glas implemented an environmental management
“Our consistent selection of low-emission, recyclable raw materials for production makes our products especially durable and environmentally friendly”
today’s world market leader, Zwiesel Glas has not only stood for a love of craftsmanship and design, but also for sustainability and innovation,” says Kathrin Strous, board member of Zwiesel Kristallglas AG responsible for Finance, Controlling, Compliance, IT, Human Resources and Supply Chain Management.
“There is hardly a milestone in the goblet glass industry that does not come from Zwiesel - for example, the first machine-blown lead crystal glass series Neckar in 1962. In its over 150 years of existence, Zwiesel Glas has never just been about glass, but has always echoed the possibilities inherent in glass. We strive to create unique products at the highest level of manufacturing skill and craftsmanship that offer extraordinary experiences of enjoyment and community.”
Efficiencies and reductions
Zwiesel Glas takes a holistic approach to sustainability, taking into account everything from design and raw material
“We also give preference to regional energy sources for our production plants. We are committed to continued process innovation to minimise our energy use in glass melting.”
On-site measures include closed cooling water circuit, heat recovery technology, filter systems as well as UV and laser technologies, all of which reduce energy consumption and ensure that water is returned to the environment in clean condition. Heat contained in the flue gas has been used to heat buildings for more than 30 years, and in 2017 the existing heat recovery from the flue gas was expanded to include waste heat utilisation from the compressed air.
But perhaps Zwiesel Glas’ biggest investment in energy efficiency came in 2012, when the company’s production facilities were converted to oxyfuel technology. It was an experiment that carried calculated risk, but the results have been astounding. Energy consumption was reduced by 30% compared with conventional gas-heated glass melting furnaces, while carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions saw a significant decrease.
are formed. As virtually no nitrogen is introduced with oxyfuel technology, it cannot react. As a result, NOx emissions have been reduced by around 80%.”
Future proofed
An early investor in sustainability best practices and innovation, Zwiesel Glas is well positioned for a future that “is likely to evolve with a strong emphasis on sustainability, personalisation, technological integration, and design innovation,” says Kathrin.
“Our production capabilities are a significant advantage. It is flexible and efficient: With a state-of-the-art production site in Zwiesel, Germany, where we produce up to 60 million glasses per year, and a facility in Hungary that produces a 7-digitnumber of handmade glasses annually, we have the flexibility to control design and quality very efficiently. This dual approach allows us to offer a wide range of products, from high-quality branded glasses for everyday use to exclusive handmade pieces for special occasions.
system to reconcile its sustainable corporate mandate with consistent, Made in Germany product quality. In 2010, the company attained eco-profile ISO 14001 certification, and annual external audits ensure its processes are routinely reviewed and improved. It’s led to local sourcing where possible.
“Our detailed analysis of all raw materials associated with production aims to avoid contaminants from the onset and to use recyclable materials wherever possible. We rely on regional raw materials (particularly quartz sand, a key ingredient) and sustainably reused glass from our own production to guarantee short transport paths,” explains Kathrin.
“Our consistent selection of low-emission, recyclable raw materials for production makes our products especially durable and environmentally friendly. Based on our detailed analysis of all raw materials, we can produce high quality glasses that are 100% foodsafe and 100% BPA-free.
“We are particularly proud of our oxyfuel technology,” says Kathrin. “ Conventional gasheated glass melting furnaces are heated with a natural gas/air mixture. To burn one cubic metre of natural gas stoichiometrically (completely), approximately 10 m³ of air is required. Air consists of 78% nitrogen (N2) and 21% oxygen (O2). Only the O2 in the air is required for combustion, and although the nitrogen is not involved in the combustion reaction, it still has to be heated from ambient temperature to approximately 1500°C combustion temperature. This, of course, costs energy.
“As we now use almost pure oxygen for combustion (approximately 2.3 cubic metres of oxygen per cubic metre of gas), we save up to 30% energy at the furnaces and therefore also 30% of CO2 emissions. In addition to the energy and CO2 savings, oxyfuel technology also has a positive effect on emissions: in the case of natural gas/air combustion, the nitrogen introduced reacts with the oxygen and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
“Our commitment to high-quality products combined with exactly these aspects, we are convinced that we are well positioned to lead this evolution. We will further collaborate with highvalued exclusive designers, seeking new artisan techniques and launching exclusive limited one-of-a-kind pieces.”
What’s next for Zwiesel Glas’ sustainability journey?
“Feasibility studies are currently being carried out for various models. The next tank replacement is due in six years’ time. This gives us a window of opportunity for technical changes, but it is not yet certain what technology we will be using. In addition to the results of the feasibility studies, the prevailing framework conditions will also be decisive.”
Kathrin Strous, board member of Zwiesel Kristallglas AG
Column Jesper Efferbach
I think that all of us, by now, are aware of the need, demand and urgency for products either produced in recycled raw materials or materials that have been upcycled from waste materials from other productions.
However, going from idea to reality is far from easy and takes a lot of patience, heart and dedication - as well as, from time to time, persuasion. What I have learned through my engagement in the development and implementation of more sustainable ways of production and products with some of the largest porcelain and glassware manufacturers, is that there are plenty of minor or larger setbacks and up-hill battles - and we are far from there yet!
The biggest basic obstacle is obtaining and processing recycled raw material, something that becomes more complicated as you scale up. That’s why most of the tableware products made in recycled materials we see are produced in smaller volumes by smaller manufacturers and studios.
Most of the larger tableware manufactures in the industry, especially glass, porcelain and ceramics, have taken the steps to minimise water and electricity usage. Glassware production already demands a certain percentage of recycled glass to be added to the glass base, but in order to increase that percentage to the maximum capacity, special production runs have to be made. This is a huge problem for the medium and large manufacturers. Special batches
Lessons I’ve learned the hard way
Designer, consultant, innovator, and sustainability champion Jesper Efferbach on the challenges of sustainability breakthroughs
and productions runs have to be made, meaning a complete furnace has to be switched off regular production. It can be as much as 40-60,000 tonnes, which is lot of glassware considering the current market prices.
Switching just one furnace to produce a close to 100% recycled glass batch can be a tough calculation and decision to make. That’s why the offering is so small. It would take a lot of financial commitment from users and the trade to even make it possible for most of the larger manufacturers to switch to this type of production. The costs and the downtime of regular production are too high.
In porcelain and ceramics, the raw materials of clay and glaze have almost always been reused in-house as long as they were still ‘wet’, but now factories have found a way to reuse all the scrap raw materials until the products have had their final firing or glazing. So the question becomes: can you call this recycled or should you call it reused?
In many people’s minds, you can only call a product recycled when it’s reused for its original purpose, in this case serving food or drinks. Since we don’t have a public collection system for porcelain and ceramic, like many countries have for glass, this is close to impossible. That’s why most porcelain and ceramics manufacturers focus on (or are forced to focus on) minimising their footprint in production processes and logistics operations.
For flatware or cutlery, as well as other metal products, the
environmental footprint problems are tenfold. Almost all metal production leaves a huge footprint, both when it comes to the raw materials, the logistics, as well as the actual production. However, some manufacturers are beginning to innovate their raw material sourcing, using recycled steel, while also reducing production waste and energy, optimising heat sources, and streamlining logistics. Plastics and melamine have their own issues. We’ve been used to a diverse offering from both natural
I have learned the hard way that this is all far from easy. Five years ago, I came to the conclusion that it should be possible to develop a rawmaterial from a 100% natural waste material from other industries, and meet all the necessary criteria. “You must have hit your head somehow”, people said. But today it has become a reality. We are now running the first test productions in this raw material, and we strongly believe it has huge potential and versatility for an endless number of different products. I am convinced that I have
“Consumers and guests visiting hotels and restaurants are willing to pay a little more when they are told why”
and oil based raw materials, where most of them are neither reusable, biodegradable or disposable. When we combine that with the source of most of these products, it becomes a huge problem. This is an area where we have to make some serious changes in our usage and purchasing behaviours. It is possible to manufacture products that are reusable, dish-washable, 100% biodegradable and produced from a 100% natural raw material, while at same time attaining all relevant health and safety certificates. But there are some ifs and buts. As they are manufactured from natural and often up-cycled material, their lifespans are shorterand they cost a little more.
been part of proving that we can innovate, design and manufacture most of the tableware products we used today in an environmentally friendly way, using raw materials that have very little impact on the environment. However, we have to take responsibility and demonstrate we are ready to pay more, accept shorter product lifespans and perhaps work a little harder to get there. But at the same time, my experience tells me that consumers and guests visiting hotels and restaurants are willing to pay a little more when they are told why.
In short: we can and must all make a difference!
Visit: jeffco.dk
A relative newcomer to the HoReCa sector, Cermer is making waves with its collection of robust and versatile earthenware goods. Chief Executive Nuno Arroyo shares what’s unique about the company’s products, how it’s helping HoReCa partners meet their own sustainability goals , and what’s next
Earthenware that’s good for the Earth
Nuno, sustainability is clearly at the heart of Cermer. What is the company’s overarching approach to sustainability and the products you create?
Building together a sustainable future is at the heart of what we do. Ceramic tableware is a natural, non-polluting, 100 per cent reusable product helping to reduce the generation of waste.
Our abundant raw materials (soil, water, fire and ceramic glaze) and respectful production process have a very low environmental impact. Therefore, our inert products are the perfect sustainable solution for use as tableware accessories within the HoReCa sector.
Cermer products offer a holistic solution, as both packaging and reusable kitchenware and tableware. What goes into the design and manufacturing process to give these products long life and multi-purpose utility?
Cermer HoReCa earthenware products are conceived, designed and manufactured to serve three original purposes: food packaging, kitchenware and tableware. As our ceramics are oven, microwave and freezer-safe, they are an impressive solution, perfect for effective everyday use within the HoReCa sector. From freezer to oven they resist thermal shocks and can be washed multiple times without losing their valuable properties.
