Green Issues

Climate change has risen up the agenda over recent years as concern has mounted over the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate. Fired Earth and the Aga Group is committed to reducing carbon emissions. Across the Aga group initiatives are being worked on to show our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions.

WALL TILES

Fired Earth has always supported artisan suppliers by working with ceramicists in workshops and studios predominantly in the UK & Europe, in order to provide a unique, hand crafted resource which forms the basis of our wall tile collection.
60% of our wall tiles are handmade or hand decorated. These are marked in the catalogue.
76% of our wall tiles are sourced in the UK or Europe
32% of our wall tiles are sourced in the UK
As is widely recognised, transportation of products contributes to global warming. From this standpoint it is definitely preferable to buy products that originate as closely as possible to England (thereby reducing ‘carbon miles’).
Iridescent Glass Mosaic is made from a proportion of recycled glass (up to 86% depending on the colour).
Natural History tiles are not only made in the UK but our supplier contributes a percentage of sales to the Natural History Museum.
All wall tiles in the English Craft section of the brochure are made in the UK.

FLOOR TILES

57% of our floor tiles are sourced in Europe.
As is widely recognised, transportation of products contributes to global warming. From this standpoint it is definitely preferable to buy products that originate as closely as possible to England (thereby reducing ‘carbon miles’).
The long term durability of tiles means replacement costs can be reduced to such a degree that lifetime costs are actually less than those associated with more inexpensive products, especially in areas of high wear.
Indoor air quality improved because tiles release few, if any emissions unlike for example, carpets. This is particularly important for those with allergies or respiratory ailments.

KITCHENS

Metro kitchens were developed in collaboration with English manufacturer, Roundhouse. The range was designed and sourced specifically to utilise the best of English craftsmanship and to minimise 'carbon miles'. It is made using FSC certified walnut.
Bastide, New England and Jura kitchens are handcrafted in France by our sister company, Grange. By sourcing close to home, 'carbon miles' are kept to a minimum. These 3 ranges are made using oak, (Bastide and Jura), cherry and beech (New England) and ash (Jura) sourced from sustainable European forests and from PEFC-accredited suppliers.
FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests. There are national working groups in 28 countries including the UK. FSC UK is a registered charity supported by NGOs including WWF, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the Woodland Trust. (source FSC website)
PEFC (programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third part certification. PEFC work alongside 149 governments covering 85% of the world's forest area. Through 25 rigorous assessment systems, they account for more than 200 million hectares of certified forests and are the world's largest certification system. (source PEFC website)
All 4 ranges marry traditional joinery with modern technology thus ensuring that age-old skills remain relevant whilst employing CNC capabilities to gain the most efficient use of timber with the least wastage.

BATHROOMS

Bathroom Cabinetry

Bastide and Shaker and Jura bathroom cabinetry is hand crafted in France using traditional joinery techniques by sister Companies Grange and Rosyl.
Made using oak (Bastide), cherry and beech (Shaker), oak and ash (Jura) sourced from sustainable European forests and from PEFC accredited suppliers.

Sanitary ware

71% of sanitary ware is manufactured and sourced in the UK
100% of sanitary ware is manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe
100% of toilet seats are made in the UK or Europe

Bowls and Basins

90% of Bowls and Basins are manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe

Baths

75% of baths are manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe

Showers and Shower Trays

100% of shower enclosures are manufactured and sourced in the UK
100% of shower trays are manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe
100% of our taps and showers are manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe

Taps and Showers

100% of our taps and showers are manufactured and sourced in the UK or Europe. Our manufacturers also use UK suppliers for raw materials such as brass.

PAINT

In a continuing program of monitoring and control our supply partner has successfully reduced the emissions of waste, reduced use of solvents and have vetted their material suppliers, to see that their methods are acceptable. To check this, they have personally visited the companies supplying more than two thirds of the materials they use in our paints. To improve your own personal environment we have successfully developed paints that cover really well thereby requiring less coats than ordinary paint.
In the pursuit of minimal environmental impact the solvent level of all Fired Earth water based emulsion, eggshell and masonry paints fall within the officially designated Low Category 0.3% - 7.99% by volume. This also means that they are low odour, faster drying and easier to clean up. (VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds)
97% of the paints sold by Fired Earth fall within Very Low or Low VOC category (Gloss & Floor Paint are oil based and are High VOC)
The Fired Earth paint can is made from 25% recycled steel

WOOD FLOORING

All the wood is sourced from sustainable forests and is traceable to the forest of origin.
Our supplier is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited.

LITERATURE

All Marketing literature is printed in the UK thereby reducing the impact on the environment through less ‘carbon miles’.
All printers must be FSC accredited.
All Marketing materials are printed on FSC accredited papers. Our new 344 page catalogue is printed in England on 50% recycled and FSC accredited paper.
Fired Earth carrier bags are made from recycled plastics and are recyclable.

ETHICAL TRADING CODE

Fired Earth and the Aga Group adhere to an ethical trading code which suppliers are asked to comply with. Our worldwide suppliers must ensure that:

Employment is freely chosen
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected to the extent permitted by law
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
Child labour shall not be used
Living wages are paid
Working hours are not excessive
No discrimination is practiced
No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
No bribery or corruption is permitted
Follow good environmental practice