The Longevity Test - Raw Materials Vs. Impact - The Basics

As design industry professionals, whether you're part of a brand, manufacturer, or are a designer, we are all accustomed to assessing the quality of a finished product. Traditionally, value is assessed on five main principles:

• Materials
• Finish
• Place of manufacture
• Packaging
• Price

The 'quality' or finish of a product that is manufactured is usually influenced by factors like its component properties, its manufacturing process and technique, how it has been stored as well as its sustainable properties.?

When our Director, Summer O. , spoke during a panel at Sustainable Style in November, interesting discussions arose about the linear longevity of products used in design. With products such as lighting, rugs and art highlighted during the panel talk, it brings new insight into the wider realm of furniture, furnishings, art and accessories which are key components in every design.

It's certainly one factor to consider the raw materials used in a design, but if that product or design must be replaced within 5, 10 years, and there are alternative materials that could extend the life of that product, this is a challenge we must set ourselves - to create an assessment that contains metrics including longevity or lifespan, to provide greater transparency that ultimately gives our end customer or buyer the full facts and figures, enabling them to make better decisions; for them and the planet too.

Key Advancements In Sustainability For Manufacturing

1. Artificial Intelligence: For large manufacturing plants, it's no surprise that the integration of AI and automation has entirely revolutionised the manufacturing process. The benefits when used in this arena include increased operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Robotics and machine learning algorithms are being trained to optimise production lines, minimise waste and reduce energy consumption.
2. 3D Printing (Additive manufacturing): 3D printing technologies have advanced, enabling the production of complex structures while producing minimal material waste. This technology allows for local production, reducing transportation emissions and supporting on-demand manufacturing, which decreases overproduction and inventory waste.
3. Green Factories: Manufacturers are investing in green factory designs that focus on energy efficiency and resource conservation. These facilities opt for renewable energy sources, advanced waste management systems, and sustainable building materials. You may have seen Ferrari's new e-building in Maranello integrates solar panels and water conservation techniques, aiming for Nearly Zero Energy Building certification. At Abstract House, we proudly have a Green Production House, and our selected logistics partners invested in solar and wind generation, thermal roofs, air and ground source heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems, all contributing to a more circular economy.
4. Recycling and Sustainable Materials: Pioneers of the plastic-free empowerment since 2019, at Abstract House we have innovated our packaging solutions for our collection of fine art, enabling our customers to simply unbox their new art, recycling all of their packaging, so all that remains is for them to hang and enjoy their new art.We surveyed our customers who told us how much they valued plastic-free and 100% recyclable packaging. It was important to them as they wanted to make better choices when investing in their homes, choosing well-made products and better materials that were built to last, thus reducing their carbon footprint over time.
5. Decarbonisation: Efforts to reduce carbon emissions in industries such as steel manufacturing have gained momentum. Innovations include the development of electrochemical processes powered by renewable energy to produce iron at lower temperatures, significantly cutting emissions. Companies like Electra are pioneering such technologies, contributing to the decarbonisation of traditionally high-emission sectors. Our logistics partners are verified by an independent body accredited by the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) to provide us with data on our CO2e emissions. This will enable us to offset our emissions accurately and responsibly. Our logistics will also match the greenhouse gas emissions target by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement through Science-Based Targets initiative. For international orders, our delivery partner, which supports the development of electric planes and Sustainable Aviation Fuel production plants, will acquire 12 fully electric eCargo planes in 2027.

Hot Topics In Sustainability

We recently released our Environmental Impact Report 2024, which details that we have begun research into the use of ink dyes and technology advancements in our field to assess how we can make improvements in the future, to further reduce our impact.

Research and development has become a critical function in any manufacturing business in 2025. As the world's leaders begin work behind the G20 summit which is to be held in South Africa this year, to address our climate crisis, there's no time like the present to assess, review and forge a new path - we invite you to join our Eco Revolution.

This is a key consideration as designers, to encourage options for customers that are more sustainable.

Stay tuned until our next edition of 'The Art Of Sustainability'. Subscribe to see it first.

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Are you a design professional that experienced challenges recently when sourcing sustainable products? What were the results, and any trade-offs you had to overcome? If you'd like to share your story, get in touch.