How is Cermer uniquely positioned to help its partners reach and exceed their own sustainability goals?
Cermer has invested significantly in automating and digitising its production lines. The result is affordable tableware accessory items which can be reused multiple times, and can then be recycled after their useful life as tableware comes to an end.
In line with our environmental commitment, we have adopted
Did you know?
Cermer entered the HoReCa sector in 2023, leveraging its expertise and reputation in the food packaging industry to deliver a sustainable collection of robust tableware and kitchenware
cardboard as a totally recyclable packing material for our products. Furthermore, the design of our items allows for ease of portion control, food waste reduction and improved operational profitability
industry: inertness, reusability, and recyclability. We have achieved a fair recognition within this new fundamental legal framework for ceramic packaging to thrive
“Building together a sustainable future is at the heart of what we do”
Nuno Arroyo, CEO, Cermer
for our clients. Taking these factors into account, we can claim that our products are a wonderful, sustainable alternative to nonrecyclable, polluting, disposable and plastic-based products.
You are personally involved with the European Parliament with regards to sustainable packaging. What is your role and how do you bring your expertise to the table?
Cermer has actively participated along with Cerame-Unie (The European Ceramics Producers Industry Association) in the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to present the positive environmental characteristics of ceramic packaging for the food
as an innovative, differentiating and environmentally friendly packaging option within the European food market.
What’s next for Cermer’s sustainability journey?
We want to build upon an already long-standing position of strength in the food packaging industry, and hence we launched our HoReCa collection in during 2023. The next steps on our sustainability journey are to firmly establish our HoReCa collection and the sustainability benefits that our little pots of sustainability bring to this sector. And of course, we are continually investing in measures to reduce the environmental impact of our operational practices.
“We
celebrate the best in sustainable tableware”
Sustainability has been elevated to the top of the agenda for Ambiente 2025 - and nowhere more so than in the Dining sector. Thomas Kastl, Director Ambiente Dining, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, shares how exhibitors and buyers can maximise their time and impact at next year’s show
Thoughts are beginning to turn to 2025 and the next edition of Ambiente. How are plans for next year’s show shaping up so far?
We are gearing up for the trade fair countdown for 2025 with enormous anticipation. Across all Dining halls, Ambiente 2025 will showcase many stellar brands again like Aarke, RAK Porcelain, Villeroy & Boch and Vista Alegre. And being the largest and most international trade fair for consumer goods, we continue to elevate the offer for the hospitality industry and demonstrate that Ambiente is a strong partner for this increasingly important industry. In the newly designed Special Interest Hospitality we gather a
truly all-encompassing offer for the hospitality industry. Visitors may still find our comprehensive HoReCalabelled trade fair section in Hall 11.0, though. And there’s more to discover: come and meet our exciting new Ambiente Designer 2025. The Berlin-based architect and interior designer Fabian Freytag is designing the new special presentation „The Lounge –Shades of Space“ in Galleria 1 as an inviting meeting place for everyone – an intriguing display that you should not miss.
Ambient has been at the forefront of highlighting the growing importance of sustainability. How important has this issue become to the show - and how are
Did you know?
More than a third of the 377 Ethical Style exhibitors currently listed are from the Dining sector, making it one of the best overall represented product categories for sustainability at Ambiente.
organisers prioritising it?
More and more consumers worldwide are attaching importance to degradable or recyclable materials and socially responsible production methods. As a result of this more conscious consumption, sustainability is increasingly important for many
scheme is just an indicator. There is still a host of exhibitors that have remarkable practices for sustainable manufacturing in place but have not signed up for the programme yet. This is also why it is so important for us to spread the word about Ethical Style: it gives visibility to companies that embrace ethical practices.
“For more than 10 years we have been championing more sustainable products and practices in the consumer goods industry”
companies. This is reflected in the number of exhibitors that sign up for the Ethical Style programme. Year after year, we see an increase in exhibitor participation: of the 377 Ethical Style exhibitors currently listed, 138 are from the dining sector. So more than one third of all participants is from the Dining sector. In 2020, it was only 70 out of 314. This topic is gaining momentum, and please bear in mind that the Ethical Style
The Ethical Style by Ambiente programme is a popular show highlight - what is it, why is it valuable, and how can exhibitors get involved?
The Ethical Style scheme is our dedicated answer to the question of how to market sustainable products and solutions. For more than 10 years we have been championing more sustainable products and practices in the consumer goods industry, because consumers worldwide
expect these at the point of sale. Our programme, which we finally established in 2016, provides orientation and brings together supply and demand in a very easy way. Essentially, it means more business for everyone.
Companies can register for the evaluation process with individual products, product lines or as an entire company. The Special Interest takes into account various aspects of sustainability, such as environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, resource-saving manufacturing processes, craftsmanship that preserves traditions, as well as future-oriented products and processes and socially responsible working conditions.
The Ethical Style by Ambiente label marks participating exhibitors on their stands as well as in the online exhibitor search, making it easier for visitors to find relevant suppliers and products, and open up new business contacts. Moreover, with the curated Ethical Style Spots, the trade fair trio of Ambiente and its simultaneous consumer trade fairs Christmasworld and Creativeworld holds inspiration galore for a more sustainable point of sale: On two themed spots –one in the west and one in east part of the exhibition grounds - visitors may find a thoughtfully presented selection of beautiful and sustainable pieces.
Online application for the 10th anniversary edition of Ethical Style by Ambiente is open until 22 November 2024. Participation is free of charge, but the benefit for exhibitors is just priceless.
These initiatives are praised for spotlighting smaller startups and innovators alongside big brands. How important is it that companies of all sizes are represented in this way?
With our diverse audiences in mind, it is important for us to showcase companies that make a difference and to guide buyers accordingly. Be it small innovative start-ups or big-brand crowd pullers that are well-known for spearheading sustainable practices – it is the mix that matters. Small, niche or highly specialised companies and startups get their chance and capitalise on this free-of-charge product stage as do trailblazers like Koziol, that have left their mark in terms of sustainability already. Both benefit
from one another. And this mix is exactly what makes Ambiente so exciting, as there is always plenty of room for new discoveries. Simply put, we celebrate the best in sustainable tableware.
What other show features and programmes highlighting sustainability can attendees benefit from?
The fringe programme will once again be a premier source of inspiration and insights. Two highlights, in the popular Conzoom Solutions Academy, the trade show Tuesday, February 11, will be the Sustainability Day, with keynotes, best practices and a lot of food for thought to take home. And the Ambiente Trends25+ presentation in Hall 4.1 will also bring to the fore what shapes, colours and materials will define modern living spaces in the future and, thus, shape the product ranges. Sustainable products and circular materials play an important role here. Moreover, we will offer more guided tours for the topic of hospitality where visitors meet exhibitors that present innovations. Another go-to place for ethically produced goods is Hall 10.4 with the most comprehensive Ethical Style offering and the most diverse international range in Ambiente Global Sourcing. Speaking about international sourcing, we invite you to drop by in Hall 3.0 at the stand of MADE51, a project made possible by the UN Refugee Agency. Here, individuals and their crafts receive support to rebuild their lives economically after being displaced. Definitely a must-see spot.
How can attendees make the most of these initiatives?
We invite you to plan your visit carefully and way ahead in order to take maximum advantage. Use the Ambiente app to put together your personal itinerary – the app helps to organise your way across the hall floors and fringe programme and assists with matchmaking and meeting relevant business contacts. Via your exhibitor profile, you can use the matchmaking tool also before attending the show and identify and get in touch with relevant business contacts beforehand.
How will the growing importance of sustainability be reflected by the show itself?
Top tips for sustainable exhibitors
In a first but crucial step, we invite all companies committed to sustainable practices to sign up for the Ethical Style programme. For retailers and commercial end users, that is the programme that points the way towards the right partners for their own portfolio.
In terms of visibility, the first point of reference for visitors planning their itinerary is the online exhibitor search: so exhibitors should make sure that they are best presented and easily found.
For even more impact, we invite them to tag #Ambiente25 in their own social media communications so we may share their posts - especially if they have influencers or exciting WOM ambassadors at their stands. Make generous use of tagging and sharing, and together, let’s spread the word and our enthusiasm!
As one of the world’s leading organisers of trade fairs with own exhibition grounds, we as Messe Frankfurt committed to the UN Global Compact and its 17 sustainable development goals. Since November 2023, we are EMAS-certified, meaning that we have successfully implemented the internationally recognised EcoManagement and Audit Scheme, one of the most ambitious sustainability schemes there are.
We aim for climate neutrality by 2040. Our Sustainability Governance Code is the framework for all of our sustainable development, within the group, but also at our events around the globe. In addition, we provide assistance to our business partners with a guide for making their event or event participation more sustainable.
Finally, what else is new for the Dining sector in 2025?
The registrations for 2025 are characterised by three developments: the return of strong brands, new interested exhibitors and overall amazing companies exhibiting continuously. Hall 8.0 with the Cook & Cut product groups is fully booked already, and you can look forward to meeting Wüsthof again as they return to the fair in 2025, and household names like Bergner, De Buyer, Emile Henry, Ilcar di Bugatti, Graef, Master Cutlery, Pedrini, Ruffoni, Tramontina, and Victorinox.
Hall 9 is full, too, and going to be hustling and bustling in the segment of Modern Kitchen & Baking in Hall 9.0 with brands like Rösler as a returnee to the fair, Guardini, Gefu, the Küchenprofi group and Peugeot, and in Hall 9.1 with Alfi, Joseph Joseph, Lifetime Brands, Lock & Lock and Mepal. Visitors can look forward to meeting Brabantia, Curver, Orthex, or What more in Hall 9.2 and Arte Regal, Edco, Genius, JJA and simplehuman in Hall 9.3. Here, visitors may be surprised to find Tesa, as the company presents their portfolio of storage solutions. In Hall 11.0, we are diversifying the product range for the upcoming edition.
