At Saskia Diez we are constantly improving the way we work. We get better every day and are always trying to improve and create the best conditions available to us, in which our pieces are created.
Production:
We work together with a handful of goldsmiths in and around Munich, and in some other cities in Germany. Everything is very local. We know everybody that is producing for us, we cultivate long term, binding relationships with our producers, we know the workshops, we know the people, we are in constant exchange. We use smart tooling and 3D drawing and printing techinques to produce more efficiently, with less friction, less energy, less hustle, less use of material. We have a small in-house workshop where we develop designs, to be time and energy-efficient. The design process takes place in the heart of our space in Munich, next door to our store. We believe in supporting local crafts and keeping knowledge alive by producing locally (not only the jewellery but also our packaging, gift packaging, wrapping paper and bands). We believe in developing knowledge by developing our own techniques and materials. We also believe in handing over knowledge (in student workshops at academies, by offering internships to pupils and students.
Materials:
We source our precious metals 90% from recycling.
All our leftovers of precious metals are getting recycled by melting and are turned into new pieces.
The wood we use is sustainably locally grown with non toxic lacquer for colouring.
Transportation:
In the city we use bike carriers, outside the city or country we use carbon neutral shipping with UPS.
For business travels we use the train as much we can and try to avoid flying around as much as we can.
Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction:
Main packaging material is recycled paper, we recently introduced new packaging sizes and paper size (e.g. for invoice printing) to cut off 70% of paper use. Printing paper is 100% recycled paper.
We print double-sided to save paper, ink and energy. Biodegradable cleaning products in the office, reusable water bottles, cups and utensils instead of disposable ones. Of course waste separation (different bins for plastic, aluminium, glass and paper), as mentioned above, all the leftovers from production are recycled.
We use grass plastic for small transparent res usable packaging (needed for wholesale clients) produced in the Netherlands. Padding for shipping is made from recycled paper plus reusing padding we receive.
We have a careful printing policy (digitalised bookkeeping, no printed catalogues, no email printouts, digital communication system in the team).
Team:
We offer flexible working hours and part time contracts to support work life balance and family life. All salaries are fair and above the living wage. We go on team trips together and have bonding events. We are a family for each other. We are all involved in a sustainable development, we do trainings and brainstorm regularly on how we can get better consistently. We participate in charitable iniciatives and projects, we communicate our sustainibility strategies to our clients, we choose our cooperation partners carefully (also for all our silent cooperations.) These partners must share our values when it comes to production, environmental and social impact.