ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

At Honeybourne Pottery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to reducing our environmental impact by cutting energy use, conserving resources, and minimising waste - while delivering our services with care for people and the planet.

We actively reuse and recycle materials wherever possible and take pride in the progress we’ve made to date. By choosing Honeybourne Pottery, you’re supporting a studio that values creativity, community, and environmental responsibility.

With the support of our team and customers, we’re always looking for new ways to tread more lightly. If you have suggestions or insights to help us do better, we’d love to hear from you!

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  • Clay is a remarkable material and infinitely recyclable until it’s fired.

    We reclaim all studio scraps, trimmings, and slop using our pugmill, turning nearly all waste clay back into usable material.

    Our settling tanks also separate clay from wastewater, allowing us to dry out the slip and return it to use.

    This closed-loop process supports sustainability, reduces resource use, and helps keep costs down.

  • We conserve water by reusing it wherever possible, extending its lifecycle before disposal.

    Our two settling tanks separate clay from wastewater, allowing us to recover and recycle water within the studio. Water collected from our dehumidifiers is also repurposed for cleaning tools and equipment, reducing reliance on running taps.

    All our sinks are fitted with clay trap filtration systems to prevent excess clay from entering the drainage system and causing blockages.

  • Both our kilns are powered by solar panels with battery storage. They are energy-efficient electric models with refractory insulation, designed to reach high temperatures while using minimal energy.

    We only fire when the kiln is full, using smaller items to fill gaps and maximise efficiency.

    To further cut energy use, we've streamlined our firing schedule and introduced “make & take” potter’s wheel sessions, which save two firings per item. This not only cuts carbon emissions but also removes the need for customers to return for collection or require packaging and postage - saving on travel and further reducing environmental impact.

  • The studio operates on a 100% renewable electricity tariff, and our smart thermostat allows for efficient remote heating control, helping to lower gas use and overall energy demand.

  • All our packaging is fully recyclable and 100% plastic-free. We use a cardboard shredder to repurpose discarded boxes, reducing the need for new materials.

    Twice a month, we collect trays and boxes from local supermarkets to package all customer “make & take” pots - further avoiding the need to buy new.

    Plastic clay bags are cleaned and recycled locally.

    Our tools are high quality, durable, and often recyclable—such as natural cellulose sponges, which are fully compostable.

    We avoid single-use items wherever possible and any unavoidable waste is managed responsibly, with a strong focus on recycling and composting.

  • We use non-toxic, lead-free glazes that are safe for both people and the planet.

  • We clean the studio using sustainable, plant-based products from brands like Ecover, Home Things, and Who Gives a Crap. These choices eliminate harsh chemicals, promote a safer workspace, and reduce our ecological impact.

    Wet vacs are also used throughout the studio to improve cleanliness and minimise airborne clay dust - supporting a healthier, safer environment for everyone.

  • All business travel—including off-site workshops, deliveries, and supply runs—are carried out using our electric vehicles. Our EVs are powered by energy from our solar panels and battery storage, helping us to eliminate fossil fuel use and significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

  • We support a number of environmental charities including the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, and the Heart of England Forest. Through these donations, we aim to play a small part in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

A variety of pottery tools are spread out on a wooden workbench. A person’s hands are visible, one resting on the bench and the other near the tools.
The exterior of Honeybourne Pottery shop with a sign, a window showing two people inside, a small plant outside, and the number 3 on the wall.
Person holding a small potted succulent plant with a gradient design on the pot.
A man with a beard and gray long sleeve shirt operating a pugmill machine, with a focused expression in a workshop with wooden shelves and jars in the background.