Visitors may find there now more cutlery than ever, for example Abert with their brand Broggi and Sola from the Netherlands. In Hall 12.0 you will find household names such as Bohemia Cristal, Güral, Lav, Libbey, Nadir and Pasabahce, while the Table Select segment in Hall 12.1 will be the home to iconic brands like Crystal Bohemia, Dibbern, Eternum, Noritake, Kutahya, Robbe & Berking, Rosenthal, Sola Switzerland, and Vista Alegre. Summing it up, you may expect to experience Ambiente Dining with a raised profile in terms of quality as that is what we stand for.
Visit: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
Erbil Aşkan
Partner and General Manager, Bonna
Bonna is one of the key players in a supercompetitive global market. As a Türkiye-based brand presenting tableware solutions, our country supports sustainable production. However, the capital expenditures and investments required globally for sustainable production models are still costly today. We hope this will change in the near future. Despite diminishing resources—
especially water, which is essential for all humanity—along with other challenges like climate change, financial instability affecting the world, and shrinking market conditions, we remain focused on our purpose. We understand that adopting a sustainable business model today will better prepare us for tomorrow
What are the biggest challenges to overcome to forge a more sustainable tableware industry?
It’s almost universally agreed that sustainability is crucial to the tableware industry’s on-going health and growth. It is equally agreed upon that there will be many challenges along the way. Tableware production is an energy-intensive, material-hungry process - both of which present their own unavoidable trials and tribulations. We asked industry leaders to weigh in on the biggest hurdles the industry must overcome
Leopold Grupp
CEO, Stölzle Lausitz
Glass, porcelain, and steel are fundamental materials in the tableware industry, for drinkware, plates and flatware, which inherently makes it energy-intensive. The key challenge lies in maximising efficiency to reduce energy consumption per unit produced. At the same time, the industry must adapt to global advancements, such as replacing gas with hydrogen and transitioning to green electricity for smelting. Ultimately, the pace of progress in this industry is closely tied to how quickly countries can shift towards renewable energy sources.
Damla Önen CEO, ArdaCam Glassware
Glassware is the solution for a more sustainable tableware industry. Its fully recyclable nature means it can be reused indefinitely without quality loss, significantly reducing waste. Made from natural materials, glass contains no harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for food and beverages. Additionally, its durability allows for long-term use, minimising the need for frequent replacements. With a timeless aesthetic and versatility in design, glassware not only enhances dining experiences but also promotes sustainability. ArdaCam supports a circular economy and contribute to a healthier planet.
Dean Barlow
Operations Director, Denby
The ceramics industry currently has a huge reliance on gas-fired kilns. Denby is part of a UK Ceramics Industry consortium headed by Ceramics UK specifically looking at the industrialisation of hydrogen in large scale. As part of this project, we have already fired Denby reactive stoneware in a hydrogen/natural gas-powered kiln (on a trial basis for now), with good results. The transition to a low carbon economy obviously creates challenges for an energy intensive industry such as ceramics, and hydrogen use is one important aspect of a wide suite of initiatives that need to be investigated and embedded into our industry.
A vital part of any work on hydrogen use is the supply infrastructure, and we are pleased that Denby is part of the East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium, of which hydrogen supply is an important strand. Of course, it is also possible that low and zero carbon initiatives we may be using in 2050 as an industry may not even have been invented yet!
Juan M. Botella Export Manager, Vidrios San Miguel
The main challenge is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of caring for the environment. Therefore, it is essential to promote the use of 100 per cent recyclable materials, such as glass. Manufacturing recycled glass is not only a responsible choice, but also a smart strategy. By using recycled glass, our melting furnaces require lower temperatures compared to virgin glass. This translates into significant energy savings and, in turn, a reduction in CO2 emissions into the environment. Every time we recycle glass, we are contributing to a more efficient and less polluting production cycle.
Tim Harper
Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing (UK, Ireland, MEA), Steelite International
For ceramic products it’s difficult to find alternatives to natural gas, which is used in the kilns. Many products are fragile and require a lot of packaging to prevent breakages, this creates a lot of waste. Alternatives are possible but expensive and difficult to implement. There is a technology gap preventing advancements in efficiency, for affordable prices, on a large scale. Transportation of goods and products still has a significant impact on carbon footprint - especially for international companies with multiple factories or customers abroad.
Every improvement effort in savings or sustainability practices compels us to rethink all of our processes and change the way we work with more precise and stringent criteria. Although adapting to this new way of working may initially be challenging, the positive outcomes of the change empower our employees to contribute to these efforts with greater belief and confidence. LAV company spokesperson
Retail interview Global Table
From customer to owner
In 1999, a 20-something New York University graduate first walked into Global Table, a tableware boutique nestled among the thriving restaurant scene of Manhattan’s chic Soho neighbourhood. It was the first step on a serendipitous journey that would take Tracy David from customer to proprietor. We stopped by to learn more about the store’s offering, why her customers keep coming back, and how sustainability is swiftly becoming a more significant factor in both her own and her customers’ buying decisions
Global Table was the only place in the neighbourhood that combined great design at a price I could afford. It became my favourite store in New York City. I kept coming back over the years.
In 2022, a friend who had worked at Global Table for 16 years introduced me to the owner who
“There is an implicit expectation that the products we curate not only look good, but also are made consciously and responsibly”
Tracy, introduce us to Global Table. Global Table is a resource for ceramics and glassware sourced from small brands and artisans around the world. Our selection is eclectic and we focus on tableware that is original and well crafted, designed with clean lines, vivid finishes, and beautiful shapes. We sell both online and through our retail store in Soho in New York City.
There’s an interesting story behind your ownership of the store. When did it begin?
It was 1999 when I discovered Global Table and fell in love with it. I was in my mid-20s, a recent NYU graduate, working in marketing and design for a restaurant group in Soho and barely scraping by.
was considering selling the store. Serendipity! The timing was a little crazy, but right. I was running marketing for a tech startup that had just been acquired. At the same time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and that was a real wake up call. It was during treatment that I decided not to go back to corporate life and instead put my heart and soul into something I loved. I took over Global Table in January 2023. I couldn’t be happier.
Global Table combines my passion for ceramics, travel, discovery, with my experience of digital marketing and branding all in one place. Since I took over, online sales have grown three-fold and revenue for our first year exceeded my expectations.
What are your core product segments - and who are your key suppliers?
We remain focused on tabletop –bowls, platters, glassware, vases, teaware. We work with more than 80 vendors, ranging from international suppliers to local USbased artisans. Our larger suppliers include Bloomingville, Be Home, Zafferano, Costa Nova, BIDK, and Middle Kingdom.
What products are growing in popularity in 2024?
We introduced vintage tableware this year: a few pieces I sourced from France. Global Table never carried vintage before so it was an experiment. To my surprise, nearly all the vintage pieces sold out as soon as we displayed them on the shelf. Clearly we’re onto something.
I must mention the little spoons for salt and condiments - a quirky favourite with customers. What is their appeal?
Our customers love the small spoons. They are well crafted, fun, and functional, so people are drawn to them. You can use them for anything and because they cost the same as a cafe latte in downtown NY, it’s easy to buy one, or a few. In fact, small, fun things tend to sell well.
You have many loyal and returning customers, many local but plenty from overseas who visit religiously when in town for work. Why do you think customers return time and again? Our customers come back because our selection is curated with a combination of ‘classics’ - the pieces we restock year after year - and new items we introduce regularly. Customers tell us they come in just to browse and get design ideas, and then it’s rare they walk out empty-handed. We also have a wonderful team that provides great service and a personalised experience. People come to us because they want more originality on their table, so we help
“We are fortunate to have so many loyal customers. They are our biggest advocates. I would know because I was one of them!”
them mix and match pieces that reflect their personal style. These are the reasons why people return time and again. We are fortunate to have so many loyal customers. They are our biggest advocates. I would know because I was one of them!
When sourcing new product, how important is sustainability to the final ordering decision?
While sustainability is not the driving factor for many of our customers, they are definitely sensitive to it so it factors into our sourcing. There is an implicit expectation that the products we curate not only look good, but also are made consciously and responsibly. Customers come to us to purchase gifts, so it’s important our products have a good story, one they can stand behind and that reflects their personal values. We love working with brands that place an emphasis not only on how their products are made, whether it’s using alternative energy, a focus
on durability, or less waste, but also supporting traditions and the people who keep them alive.
The great thing about tableware is that for a relatively low investment, as long as it is well made, beautiful, and not generic, it can last a lifetime. It becomes part of family culture and heritage with many stories to tell, and passed on from generation to generation.
What brands do you stock that prioritise sustainability?
A lot of our suppliers include sustainability at their core. One example is a company called Be Home that has headquarters in California and Brussels. They design beautiful pieces like mango wood bowls, glass candlesticks, and marble boards, all of which are handcrafted by artisans around the world. Their products are made in small batches using ethically sourced raw materials with minimal waste. We’ve been working with them for a long time.
Top 5 best sellers
Sinful Plates and Bowls - Miya Company
Perle Glass Tumblers - Zafferano America
Mini Porcelain Vases - Middle Kingdom
Laguiole Cheese Knives - Be Home
Hasami Porcelain Mugs - Saikai USA
5
Another example is Costa Nova, a Portuguese company that specialises in stoneware. They think about sustainability at each step of the product life cycle, from the
You’re often in Paris, and I’m sure you kept a keen eye on the tableware in stores and restaurants. What differences did you notice between Paris
“A lot of our suppliers include sustainability at their core”
clay and glazing process to their single-fired production, use of solar energy, and focus on recycling and reuse of materials.
