Conscious Design: How to create products that respect the planet

There has been a recent shift in design trends, with many people now looking to create products that are more sustainable. Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the impact their purchases have on the planet, and they are demanding products that respect the environment. If you're a designer, it's important to learn how to create sustainable designs that will appeal to today's consumers. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for designing with a conscience!

1. Source materials locally

The raw materials used in the production of one's products are extremely important, not only for their quality and aesthetics, but for being one of the most important and essential factors of either being sustainable or not. Purchasing raw materials locally helps to reduce transport-related carbon, in addition to helping the local economy circulate.

2. Create high-quality products

The quality of your product can also be related to sustainability. One of the biggest problems in the industry today is the creation of low-quality products that are discarded after a short time of use. Being driven by creating low priced point products is like creating more waste for the planet. By creating high quality products, your product will have a longer life and not end up in the trash after 6 months, because it is made better and made with higher quality materials.

3. Look for sustainable and ethically sourced materials

There is a debate regarding what is considered sustainable when it comes to handbag materials. It is necessary to research the materials and identify what matches the values ​​of your brand. Would they be biodegradable materials? Vegans? Recycled? This is a very big conversation that is happening now, so it is important to listen in and figure out what works for you.

4. Manufacture locally

The benefits of manufacturing your products locally are extensive and include not just the environmental aspects, but also how it contributes to our economy. Manufacturing locally means not only are you supporting the health of our environment, but also boosting your local and national economy. By manufacturing products in-house and by keeping jobs local we can guarantee high quality control while lowering transportation emissions related costs for your project overall! There will be no tariffs, no freight charges and no congestion with shipments coming into our shipping ports.

Ready to start your sustainable accessory line? With Clutch Made Factory, creating your sustainable accessory line is easy. We offer everything from consulting services, which can guide you to build a more sustainable brand, to sourcing and manufacturing services – all done right here in the United States. Visit our services page or schedule a free consult today!

Article written by Kat Yasuda.

Kat Yasuda is the Clutch Made resident blogger. She loves to create and has a passion for design and art.