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A duty of care for the environment

Sustainability

The climate crisis is at the forefront of public discussion. The UK government is working towards a pledge to reduce carbon emissions and achieve zero emissions by 2050. Businesses in all sectors must reduce their CO2 output.

A cylindrical piece of solid brass during the machining process, with blue liquid poured from above onto the product.

Impacts of manufacturing

Between 1990-2020, the manufacturing industry was the fourth highest industry contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the work needed to reduce emissions quickly and effectively.

How are Joseph Giles doing?

One of our British craftsmen for our glass hardware products in his workshop using a blowtorch to work on a piece.

The sustainability of brass

Production and assembly of unfinished Granville solid brass door knobs with workshop equipment.

PRODUCTION OF BRASS PRODUCTS

One such area where sustainable practices can make a significant impact is in the production of brass. This versatile and popular copper and zinc alloy, finds its applications in many diverse industries, including plumbing, musical instruments, electrical fittings and as in the case of Joseph Giles, luxury hardware for doors, windows and cabinets. However, the extraction, refinement and manufacturing processes associated with its production have the potential to cause devastating effects on the environment. To address this issue, the brass industry has started to actively embrace the requirement for sustainable practices. For instance, manufacturers are now starting to adopt recycling techniques, reducing the need for new raw material extraction. Additionally, advancements in energy efficient technologies have helped minimize the environmental footprint of brass production by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

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PRIORITISING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

Consumers are now encouraged to make responsible choices by opting for sustainably sourced brass products. By supporting companies that prioritize ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, we can further boost the demand for environmentally friendly materials. Promoting brass sustainability not only contributes to a greener and healthier future but also encourages other industries to adopt similar practices. It is everyone’s collective responsibility to prioritize sustainability, and by choosing brass products produced through environmentally friendly methods is most certainly a step in the right direction.

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Manufacturing image in the workshop showing the melting down of raw brass to recycle and repurpose into a new brass product.

RECYCLING BRASS

Brass is eco-friendly due to retaining its chemical characteristics, making it infinitely recyclable. It’s recyclability reduces the requirement for new brass production which involves the mining and processing of raw materials. This can cause devastating results of natural habitats including forests and wetlands etc, leading to wildlife displacement and potential decimation of local flora and fauna. Less mining reduces water and soil pollution along with greenhouse gasses caused by the use of chemicals during the extraction of the copper and zinc ore. This recycling process is also more efficient as it uses less energy than the production of new brass from raw materials. Overall, brass recycling is a sustainable practice that conserves resources and reduces waste.

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