How do you stand out as an independent in a retail landscape as competitive and vast as New York City?
The way we curate our products is what sets us apart. Shopping at Global Table is as much about the experience as it is about the products we carry. It’s eclectic, funky, and a bit of a bric-a-brac, which is part of the fun. You can discover something new at every corner of our small shop and there’s no other place like it. Customers tell us they love coming to our shop because it puts them in a good mood. We couldn’t ask for more! Otherwise, from a marketing perspective we currently rely on organic channels – email, Instagram, search, partnerships, and word of mouth – to get discovered.
and New York in terms of trends and how does it inspire you? I shuttle back and forth between Paris, where I currently live, and New York, where I lived for more than 30 years. I find that Parisians entertain at home more often than New Yorkers so it’s not surprising to see an emphasis on table settings. People are not afraid to mix patterns and styles, and blend modern with vintage. It’s all very whimsical and they make it seem so effortless.
What’s next for Global Table? So much. I’m convinced that with the right marketing strategy we can scale it. We have short term goals like developing our wedding registry and expanding our B2B partnerships, particularly with boutique hotels and restaurants. Longer term, I would love to see us create our own line of tableware. And, perhaps another location in the US.
Entries are open from now until 8 November
Contact mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk
Perspective: Ceramics UK
Sustainability challenges present opportunities
Rob Flello is CEO of Ceramics UK, the UK trade association dedicated to supporting UK manufacturers and suppliers in their pursuit of a more sustainable future. Here he charts the promising progress made by members such as Denby and Churchill and how tackling these unique challenges can spur innovation and growth
As the UK ceramic industry navigates a landscape that is increasingly focused on sustainability, it faces a range of challenges and opportunities. Ceramics UK, the UK trade association for the ceramics sector, is dedicated to supporting UK manufacturers and suppliers in their pursuit of a more sustainable future.
The ceramic tableware industry faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to sustainability. Energy consumption, water usage, and waste management are key areas requiring attention. The process of firing ceramics at high temperatures is energyintensive, making carbon reduction a key priority. Water is essential throughout the production process, from mixing raw materials to glazing. Managing waste, such as surplus clay and packaging, is also critical for a sustainable future.
However, these challenges present significant opportunities for innovation and growth. By embracing sustainable practices, UK manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact, enhance their brand reputation, and improve longterm competitiveness. Advances in alternative energy sources, water recycling, and waste management are helping to transform the sector, offering pathways to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining the high-quality standards consumers expect from UK ceramics.
Many UK ceramic manufacturers and suppliers have already taken
proactive steps to improve their sustainability performance. Examples include greater energy efficiency through investments in solar power and energy-efficient equipment to reduce ancillary energy consumption and carbon emissions. Advanced water treatment systems and recycling initiatives are helping to minimise water usage and waste, reducing the impact on local water supplies and improving water conservation. Further efforts to reduce waste generation include improved recycling rates, alternative materials, and novel use of waste materials, all of which contribute to a more circular economy. Sourcing sustainable raw materials, such as recycled clay and glazes with lower environmental impact, is also becoming increasingly important.
There is good progress being made by Ceramics UK members, including Denby, a renowned UK ceramic tableware brand with a long-standing commitment to sustainability dating back to its founding over 200 years ago. The company has implemented a wide range of initiatives to reduce its environmental, operating an on-site water treatment plant that purifies and returns 20 million litres of process water to the water cycle each year. The company has invested in a 2MW solar array, which supplies nearly half of the pottery’s electricity needs and powers its visitor centre entirely, and it is the first UK manufacturer to achieve zero process waste to landfill, recycling all glaze and clay in its
production processes, as well as using recyclable packaging and paper bags in its stores.
While Denby has achieved significant sustainability milestones, it faces challenges, such as lengthy planning processes for renewable energy projects and balancing environmental goals with economic realities. Despite this, Denby remains committed to seeking new ways to reduce its environmental impact.
Churchill is another leading UK ceramic tableware manufacturer actively pursuing sustainability goals. The company has invested in solar power and is exploring alternative fuels for its kilns, such as hydrogen. Churchill is also involved in research projects and industry collaborations to advance sustainable practices.
A key initiative is its investment in solar power, with over 4,500 solar panels installed, generating enough electricity to power 442 homes and saving 243 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Churchill is also participating in the Ceramics UK Low Carbon Working Group, which is exploring the feasibility of using 100% hydrogen for ceramic firing. The company’s sustainability efforts are driven by a desire to create a positive environmental impact while ensuring a sustainable future for the company.
While significant progress has been made, there is still much to be done. The ceramic tableware industry must continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of consumers and the environment. Achieving
this requires collaboration between industry and government to create an environment that supports investment in sustainable technologies.
Ceramics UK is committed to supporting its members in this journey, ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in sustainable ceramic tableware production. With the right support, the UK ceramic tableware industry can continue to thrive while advancing towards a greener future, leaving a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the Visit: ceramics-uk.org
Ceramics UK’s role
Ceramics UK plays a vital role in supporting the industry’s sustainability efforts, providing resources and guidance through its network of members, research, and advocacy.
■ Knowledge sharing: Ceramics UK facilitates collaboration among its members.
■ Research and development: It supports research projects that explore new sustainable technologies and practices, including trials for hydrogenfuelled ceramic firing.
■ Advocacy and lobbying: Ceramics UK actively advocates for policies that promote sustainability within the industry, working to shape a regulatory environment that supports sustainable growth.
Sustai nably Made in Engla nd.
B e par t of th e a nti-la ndfill movement by choosing our handcrafte d ceramic s, homewa re and gif ts .
At Denb y, we ha ve been cra fting versatile, beautif ul and durable made-t o-last ceramics for o ve r 200 years on the same sit e in Der by shire, England, always subscribing t o the ethos of ‘buy well, buy once’.
To find out ho w our wide range of sustainably made ceramics, home wa re and gifts can help you stand out in a crowded market and make your offering rele va nt t o e ver-e volving consumer needs, vi sit www. denb ypott ery. com/trade
Feature Sustainability
How tableware suppliers respond to the sustainability demands of consumers, retail partners, HoReCa organisation and regulatory bodies will define the industry’s future. There is no turn-key solution, but the growing sentiment is one of optimism: that sustainable business is better business - despite the challenges ahead
The tide has turned
Sustainability is one of those slippery words, encompassing a grand ideology while failing to define its shape and boundaries. Ask one person what sustainability means to them and they’ll tell you its about making decisions to minimise our impact on the environment, recycling our waste and prioritising alternative energy sources. Another will argue that the human cost matters more, and we should do everything in our power to deliver some semblance of equity to each and every community. To uplift those living amid conflict and climate crises, and reverse the financial imbalance inherent to offshoring manufacturing processes. Filter those sentiments through the corporate lens and things become further diffuse. How, sales and marketing teams, might ask, can they compel consumers to be excited about a new launch that is ostensibly the same product, but sustainably made? Operations directors will argue that the technology necessary to overhaul manufacturing sites just isn’t there yet. That access to clean energy sources is lagging far behind popular sentiment and consumer expectation -
regardless of whether or not it would be fiscally responsible.
It is a challenge, and change is no longer on the horizon, it’s firmly in our present. As the UK closed its last coal-fuelled power station in September 2024, and as growing numbers of consumers continue to prove they will pay a premium to feel good about the products and services they purchase, the tide is slowly but irreversible turning.
in light of recent socioeconomic upheaval, sustainability continues to cast a dark shadow on the conscience of consumers.
“From wars to heightened political tensions to lingering inflation, new reasons for unease have gained mindshare around the world,” the report reveals. “But these worries have barely dislodged a major issue in consumers’ consciousness:
“Both retail and HoReCa clients are looking for durable, eco-conscious products that meet the growing demands of their consumers”
Adam Davey, MD, Arc UK
In a recent global study, Bain & Company found more than half of the 19,000 consumers questioned said their concerns over the climate crisis had increased in the past two years. In the report, The Sustainability Puzzle: What Do Consumers Really Want?, US consumers said they are willing to pay 10 per cent more for products with low environmental impact. They value brands whose actions and values respect the planet. Even
Concerns about sustainability remain high and are competing with cost of living, political, and household finance worries.”
Priority shifts
This reality has hit home in the tableware trade. In response to growing global demand from retailers and HoReCa partners to prioritise sustainability, informed by their customers’ expectations, tableware leaders are shifting focus.
Retailer insight
“I don’t consider sustainability a trend so much as a deep cultural shift driven by the need to protect future generations. I think people are starting to approach sustainability holistically, which goes beyond our consumption of disposable goods. People have become more aware and curious of where products are coming from, of who makes them and how –these are questions we get asked often by our customers.”
Tracy David, owner, Global Table
Zwiesel Glas Viento
Feature Sustainability
“Sustainability has become an increasingly high priority for Arc’s customers,” says Adam Davey, Managing Director at Arc UK. Arc serves leading retail chains and global hospitality organisations, producing 4,000,000 glass items daily to meet demand.
“Both retail and HoReCa clients are looking for durable, eco-conscious products that meet the growing demands of their consumers,” he says. “End customers, particularly in the hospitality industry, are more informed about environmental issues and are making purchasing decisions based on a company’s sustainability credentials. Arc’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint resonates strongly with these consumers, making sustainability a key differentiator
What are B Corps?
Attaining B Corp status is a popular way to signal to customers and end consumers that a business prioritises sustainability. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Lab was launched in 2006, and currently recognises 5,000 B Corps globally. Certified organisations must publicly list their impact score across five areas: governance, environment, customers, community and workforce; make firm commitments to future improvements; and reapply for certification every three years.
in the market.”
It’s an experience shared by Leopold Grupp, CEO of Austrian multinational glassware manufacturer Stölzle Lausitz:
“The retail and hospitality sectors have placed a growing emphasis on sustainability, driven by heightened consumer expectations, regulatory requirements, and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.”
