At phunkhelez, sustainability isn't an afterthought—it's woven into every decision we make. From material sourcing to finished products, we honor both traditional craftsmanship and environmental stewardship.
We carefully select materials from suppliers who prioritize environmental responsibility. Our natural fibers are organically grown, and our wood comes from responsibly managed forests with proper regeneration practices.
Our artisans at phunkhelez maximize material usage through thoughtful design. Scraps become smaller pieces or are composted when biodegradable. We continuously refine processes to minimize waste at every stage.
Chemical dyes harm waterways and ecosystems. We use plant-based and mineral dyes derived from renewable sources like indigo, madder root, turmeric, and walnut hulls to create our color palettes.
Cotton, linen, hemp, and wool from organic farms that avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These materials are biodegradable and gentler on both artisans and the environment.
Organic cotton uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and supports healthier soil ecosystems.
Salvaged timber from old barns, deconstructed buildings, and fallen trees. This prevents deforestation while giving beautiful aged wood new life as functional art.
Using reclaimed wood reduces demand for virgin timber and diverts materials from landfills.
Earthenware and stoneware clay from local, sustainable sources. We work with suppliers who restore excavation sites and minimize environmental disruption.
Local sourcing reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies.
Products are wrapped in recycled paper, reusable cloth, or biodegradable materials. No plastic films or non-recyclable cushioning materials are used.
Reducing packaging waste is crucial—we eliminate unnecessary materials while ensuring safe delivery.
We believe sustainable practices extend beyond environmental concerns to include social responsibility. Every artisan working with phunkhelez receives fair compensation, safe working conditions, and respect for their skills and time.
Fair wages enable artisans to sustain their craft traditions, support their families, and invest in their communities. This creates a positive cycle of cultural preservation and economic stability.
Many of our artisan partners work in small collectives that share resources, knowledge, and support. We help facilitate connections between makers and provide business development resources.
Strong craft communities preserve traditional techniques while adapting to contemporary market demands, ensuring these skills pass to future generations.
Traditional hand tools require no electricity and produce no emissions. Looms, carving knives, pottery wheels, and hand drills connect artisans directly to their work while minimizing energy consumption.
We use beeswax, linseed oil, and other natural finishing products instead of synthetic lacquers or chemical sealants. These options are safer for artisans and break down naturally over time.
Textiles and wood products are dried naturally using sun and air circulation rather than energy-intensive kilns or dryers. This traditional method also enhances the natural properties of materials.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We regularly assess our practices and seek ways to reduce our environmental footprint even further. Current goals include expanding our regenerative material sources, achieving carbon-neutral shipping, and implementing water conservation systems in our workshop spaces.
We welcome feedback and ideas from our community at phunkhelez. If you have suggestions for how we can improve our environmental practices, please reach out—we're always learning and growing.
Share Your IdeasOf materials from sustainable or reclaimed sources
Waste reduction achieved through design optimization
Artisan partners receiving fair compensation
Lower carbon footprint than mass production