Helen B

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Belgium
• Portugal
• Turkey
• It is possible that additional locations are involved in the production process.

Helen b produces mainly in Belgium and Portugal, as well as in Turkey. It is possible that further production locations are involved.

Production in Belgium takes place in close collaboration with the social workshop Mirto in Ghent, where the porcelain is illustrated, fired, packed and shipped. This cooperation ensures fairer working conditions and social inclusion, as people with limited access to employment are involved.

In Portugal, Helen works with local textile companies that share the same ethical values. Helen visits these suppliers regularly to ensure quality and fairer conditions.

Production takes place in small series, avoiding overproduction. Many products are handmade or hand-finished, making each piece unique.

Helen b minimises risks through close personal contact and a deliberately small number of production partners.

The brand supports social initiatives and is committed to female empowerment. It is an ambassador for Plan International and promotes projects for girls’ rights worldwide. This attitude is also reflected within the company itself, because the team consists exclusively of women and represents an inclusive and equal approach.

MATERIALS

• Porcelain / Ceramic
• Cotton
• Cradle-to-Cradle Munken paper
• Cork
• Wood
• Enamel
• Wax (paraffin, stearin)

Porcelain and ceramic are considered robust and dishwasher-safe materials, although energy-intensive in production.

The cotton is processed in Portugal, though precise information about its origin is lacking. As a natural fibre, it is generally durable. However, its sustainability depends on cultivation and processing.

The paper collection consists of 99% Cradle-to-Cradle-certified Munken paper from Sweden and is printed entirely in Belgium.

The cork comes from Portugal and is generally regarded as environmentally friendly, as it is renewable and potentially biodegradable.

Wood products are made from responsibly sourced European wood and are resistant and durable.

Enamel, processed in Turkey, is generally durable and recyclable, but requires an energy-intensive production process.

For some products, the brand uses a wax mixture of 90% paraffin and 10% stearin, which may be criticised due to the fossil origin of paraffin.

PACKAGING

• Cards and posters are packed in compostable sleeves made from maize starch, while paper bubble wrap is used for shipping instead of conventional plastic cushioning. Unnecessary gift packaging is avoided. According to the company, mugs only receive a box if it can later be reused.
• Packaging and shipping of the porcelain take place in the social workshop Mirto in Ghent, where reusable and paper-based materials are used.

WATER CONSUMPTION & CHEMICALS

Helen b does not provide specific information on water consumption, chemical management or microplastic emissions. However, it is clear that the company focuses on quality-oriented and small-scale production units, which may tend to reduce ecological impact.

The Munken paper used in the paper collection is Cradle-to-Cradle certified, indicating controlled chemical and resource management in this area.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Helen b predominantly uses monomaterials, which increases the recyclability of the products. Porcelain, wood, cork, paper and cotton can be recycled under the correct conditions.

Helen b has launched a ​“Second Life” initiative. Porcelain with minor defects is not discarded but donated to social organisations, preventing waste.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

According to its website, Helen b does not offer a repair service. Instead, the brand follows a simple waste-avoidance concept: products with minor production flaws are not sorted out but donated to social organisations to give them a second life.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Belgium
• Portugal
• Turkey
• It is possible that additional production locations are involved.
• The headquarters is located in Ghent, Belgium.

TRANSPORT

• The brand does not provide precise information on transport methods or CO₂ compensation.
• Orders are shipped centrally from Belgium. However, no details are given regarding the shipping service providers used or the climate neutrality of the shipments.

The company does not use animal-derived materials.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Helen b offers home and lifestyle products, including porcelain, textiles, paper goods, wooden and cork items as well as accessories.

The designs and motifs are gender-neutral and diverse, contributing to an inclusive brand identity.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

The brand does not operate in traditional seasonal cycles but gradually expands its range with new motifs on existing product lines such as porcelain, textiles or paper goods.

Products are manufactured in small series, avoiding overproduction.

PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY

On Helen b’s product pages, basic information such as material, country of production, dimensions and product characteristics is provided. The designs are described as hand-drawn illustrations by Helen depicting humorous scenes.

The country of production and general partner structures are usually visible. However, it is not possible to trace each individual production facility or the precise origin of materials for a specific product.

PROCESS TRANSPARENCY

On its website, Helen b provides clear but limited detailed information about its production processes and suppliers. The brand clearly states that it works with social workshops in Belgium as well as with local textile companies in Portugal that share similar ethical values. It is also mentioned that Helen regularly visits her suppliers and works with them on quality improvements.

Product-specific traceability throughout the entire supply chain is only partially possible.