It is an all-encompassing expectation, Leopold says, and there is no single solution:
“Based on feedback from our customers, the key sustainability priorities they expect from their supply partners include: sustainable sourcing (both ethical and local), waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and social responsibility. These are essential pillars in how we approach our operations and partnerships.”
“We do not believe in a disposable culture, but in sustainable products made with care and attention that can be enjoyed for a long time”
Pauline Spin, MD, Royal Goedewaagen
In the UK, Denby has seen similar shifts in consumer expectations, according to Dean Barlow, Operations Director. Consumers “are rightly demanding businesses and brands work hard to lessen their environmental impact and evidence their activities on the sustainability agenda”, he says.
Denby today continues its long-standing tradition of responsible manufacturing, a tenet of the company throughout its more than 200year history, but not every brand can rightly claim to be following suit. There is rising scepticism in some quarters over attempted efforts of green-washing, the practice of businesses making specious claims about the low environmental impact of their operations or, in some cases, false statements.
“The key to resonating with the consumer and hospitality customers on sustainability
messaging we feel is to ensure your claims are clear and can be easily evidenced,” Dean says. “With some brands being accused of green-washing, consumers are rightly being more rigorous in their selection approach and ensuring brands can back up their claims, which is why at Denby we are proud to be able to support our
credentials in this space in so many different ways.”
Portmeirion Group is likewise leaning into its tradition as a means to operate more sustainably while delivering to consumers the quality and design they’ve come to expect from the brand.
“We’re proud to be leading the way with consciously designed
products whilst staying true to time-honoured techniques and quality craftsmanship,” says Andrea Waters, Marketing Director at Portmeirion Group.
“For us, sustainability is also about creating pottery that lasts.
Portmeirion Minerals is a durable, functional collection designed to be used and cherished for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Portmeirion pottery is made to stand the test of time, both in terms of quality and design.”
“Our Portmeirion Minerals collection is made in Portugal from organic clay, with which at least 90 per cent of the materials used are recycled. A traditional pottery practice we’re proud to uphold, recycling clay reduces the demand for virgin clay and, in turn, contributes to conserving natural resources. To further reduce energy usage, the stoneware collection is also made using a once-fired production process, and is presented in minimal, recyclable packaging that’s also made from recycled materials.”
Royal Goedewaagen recently
signalled its commitments to sustainability by attaining B Corps certification.
“We take our social responsibility and constantly adjust our development and production process to become more sustainable, in all links of the chain,” says Pauline Spin, Managing Director, Royal
Goedewaagen. “This B Corps certification shows that we are on the right track and gives us even more motivation as a company and team to continue our contribution to a better world.”
For Pauline, B Corps accreditation is the next step in the company’s sustainability journey, not an end goal. In operation since 1610, Royal Goedewaagen has operated sustainable for centuries, long before environmental concerns were even considered. The key has been long-lasting, quality goods.
“We do not believe in a disposable culture, but in sustainable products made with care and attention that can be enjoyed for a long time,” Pauline says. “Everything we make is meant to last. That is why we make our ceramics to the highest standards of quality and functionality.”
Challenger brands
Adherence to legacy is paying dividends for those tableware manufacturers able to trace their organisation back generations. Despite the challenges they present, the inherent low environmental impact of local material sourcing and traditional craftsmanship and production techniques, combined with investment in modern energy supply, recycling loops and research into alternative fuels is a winning formula. But not every brand has that luxury. What about more recent entrants to the industry? How are they tackling sustainability?
Founded in 2000, Utopia Tableware rapidly rose the ranks as a supplier to the
packaging for our own range of goods, as well as those from our supply partners. And our printed catalogues are certified by the World Land Trust for sustainability.”
Newer still to the market is Bonna, a challenger brand from Türkiye established just a decade ago. Erbil Aşkan, Partner and General Manager believes committing to sustainability from day one has been key to its success.
“Our business partners demand products that are more environmentally friendly, durable, and visually appealing. We respond to these demands by continuously improving and adding more value every day,” he says. “Otherwise, as a brand with only 10 years of experience, Bonna would not have become the sectoral export
“We believe that true profit and success come from producing without consuming”
Erbil Aşkan, Partner and General Manager, Bonna
HoReCa sector. Kathryn Oldershaw, the company’s Marketing Director, says: “We are always looking to bring new, environmentally friendly products to replace single use items, but sustainability isn’t just about the products we supply. For example, we’re increasingly using sustainable
champion in Türkiye.
“To support this goal, we established a sustainability committee within our company, the purpose of which is to ensure that both our company and its activities remain sustainable while fulfilling our social and environmental responsibilities as a global business. This is a crucial step for us.”
Among Bonna’s sustainability initiatives is a $3 million investment in solar energy panels, contributing to saving 300,000 trees annually and cutting 3,500 tones of carbon emissions. The company also built a green warehouse, which generates its own electricity, can store power using lithium battery stacking equipment, and repurposes rainwater. With the completion of this solar energy systems project earlier this year, Bonna began generating half of the electricity used across all of its facilities.
“We take all these steps with the future in mind because we believe that true profit and success come from producing without consuming,” says Erbil. “We are also aware that each of us must do our part to ensure the traces we leave on the planet are beneficial.”
However tableware suppliers approach their environmental and social responsibilities, the one thing that remains constant is the belief that sustainable business is simply better business. Over the following pages, you’ll learn more about these individual approaches, goals and results. Discover what sustainability looks like today, what it may develop into in coming years and, whatever your stake in the industry, how you can play your role in a brighter future.
Stölzle
Profile Denby
Buy well, buy once
With a focus on made-to-last ceramics, produced from locally sourced materials, sustainability has been the life blood of Denby throughout its more than 200-year history. Dean Barlow , Operations Director, Denby shares more about a recent investment in solar energy, plus the company’s future sustainability plans and ambitions
What is Denby’s overarching attitude and approach to sustainability?
Denby has had sustainability at the heart of its business since it was founded over 200 years ago using a local seam of iron-rich clay to craft our made-to-last ceramics. Our ethos of ‘buy well, buy once’ resonates strongly with today’s sustainability-conscious consumer looking for quality, Made in England goods. We have crossdepartmental teams focused on ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of our operations and are always looking for ways to improve our already strong performance in this space.
What are the core initiatives and programmes driving sustainability at Denby?
All of our stoneware ranges are sustainably made in our Derbyshire pottery from being the first UK tableware manufacturer to have zero process waste to landfill several years ago to the recent opening of our on-site solar array. Other initiatives such as the recycling of all water, glaze and clay in processing, intelligent lighting systems, recyclable packaging, team PPE and uniforms made
from recycled plastic bottles, are just some of the ways in which we are leading in ceramics on this important agenda. All of Denby’s stoneware ranges are crafted in this way, though ranges such as the Kiln Collections in particular epitomise our strong belief in creating ceramics which our users feel good about using, whilst also being kinder to the earth.
Denby has recently installed a 2 MW solar array behind our pottery which will help to reduce our CO2 emissions by 475 metric tonnes each year. The solar park is already supplying approximately 40 per cent of our electricity needs around the pottery in the summer and now powers 100 per cent of our Pottery Village visitor centre’s year-round electricity needs.
What’s next for Denby’s sustainability journey?
Denby is working on several live projects in this area for example it is planning phase 2 of its solar power project to ultimately be increasingly self-sufficient for its electrical usage saving further CO2 emissions, and in the longer term continue to work on alternatives to gas fired kilns alongside industry and regional partners. On the brand front we will continue to dial up our rich sustainably made stories and creating more exciting made-to-last ceramics for our users to enjoy and feel good about using!
15 years a design icon
Denby’s popular Halo tableware and home decor pattern celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, with special pieces being launched throughout the year to mark the milestone. More than just a tableware collection, Halo was a trailblazer when it launched in 2010, leading the way in reactive glazes and helping to create the trend for natural aesthetics in ceramics that is now celebrated in homes and restaurants around the world - and still admired and imitated by many today. Made at Denby’s Derbyshire pottery from local clay, each piece of Halo is created by 20 pairs of skilled hands and is glazed using secret glaze recipes developed at Denby. Halo is a true design icon that deserves to be celebrated!
New for 2025
Kiln Blue, new from Denby, is a collection including tableware and home decor pieces such as vases and home fragrance. There will be additional pieces added during 2025.
“Kiln Blue is inspired by the colours and textures found in the natural world, and the two glazes used in the collection echo the movement and multi-faceted tones of the sea’s waves as they combine,” says Denby Pattern Design Manager, Nicola Wilson
Profile Vidrios San Miguel
Founded on a commitment to 100 per cent post-consumer recycled glass, Vidrios San Miguel has been producing sustainable products for nearly 40 years. With ambitious goals leading into 2025, Export Manager
Juan M. Botella explains why sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, but also for business
Taking care of future generations
How important is sustainability to Vidrios San Miguel?
Vidrios San Miguel is synonymous with sustainability. Since our beginnings in 1985, we have been committed to the circular economy, using 100 per cent recycled glass post-consumer as raw material. Backed by GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, sustainability
allow us to obtain a significant part of the energy we need for our operations. This clean and renewable energy source not only reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, but also minimises our carbon footprint. In addition, we complement this solar energy with other sustainable sources, ensuring that our production is as environmentally friendly as possible.
“Every product we make is not only an aesthetic and functional choice, but also a contribution to reducing waste on our planet”
Juan M. Botella, Export Manager, Vidrios San Miguel
goes beyond production. Over the years, we have invested significantly in improving our production processes, implementing clean and efficient technologies.
An example of this is the use of oxy-fuel furnaces or the large installation of solar panels, which
What initiatives do you currently have in place to improve your sustainability practices?
