Crafting by its very action consumes and uses a variety of resources. As manufactures of products we have a duty to reduce this impact and to ensure a dialogue with the crafting community is encouraged to ensure the community as a whole takes action to reduce its impact.

There are many USA and EU regulations in the use of materials, safety testing and disposal of waste. Tonic Studios comply with all relevant regulations in every region that we operate. We have a rigorous testing and quality standard that we have been refining for the past 19 year since we started the company. This has been to ensure we comply with the local regulations as well as ensure the safety or our staff and our end consumers. We also implement strict controls to make sure these standards are maintained and the quality level of product we product is maintained to give longevity to our products and to reduce waste in the manufacturing process.

However, we have an obligation to go above and beyond what is allowed and improve what we are doing to ensure minimal impact on our environment.

Big companies, small companies, governments and consumers can do more, everyone can do more together. Each small step we all take will make an impact.  

Since 2006 we have use plastic in our packaging that can be recycled. Predominantly APET has been using in our plastic blister packaging which is widely recycled and does not contain harmful plasticisers.

However, the rate of recycling in all areas of the world vary considerable. Even within the UK and USA there are vast differences between councils as to the efficiency of recycling schemes. With this in mind we need to look at not only the recyclability of waste but the reduction or elimination of materials that if not recycled correct will still harm the environment.  

We are in a good position with a skilled team of designers and engineers to enable changes quickly and efficiently. Within the design brief to our in house design team we will (in all new packaging) add additional considerations as to the best use of materials:

• Can the packing design be made from materials that will degrade naturally?
• Can we limit or exclude completely any plastics that if not recycled correctly will have less of an impact on the marine and land environment?
• Can we use bio plastics in transit packaging that compost over time?
• Can we ensure all components that can be reduced are clearly labelled as such to improve recyclability?
• Can we ensure the separation of materials is effortless to increase the end user recycling rate?
• Can we create alternative uses for the packaging that consumers can use in projects?

In addition to the packaging of a product the product itself needs consideration during the design phase. We have always made products to last but need to consider this more as we use the resources we have wisely:

• Is the product durable? If we are to use resources for a product can we ensure the product will be durable in its life cycle to last many years.
• At the end of life, can the product be easily recycled?
• Are all the components in the product inert as to not effect the environment if not recycled correctly?
• To invest in products which are not single or limited use but more durable products that will last for many years with interchange parts to enable longevity of use.
• Can we challenge ourselves to have a continual improvement policy and never be satisfied that the final design could not be improved further.