All of Originalhome’s products are produced ethically. The company aims to create as many jobs as possible in poorer regions of the world. They work with small and medium-sized social enterprises that operate according to a sustainable and social mission. Originalhome puts a few principles at the heart of this: the support of local (rural) communities, crafts that create jobs, fair trade and the emancipation of women.
The companies Originalhome works with are located in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Tanzania. It is often not feasible for small businesses to be certified, which is why Originalhome has its own “Earth and People Friendly” certification. These manufacturers are also monitored and guided by Originalhome to operate sustainably and ethically. It is nice to see that Originalhome puts ethical working conditions first, but be aware that they are not independently audited by their self-established certificate.
All interior and utility items from Originalhome are made from natural materials. For this, the brand uses only renewable raw materials or residual materials. Different materials are used in the interior textiles such as table linens and pillows, for example jute, recycled production residues and discarded clothing.
The wood used for kitchenware and furniture does not come directly from trees. Residual materials are used for this, coming from old houses, barns or boats. The brand also uses wood from naturally fallen trees and the root wood of teak. In teak plantations, the roots are often seen as waste, while it is actually qualitative hardwood. So at Originalhome, no trees need to be cut down for a nice cutting board or side table!
These sustainable principles are woven into all of Originalhome’s products. For example, the baskets and lampshades are woven from Abaca, Hogla, Mendong, Rattan, Sea Grass and Water Hyacinth. These are all fast-growing plants that are local to the production sites.
Originalhome’s candles are made from vegan palm kernel oil. This is an oil pressed from the kernels of the palm fruit, similar to the widely used palm oil for which the whole fruit is pressed. Unfortunately, there are a lot of problems in the palm oil industry. It leads to forest clearing in the tropical rainforest, CO2 emissions and destruction of local ecosystems. On top of that, it is often dangerous work for workers in the factories and plantations, with no fair wages.
Originalhome’s products score well in terms of circularity. Originalhome uses many materials that would otherwise be seen as waste products. By incorporating these materials into the collection, they are given a new life and the waste mountain is reduced. For example, all the glassware is made from discarded glass bottles. In Tanzania tourism causes a waste problem, Originalhome helps to tackle this nuisance.
Because only natural materials are used, the products are always biodegradable after use. Originalhome takes special account of this by, for example, not using glues and treating the wooden articles with a natural oil.
The supply chain is spread far and wide; Originalhome works with manufacturers from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Tanzania. But the raw materials are always sourced from the manufacturer’s area. This ensures a slightly shorter chain. Because Originalhome works directly with smaller manufacturers, the number of intermediate links in the chain are limited. In this way, the brand maintains control over working conditions and avoids unnecessary costs in favor of fair wages.
Originalhome does not use materials of animal origin in their products. As such, the brand is PETA-certified (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as completely vegan!
All Originalhome items are handmade with care for quality and attention to detail. Due to handwork and natural materials, products may vary slightly in color or size. This makes your purchase completely unique!
Through Originalhome’s site you can find information on each product about where it is made, what materials it is made of and care tips. In this way, the company is very transparent about all the manufacturers they work with and the origin of the materials.
Originalhome’s mission is to make an impact: more awareness for a better and greener future. They do this by recycling natural materials and waste into beautiful interior objects. Their collection includes baskets, candles, glassware, furniture, kitchenware, table linens and lampshades.
Want to discover more about Originalhome’s sustainable interior products? Or are you looking for a circular eye-catcher to brighten up your home? The map below shows where you can buy Originalhome. Tip: you can also perfectly shop a gift for a loved one here!