In order to achieve a more sustainable world, our company has set some very ambitious goals until 2025. Currently, we are developing a very interesting
project that takes advantage of the heat generated in our processes to reduce our energy consumption, as well as CO2 emissions.
What do your customer in retail and HoReCa expect with regards to sustainability? They are becoming more and more demanding in terms of sustainability. They are looking for increasingly ecological packaging
Sustainability in numbers
380 employees
Vidrios San Miguel glass is distributed in 82 countries
Large on-site warehouse for storing up to 24.000 pallets
100 per cent post-consumer recycled glass
that can be recycled or reused, reducing the environmental impact. That’s why we use 100 per cent recycled packaging for all our products. This not only reduces the amount of waste we generate, but also promotes a more sustainable life cycle. In addition, ethical
and social practices are valued by workers, in which Vidrios San Miguel SL is fully involved.
To what degree is sustainability linked to the future growth opportunities and health of the business?
At Vidrios San Miguel, we believe that sustainability is closely linked to the long-term success and health of our business. Sustainability is not only an ethical responsibility, but also a smart business strategy. When we prioritise sustainable practices, we are: Reducing costs: Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimisation can lead to significant savings.
Improving our reputation: Consumers increasingly value companies that are committed to the environment. Increasing innovation: The search for sustainable solutions can drive the development of new processes.
What’s next for your sustainability journey?
Glass is an exceptionally versatile material and, most importantly, 100 per cent recyclable, infinitely without losing quality. This means that every product we make is not only an aesthetic and functional choice, but also a contribution to reducing waste on our planet. Our path towards sustainability continues with a focus on further reducing our carbon footprint. That is why we will set more ambitious goals in the next environmental objectives.
Sustainability is central to our mission
Leopold Grupp , CEO of Stölzle Lausitz GmbH , explains why sustainability is at the heart of the company’s values, and how investment and research into energy efficiency is paving the way towards a greener world for future generations
What is your company’s overarching attitude and approach to sustainability? Sustainability is at the heart of our company’s values. As a family-owned business with deeply motivated to operate in a way that ensures future generations inherit a world worth living in. Beyond that, our commitment to innovation drives us to be at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges, especially as an
Our goal is simple: to reduce the energy consumption per glass produced. This means increasing efficiency by producing more glasses with less energy per unit. Two years ago, we implemented a new generation of furnaces, backed
“We are deeply motivated to operate in a way that ensures future generations inherit a world worth living in”
Leopold
Grupp, CEO, Stölzle Lausitz
energy-intensive company.
For us, sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s central to our mission and vision for the future.
What key initiatives and programmes are in place to make your company more sustainable?
by extensive R&D, which allowed us to reduce our absolute energy consumption per glass by 20% through hybrid melting technology. This process now uses electricity alongside traditional methods to transform sand into glass.
Additionally, we opened a
new facility this year where we scaled up production by 1.5 times, utilising larger furnaces and machinery to achieve greater economies of scale, significantly reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions per glass. Furthermore, we recycle all of our water and scrap glasses, ensuring that our operations are as circular and sustainable as possible.
Is sustainability linked with the future success and health of your business?
I believe that with the right research and innovation, the sustainable and circular approach won’t just be the better path in terms of environmental impact, but also in terms of cost efficiency. As governments implement the necessary policies and we see breakthroughs in R&Dparticularly around green hydrogen and cost-effective energy storagesustainability will become not only a responsible choice but also the most economically viable one for production.
Through innovative shaping methods, Stölzle Lausitz created a butterfly cocoon-inspired shape that not only provides ample space for your wine, but also allows the concept of aroma development to take on entirely new facets. The ‘powerbox’ enables optimal aeration of wine, enhancing its aromatic profile even with a gentle swirl. The longer you leave wine in the Cocoon, the more its flavour undergoes a metamorphosis.
The emphasis on the sensory properties of the glass has given rise to a distinctive contemporary design that stands apart from traditional wine glasses. The sleek design, coupled with its lightweight construction, thin stem, and thin walls, reflects the precision and innovation dedicated to its development.
What’s next for your sustainability journey?
We are actively researching a project that explores how we can produce our own hydrogen while utilising the CO2 we generate. However, I can’t reveal too many details about this exciting and confidential initiative at the moment.
Socially responsible, sustainable business
Tim Harper , Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing (UK, Ireland, MEA), Steelite International , gives his insight into the importance of social sustainability, and how efforts to improve sustainability today will lay the groundwork for the company’s future growth
What are the primary sustainability objectives and initiatives at Steelite?
We are continuously working towards reducing our wastage across the company. This includes production, packaging, and energy waste. Using Self-Assessment Questionnaires for our supply chain to improve transparency and ensure that companies we worth with align with our own sustainability values. Efficiency improvements is always a key goal of Steelite’s across all areas, this will improve environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
What is Steelite’s overall attitude and approach to sustainability?
Sustainability is a priority for Steelite as we understand the importance of our responsibility to the future. This includes the environment, our employees
and the wider community which are all impacted by how we operate. Steelite International is committed to preserving and protecting the environment by minimising the impact of our operations on the environment. We are dedicated to conducting our business in a responsible and sustainable manner, incorporating environmental considerations into our decision-making processes at all levels of the organisation.
What are the main sustainability demands from your retail and HoReCa partners?
Social sustainability and our policies in place to protect our workforce are the main must-haves from our partners. Most partners expect to see certification from third-party organisations and audits, proving environmental, health and safety, and quality certification.
Do you think sustainability is linked with the future success and health of your business?
Sustainability is one of the biggest factors in the continued future success of Steelite because by evaluating and improving the company’s sustainability we are ensuring that we will have the environment, workforce, and finance to continue. The sustainable steps we are taking now are to provide us with the framework to evolve and grow as a company.
What’s the next step in Steelite’s sustainability journey?
As a company we are keen to further explore the benefits and feasibility of alternative energy sources. This would help our company’s sustainability across all areas and is an exciting prospect. Energy efficiency is an ongoing key aspect of our sustainability journey as we work to minimise our carbonfootprint as well as boosting economic growth.
Tim Harper on social sustainability
“Social sustainability is especially crucial for us as an international business, because it is the people working for and with us that have made us the successful tableware company that we are today. Maintaining a happy and healthy workforce is the key to this success. It’s our aim that by actively continuing to improve these areas we will also bring stronger financial sustainability to the company as well.”
Profile Bonna
Erbil Aşkan , Partner and General Manager, Bonna explores the shift in sustainability expectations in the HoReCa sector, from both business partners and consumers - and why staying ahead of these demands is critical to the business’ future success
Save for Tomorrow
What does sustainability mean to Bonna?
At Bonna, we have placed sustainable production in the core of our brand identity. I can confidently say that this sustainable business approach is one of the building blocks of our company. It is crucial for us to maintain our presence in the global business world, offer sustainable solutions to potential resource challenges in the future, and adapt our business practices accordingly.
Our perspective on sustainability extends beyond basic areas such as recycling and waste management. We have integrated a comprehensive approach into our corporate culture—spanning from production to distribution, from energy use to recycling, and from the use of local resources for the future of gastronomy to raising awareness. We continuously strive to uphold this culture.
What do you sustainability programmes prioritise and what are the results to date?
For a sustainable world, we integrate various parameters into our production and design approach that make our products both unique and durable. We
bring recycled porcelain back into production and strive to minimise our carbon footprint by using sustainable materials. With the adjustments we’ve made to our machinery, we save 80 per cent of electricity and recycle 80 per cent of
‘Save for Tomorrow,’ we have produced 120,000 pieces with zero waste so far through our Prints, Ground, and Cras collections, which are made from 87 per cent recyclable materials. As of 2023, we have used 3,300
“I can confidently say that this sustainable business approach is one of the building blocks of our company”
wastewater, reusing it in production. Even the packaging for our products is made from recycled materials.
Our Fine China products consume significantly less energy, as they are fired at temperatures up to 200 degrees lower than standard porcelain. With our new generation firing furnaces, we now consume 30 per cent less natural gas. Additionally, thanks to our lifetime guarantee against edge chipping, we have extended the lifespan of our products and reduced plate waste in the HoReCa sector from 40 per cent to just 5-6 per cent. This is a significant achievement in sustainable production.
Apart from all these efforts, we also aim to support a sustainable world through our collections. Under our sustainability slogan
tons of production waste for new manufacturing.
What are the expectations from your partners in the HoReCa section with regards to sustainability?
Considering current trends, we observe that consumers increasingly value recycling, conscious production, and responsible consumption. This trend extends beyond porcelain or ceramics; today, consumers even consider how environmentally friendly a hotel or restaurant is when making their choices. For this reason, we design our collections with the end users’ demands in mind, as well. Our Premium Vitrified products, made with a single firing process that conserves energy, and
those produced from 87 per cent porcelain waste are a response to these demands.
However, the expectations go beyond sustainability; durability and longevity are equally important for businesses, as they reduce operational costs and extend the lifecycle of products. We use a special formula to ensure these qualities.
How integral is sustainability to the future health and success of Bonna?
I believe many business owners today have realised that businesses which don’t serve the community, ignore their thoughts, or fail to fulfil their responsibilities eventually either cease operations or face obstacles that hinder their growth. Without society, brands cannot exist, because in this ecosystem, we are part of the chain. We believe that sustainability is not an option but a necessity for a healthy society. Looking to the near future, our goal is to become a thought leader that guides the sector in sustainability. We genuinely aspire to be the first brand that comes to mind regarding sustainability on a global scale in gastronomy and hospitality sectors.
For a Good World
Empire Soft Drink Glass
Glassware is more than just a set of containers; it plays an important role in our daily lives and adds an air of refinement, whether it’s a morning glass of juice or a toast in celebration. Besides meeting all your needs, the Empire Soft Drink Glass enhances your space’s design, making everyday moments memorable!
