Stock Antwerp

Stock Antwerp operates entirely within Belgium, partnering with local organisations to renew and revitalise discarded dinnerware:

• The Kringwinkel, Antwerp: Sources the old, used plates and tableware.
• STROOM Custom Work Company, Antwerp: Strips the plates of their worn-out glaze, reducing them back to their robust stoneware form.
• The Wolkammerij, Antwerp: Applies a new glaze layer and rebakes the items, rejuvenating them to an ​‘as good as new’ condition.

These limited, and close-knit partnerships allow Stock Antwerp to maintain a high level of oversight across the production process, ensuring adherence to the EU’s stringent ethical workplace standards. The proximity of these partners to each other and the brand’s headquarters not only simplifies logistics but also enhances the brand’s ability to maintain direct and frequent contact, ensuring that working conditions remain fair and safe. 

Stock Antwerp’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their choice of materials and innovative practices:

Materials:

• Reused ceramic plates: Utilising pre-existing ceramic tableware minimises the demand for new raw materials, thus reducing environmental impact.
• Glazes: Stock is developing proprietary glazes presumed non-toxic and safe for food contact.

Packaging: Details about the packaging for e‑commerce and supply chain are yet to be disclosed by Stock Antwerp. As such, COSH! is currently verifying this aspect to provide a complete overview.

Chemicals: As the products sold by the brand are dinnerware, and people are expected to eat off of the products, it can be assumed that any chemicals used are non-toxic.

Circular Product Design:

• By reusing leftover and previously used dinnerware, Stock Antwerp revitalizes items that might otherwise be discarded. This approach not only extends the life cycle of the materials but also ensures that the dinnerware can be recycled after its renewed use.

Circular Business Models:

• Stock Antwerp offers a rental service for their tableware, aligning with their philosophy that dinnerware should be actively used rather than stored away. This service reduces the need for production of excess items and supports the concept of sharing over owning, thereby minimizing resource use and storage needs.

These initiatives highlight Stock Antwerp’s commitment to implementing circular solutions within their operations, making their products sustainable in both creation and utilization.

Stock Antwerp maintains a remarkably concise supply chain, which greatly limits transportation emissions and simplifies logistics:

Production Locations:

• All production activities are confined within Antwerp, Belgium.

Headquarters:

• Stock Antwerp’s headquarters is also located in Antwerp, facilitating close supervision and quick coordination between different stages of production.

Market Reach:

• The brand’s products are only shipped within Belgium and the Netherlands, further reducing the potential carbon footprint associated with long-distance logistics.

Transportation:

• Given the local nature of the supply chain, transportation emissions are significantly minimized. The proximity of all operations within Antwerp ensures an efficient, low-impact logistics process.

This local focus not only supports regional economies but also exemplifies Stock Antwerp’s commitment to sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

This brand does not use any animal materials, essentially making it a vegan brand.

Stock Antwerp epitomizes the principles of slow fashion through its unique operational model:

Collection Strategy: Stock Antwerp doesn’t follow traditional seasonal collection releases. Instead, their product availability is contingent on the supply of discarded dinnerware from De Kringwinkel, highlighting a commitment to reducing waste. This approach ensures that every piece is both necessary and valued, aligning with sustainable consumption practices.

Preorder System: To further mitigate overproduction and waste, Stock Antwerp offers a preorder option. This method not only ensures that products are made to meet actual demand but also encourages consumers to make thoughtful purchasing decisions, enhancing the longevity and personal value of each item.

Style and Branding: The style of Stock Antwerp is classic and elegant, transcending fleeting fashion trends. Their method of upcycling old dinnerware into sophisticated new pieces ensures that each item not only adds aesthetic value but also serves as a timeless staple in any kitchen.

These practices contribute significantly to a sustainable fashion cycle, promoting long-term use and reducing the environmental impact associated with high turnover and waste in the industry.

Stock Antwerp exemplifies commendable transparency in its operations:

Product Information: On their product pages, Stock Antwerp provides detailed descriptions of the materials used and the transformation process each piece undergoes. However, for specific production location details, one needs to navigate to other sections of their website.

Process Transparency: The brand excels in disclosing comprehensive details about its supply chain. They openly name and describe each facility involved in the production process, from sourcing at De Kringwinkel to the final glazing at The Wolkammerij. This level of detail not only fosters consumer trust but also enhances the overall transparency of their operations.

Such transparency helps reinforce Stock Antwerp’s commitment to ethical practices and provides consumers with a clear view of how their products are made, aligning with growing consumer demand for accountable and open business practices.