LAV shares an update on its sustainability initiatives
What is LAV’s overarching attitude and approach to sustainability?
LAV has published its fourth sustainability report under the motto Journey Through with Glass, encompassing the strategic areas of ‘Good Product’, ‘A Good World’ and ‘Good Company’. We present how we approach sustainability in terms of environmental, social, and economic aspects and how we integrate it into our corporate processes through our sustainability reports. Our report is prepared by GRI requirements.
What are your areas of focus to make your company more sustainable?
We have three strategic areas of focus for our sustainability initiatives: For A Good World: We are addressing water and energy issues
■ For Good Product: We are focusing on R&D, innovation, and technology investment, as well as digitalization efforts to produce high-quality products.
■ For a Good Company: We focus on employee development and gender equality.
■ We are also implementing various improvement projects related to energy saving and resource consumption reduction
What are the main demands from your retail and HoReCa partners about sustainability?
The most important expectations are durability and shipping speed.
How heavily is sustainability tied to the future growth prospects of your company?
We believe that sustainability contributes to our business and the circular economy. It reduces
our costs, and environmentally conscious customers do not work with companies that are not sensitive to sustainability. We must do this because resources are not infinite.
What’s next for your sustainability journey?
On a macro level, our goal is to mobilise all our stakeholders to leave a liveable world for future generations.
“Our goal is to mobilise all our stakeholders to leave a liveable world for future generations”
Fonte Carafe
This exquisite Fonte Carafe, a perfect symphony of elegance and functionality, will transform your beverage servings into joyful presentations. It’s ideal for large or small groups because it’s designed to hold a range of drinks. Its sleek design assures a snug fit in the fridge, making it the highlight of any meet-up!
Tradition and Innovation in knive ’s manufacturing
Profile Royal Goedewaagen
Recently recognised as a B Corp, Royal Goedewaagen’s Managing Director Pauline Spin explains what the certification represents, and why it’s just the start for the company’s ambitious sustainability goals
Attaining B Corp for better business
The Heritage Collection
Royal Goedewaagen believes that living with plants improves our quality of life. Designed and handmade in the Netherlands comes the Heritage Collection, a line of decorative pots and vases combining the best elements of the company’s tradition with a refreshed, contemporary aesthetic. The Heritage Collections is a complete set of tableware. Each piece is made with authentic mother moulds that have been in use at the company’s factories for decades, complete with maker’s mark and mould number. The colours combine traditional Royal Goedewaagen’s shades with an expanded palette of new colours.
Royal Goedewaagen recently celebrated recognition as a B Corp, an important milestone for the historic company, which has been in operation since 1610. The certification underscores its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and transparent business operations, says Managing Director Pauline Spin, with ambitious plans to scale up the company’s sustainability commitments in the coming years. We found out more:
Pauline, congratulations on your recent recognition as a B Corp. Why was it important for Royal Goedewaagen to pursue this certification?
First of all, we think it would be good for everyone to want to be B Corp certified. It makes you as a company think about your future and how to deal with sustainability in its broadest sense. Making ceramics is a craft, an art. It requires knowledge and craftsmanship. This is something we at Goedewaagen have built up over 400 years, and we think it’s something to be proud of and to be frugal about. Therefore, we embrace our heritage, craftsmanship, local identity and all the unique experiences of people who keep these crafts alive. We produce every day with the utmost care
and consideration for people, the environment and society.
What does B Corp certification mean for the company going forwards, with regard to your commitments to more sustainable business?
Our local, handmade ceramic products tell the story of traditional crafts, authenticity and relaxation and reconnect us with the environment.
■ Preserving the company’s heritage, knowledge, and craftsmanship
Do you think more tableware companies should work towards attaining B Corp status - and what would you say to encourage them?
B Corp is an internationally recognised certification for companies that have a positive
B Corp is a starting point,
Pauline
Spin, MD, Royal Goedewaagen
We want to bring back the appreciation for this, by making people aware of local quality, made with attention. In this way, we contribute to a market that is essentially about sustainability and quality and showcase this in a way that is lasting.
Our goals for the coming years are:
■ Measuring and reducing its carbon footprint together with suppliers and partners
■ The reduction, reusability, and prevention of ceramic and other waste
■ Creating more awareness and appreciation for local production
not an end goal
impact on people, the environment and society. By making quality products that last a lifetime, we want to encourage other companies to do the same and together change the standard.
Being B Corp certified is just the beginning, because as a company we work hard every day to make more sustainable changes. We strive to continuously improve ourselves: from the production to our involvement in initiatives that contribute to a sustainable society. B Corp is a starting point, not an end goal. As a company, we hope to lead by example and inspire others.
Breakthrough for BHS tabletop
BHS tabletop successfully completed a trial porcelain firing fuelled entirely by hydrogen, a major step closer to its sustainability and decarbonisation goals
In a breakthrough experimental success, BHS tabletop AG has taken a significant step closer to its sustainability and decarbonisation goals. Following extensive research and development as part of its ongoing optimisation of sustainable activities, the company successfully fired porcelain using hydrogen as the sole fuel source. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the company’s efforts to reduce
emissions and replace fossil fuels in the firing process.
The resulting porcelain exhibits the same quality and colour characteristics as hard porcelain fired with natural gas. The trial aimed to determine whether it is fundamentally possible to fire porcelain with hydrogen as the fuel gas in an oxygen-reduced environment. For this purpose, a closed test
kiln was retrofitted, which can accommodate 200 to 1,000 pieces of tableware, depending on the load. These findings are an important step towards serial production in the porcelain industry that is both sustainable and scalable. However, further trials on a smaller scale focusing on mass, glaze, and atmosphere will still be necessary. These ongoing investigations are essential to making hydrogen firing in porcelain production a long-term sustainable and economically viable solution.
Among the other short and medium-term measures the company is implementing to increase energy efficiency are optimising energy supply and conserving raw materials. These measures can significantly reduce the emissions generated during production. However, decarbonisation remains at
the core of all efforts. The hydrogen firing of porcelain is an important component of this strategy. In the coming years, it will be crucial to establish the foundational and, above all, sustainable market availability of hydrogen as an energy source in terms of both quantity and infrastructure.
Consciously designed
Produced using traditional techniques, using at least 90 per cent recycled material, Portmeirion’s iconic collections match aesthetics and ergonomics with sustainability
Portmeirion Minerals is consciously designed, helping to care for the world around us. The collection is made from organic Iberian clay, which, when fired, is called stoneware.
At least 90 per cent of the material used to make the collection is recycled, reducing demand for virgin clay and, in turn, contributing to conserving natural resources and minimising ecological impact. Reusing and recycling clay is also a practice undertaken by potters that dates back decades. Honouring these techniques preserves tradition and connects us to our historical roots.
The collection is also beautifully presented in minimal packaging
Inspired by nature
The reactive glazes in colours of moonstone, rose quartz, aquamarine and amethyst are all inspired by nature, and wash over the inside curves of each piece from the Portmeirion Minerals collection.
made from recycled materials, that are also recyclable. To help reduce energy usage, Minerals is made using a once fired production process.
Portmeirion Minerals is a celebration of timehonoured techniques, where skill and honest materials blend for a collection made with purpose. Sculpted for longevity, organic silhouettes and unique textures tell a story of the hands that shape them, making each piece in the collection feel and look more special. Every piece has been thoughtfully designed to make every moment and occasion special, from the curves of the bowls to the feel of the mugs in your hands. A collection to love and treasure for a lifetime.
As part of Portmeirion’s
corporate strategy of Crafting a Better Future, it has partnered with a responsible supplier to produce the Minerals collection. Like Portmeirion, its partner is committed to reducing carbon emissions using locally sourced and recycled materials, renewable energy and recycled and recyclable packaging. Together they’re working towards achieving greater efficiency to reduce the impact on the environment and paving the way for a better future.
Environmentally friendly
Crystalex places sustainability at the forefront of its operations, from raw material sourcing and production efficiences, as well as a strict code of ethics and social policies that ensure respect and dignity for employees
The Crystalex sustainability strategy is based on the economical and environmentally friendly use of resources and responsible behaviour. Whether it is the energy consumption, cleanliness and safety of the materials teams work with or the life quality of employees and the region, its work always involves the least possible burden on the environment.
Crystalex glass is incredibly ecofriendly. The company uses a fully electrical method of heating the melting unit and inlet channels. In addition, the melting units emit minimal noise, dust and heat, placing very little burden
Fact
on the environment. Bespoke melting furnaces are continuously upgraded and optimised for the cleanest possible operation in-line with stringent internal environmental policies and applicable directives. For example, in 2022 the company managed to reduce the absolute consumption of natural by more than 30 per cent, while maintaining the same production volume.
Locally sourced materials account for 76.5 per cent of the raw materials used in production, ensuring short transport routes. This is also true of common spare parts and sundries, packaging
Crystalex CZ maintains EU ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification, which relate to quality, environment and occupational safety standards. Our goal is to further obtain ISO 50001 certification in the near future.
materials and other services used across the business. Packaging is recyclable, FSC-certified, and comprised of 94 per cent recycled material.
Crystalex’s electrical units, including auxiliary equipment, are cooled by water from an open circuit, where the water is subsequently cleaned, cooled and returned to the cycle. Design work is underway to create circulation loops to cool the moulding tools and electrical distributors. In general, the aim is to increasingly return more pumped water for further use and, in the future, make use of the subsidy programmes of the Czech Ministry of the Environment to further improve water management.
In the corporate social policy domain, Crystalex addresses a wide range of topics. It is a member of SEDEX and regularly audits the company against SMETA standards, undergoing regular supplier audits
in social policy. An internal code of ethics is based on the principles of equal access to and respect for all employees, zero tolerance of any form of abuse, the right to privacy and the protection of the dignity and health of employees.
Solar-powered positivity
Recent investment in a a Solar Self-Consumption Production Unit has delivered incredible results for Porcel , covering 60 per cent of its electrical needs and reducing annual carbon emissions equivalent to planting more than 16,500 trees
Porcel S.A. is increasingly committed to environmental preservation and corporate responsibility.
Last year the company took another significant step towards greater sustainability by installing a Solar Self-Consumption Production Unit. This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The installation of the UPAC marks a significant milestone in Porcel’s sustainable journey, covering approximately 60 per cent of the company’s electrical energy needs. The project involved the installation of 1,092 photovoltaic panels on the factory’s roof, spanning a total area of 3,000 square meters, with an
installed capacity of 600 kWp and an annual production capacity of 800,000 kWh.
The long-term positive environmental impact of this investment is remarkable. Annually, the UPAC will reduce the emission of 362 tons of CO2, equivalent to planting 16,760 trees. Additionally, the solar energy unit will also lead to a significant reduction in
electricity expenses.
Environmental aspects have received special attention from Porcel over the years, with the company obtaining its environmental management system certification according to ISO 14000 standards in 2001, making it one of the first industrial companies to achieve this status.
A partner in sustainability
Sustainability is an ongoing journey for LSA, says Mark Jonas, Executive Director, Brand. He shares an insight into changes “both small and significant” - plus an early look at new extensions to LSA’s award-winning collection in partnership with the Eden Project
Mark Jonas, Executive Director, Brand, LSA explains what sustainability means to the company:
“Sustainability is one of the pillars of LSA – it infuses everything we do. As a design company, our focus is on considered, enduring design that is always relevant. By creating timeless products from high-quality materials, we encourage people to do more with less, advocating mindful consumption. We believe this is a sustainable and responsible approach to design which creates something of enduring value.
“Our primary material, glass, is 100 per cent circular – an infinitely recyclable and renewable resource which can be melted and remelted without losing its quality. We also use discarded waste material in our recycled glass collections, transforming bottles and jars into useful products. Our wood is responsibly-sourced and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
“Supporting their global mission to build relationships between people and the natural world, we have collaborated with the Eden Project since 2018 to create the Canopy
collection – drinkware and planters made from 100 per cent recycled glass. Canopy’s two product concepts – hydration and propagation – were designed to address environmental concerns surrounding water conservation, single use plastics and plant preservation.
“Sustainability is an ongoing journey for us and involves looking at changes both small and significant along the supply chain. Working with our partners to investigate more sustainable processes, from product to packaging to distribution. Exploring new materials. Looking at opportunities to participate in circular economy initiatives, promoting the reuse and recycling of our products. Engaging with our community to encourage mindful, responsible consumption. Refining our collection and always designing with the aim of understanding the purpose and the environment in which our products are used. Ultimately, it’s about always staying true to our values as a design company - creating timeless products from high-quality materials, products that are always relevant.”
Fresh for SS25
A new series of vases inspired by the varying forms and textures of seeds joins LSA’s Canopy collection for SS25. The curved forms feature a tactile surface texture and an undulating rippled rim, referencing organic patterns found in nature such as the Fibonacci sequence. Each vase is mouth blown from 100% recycled glass - a circular material, representing the life cycle of seeds and the regenerative process of nature. The use of handmade techniques creates subtle variations between vases and ensures each has its own character, much like each individual transformation from seed to plant - and back again. Part of LSA’s multi award-winning Canopy collection, developed in partnership with the Eden Project.
Biodegradable cutlery
Utopia Tableware’s innovative new range of cutlery made with waste material from the tequila industry provides a biodegradable solution to disposable forks, knives and spoons
In order to meet increased demand from operators for sustainable products, Utopia partnered with Greenprint, a Mexican company founded with the aim of reducing demand for single use plastics, to develop a range of practical and biodegradable cutlery. Agave is one of the collections created out of this partnership. A range of cutlery made from agricultural waste generated by the tequila industry, it’s a stylish and hard-wearing collection of fork, knife, spoon and teaspoon.
“In addition Utopia offers agave straws in black and natural colourways which, like the cutlery, offer a premium single use option that is also ecofriendly – and they don’t go soggy either,” says Kathryn Oldershaw, Marketing Director, Utopia Tableware.
Utopia is the market leader in tableware and glassware for
the hospitality industry. The company’s products are available through distributors. Alongside a dynamic and innovative range of tableware, cutlery, glassware, plastic drinkware, barware and foodservice equipment, Utopia also offers a specialist branded glassware service.
“Utopia offers Agave straws in black and natural colourways which, like the cutlery, offer a premium single use option that is also eco-friendly”
Orthex Group
SmartStore Vision Dry Food Keepers from Nordic household goods producer Orthex Group are made from 20 per cent renewable material. Made in Finland, SmartStore Vision are modular and stack securely for a neat ordered look. The transparent body and lid helps reduce food waste as the contents is visible, and they can even be written on them with an acrylic pen. Available in six sizes of rectangular storage, and two new round models in 0.75L and 1.45L sizes, the SmartStore Vision Dry Food Keepers are dishwasher-safe.
The latest products to join the best-selling SmartStore line-up at Nordic household goods producer Orthex Group is SmartStore Essence, a stylish basket range made from recycled industrial plastic waste and perfect for daily small storage. Available in four muted colours, SmartStore Essence is durable and fits perfectly in any room of the house.
Amefa
Amefa presents Phoenix: this new cutlery set is made of 18-0 stainless steel and contains a minimum of 80 per cent recycled stainless steel. Less energy is needed to produce recycled stainless steel. By choosing recycled cutlery, consumers contribute to reducing their ecological footprint, decreasing the amount of waste and helping to create a cleaner planet.
Used daily, consumers who choose sustainable kitchenware for their homes can make small but meaningful improvements to their carbon footprint. Robust and sustainably manufactured, these products deliver versatility and utility, without compromising on eco-conscious values
Clean cooking
“Amvegan is about sparking the desire to start ‘green living’ from one tiny first step, and then building on that”
Ashley Hu, Brand Manager, Amercook
Amvegan
Amvegan from Amercook is a range of saucepans, fry pans, woks and more. The range is made with natural materials, using a ceramic containing plant-based olive oil, instead of chemical nonstick coating. Amercook is the first company in the industry to take this revolutionary step and officially obtained the Vegan certification from the international Vegan center. Last year, Amercook also passed the Japanese food sanitation test, together with the European standard LFGB test. The company is currently developing a range of products to expand the brand beyond cookware and into the wider lifestyle category.
Captivate Brands
Reduce, Reuse, &AGAIN. Captivate Brands has struck just the right tone with its on-trend reusable &AGAIN range. It targets the process of reducing single-use plastics and items by giving consumers reliable and style-led products they will want to use again and again. In developing this range, Captivate Brands spent time looking at how consumers use everyday products and came up with clever solutions to refill or reuse items, all while embracing the latest trends. The &AGAIN range uses recycled materials where possible and there is a conscious look towards using better quality products that will last longer and stop excess waste – a threat to our oceans, ecosystems and human health. The range includes tools and gadgets made from solid bamboo - with a ridged handle design for comfort and versatility - as well as cleaning, lunch-to-go and hydration.
Enter now: New sustainability award for Tableware International’s Awards of Excellence 2025
Tableware International’s annual awards ceremony - judged by the industry, for the industryreturns for 2025, complete with a brand-new recognition of excellence in sustainability
New! Sustainability award
The 2025 Awards of Excellence boasts a new award focusing on sustainability. The more and more tabletop providers prioritising environmental welfare, this Sustainability Award is aimed at products, collections or projects created in a sustainably responsible way, purposefully designed to reduce environmental impact. “It is really important we recognise those companies who are doing their best for the environment, we want to give them the respect they deserve,”
says Tableware International’s editor Mairead Wilmot.
The annual Tableware International Awards of Excellence returns for 2025, once again supporting the tabletop industry with a best-in-class awards judged by industry professionals.
The ceremony will take place during Ambiente – (although, of course, entries don’t have to exhibit at the show to enter) –and this year we introduce a new award: sustainability.
The Designer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award are also open for nominations from the industry, so do please get involved.
“We are thrilled to host these very special awards,” says Tableware International’s publisher Paul Yeomans. “It is our way of paying the utmost respect to the talent, innovation and skill in the tableware sector.”
Tableware International’s editor
How to enter!
Mairead Wilmot encouraged the industry to take part in the awards. “We host these awards to honour the industry, but we need you to enter so we have a full representation of the entire sector, from high-end fine dining right through to hospitality glassware – every company is welcome to enter.” Last year winners included Narumi, Orrefors, Vista Alegre, Revol and many more across a host of categories including Fine Dinnerware, Hospitality Dinnerware, Casual Glassware and more.
Judged by an international panel of experts, the awards are open to collections and pieces which launched in 2024.
To enter, simply visit www.tablewareinternationalawards.com
The awards include:
Serveware
serving pieces, platters, bowls
Barware tools, drinkware, serveware: collection or specific pieces
Flatware/Cutlery collections or individual items
Casual Glassware everyday, machine-made
Fine Glassware premium, crystal, mouthblown
Decorative vases, bowls, candlesticks, photo-frames, figurines
Coffee/Teaware full set and/or individual coffee/ tea pieces
Hospitality Dinnerware
HoReCa specific collections
Hospitality Glassware
HoReCa specific collections
Sustainability products, collections or projects created in a sustainably responsible way, purposefully designed to reduce environmental impact
Casual Dinnerware everyday, informal
Fine Dinnerware bridal, formal, premium, luxury
Innovation Award collections or individual pieces with stand-out, innovative elements either in design or make
2025 Designer of the Year a designer whose work is considered excellent
Lifetime Achievement Award someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry
Winners from the TI Awards of Excellence at the 2024 event
