Bisque Imports Global Impact

Bisque Imports understands the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.  We are committed to going green in our workplace and in our product shipping materials.  While this change takes time, know that we are working to keep our world and the people with whom we have contact healthy and productive. 

Mission Statement

Bisque Imports is dedicated to preserving the environment and endeavors to prolong our natural resources through conscientious efforts of conservation, recycling, waste reduction and exploration of ways to better support and revitalize our community and the world in which we live, work and play. 

Locally
Facility

In a time where so many buildings are being torn down for more extravagant replacements, we opted to make eco-friendly adjustments to our existing, historic building that once housed a textile mill.  Simple enhancements, such as enclosing more of the vast area of this 80,000 square foot facility, allow us to conserve energy.  This allows us to work with the community as we endeavor to preserve history and eliminates the energy required to remove the existing structure and rebuild in the same site.

 Recycled/Recyclable Packing Materials

We use recycled/recyclable packing paper and boxes for product shipping.  This paper cushioning system is made of 100% recyclable, biodegradable material.

The amount of packing peanuts used in shipments, if any, is limited.

What We Are Doing
Office

The greenest paper is no paper at all.  Our paper use is reduced by e-mailing invoices. 

 Maintaining bins in the office allows us to save waste paper for recycling.

Print catalogs, flyers, postcards, invoices, etc. on recycled paper.

Use web-based programs for advertise promotions and events.

Use ceramic mugs or glassware for beverages instead of disposable cups thus reducing waste.  When paper products are used, recyclable options are chosen.   

Recycle ink cartridges & we purchase recycled cartridges from a supplier that also recycles office equipment.  This supplier also supports our Green efforts by using recycled paper in their operations.

Globally

Manufacturing in Italy

There is very little waste in Italian production facilities particularly since the products that are created are made from the earth’s natural elements.  Thus, they may be recycled and reused.   

Italian factories abide by specific laws concerning all packing materials.  When our manufacturing facility purchases packing supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, etc.) they are charged an additional fee which serves to cover the cost of recycling the packing materials.  Once production is complete the materials used are collected by category (clay, bisque, boxes, etc.).  The factory then works with companies that specialize in the recycle of each material.  Companies in Italy are diligent in their efforts to conserve energy and some are investing in alternative energy sources with the majority of companies turning to solar energy.  The Italians in general, go to great lengths to conserve energy however possible in all aspects of their operations.

 Manufacturing in China

The employees in our manufacturing facility in China employees are paid higher wages than most that work in production facilities due to the complex nature of the products we design and the high quality standards that we require.  In addition, safety is a priority in our facility and the standards for employee safety are high. 

All materials used in manufacturing, such as molds used to create greenware, are recycled and made into new molds thus resulting in very little waste.  Since our clay is made from natural materials, any imperfect bisque is crushed and recycled by resubmitting it to the earth and allowing it to decompose naturally.   Shipping boxes are made from recycled materials. 

Since earthenware is fired to a relatively low temperature, less energy is consumed during production.  Additionally, the Chinese conserve energy and protect the environment by riding bicycles instead of using cars. 

 What can you do? 

Energy Consumption

Save energy in your home or office by shutting down computers instead of leaving them on standby each night.  Computers on standby status continue to draw power.

Boost Productivity

Initiate a healthy employees program.  Consider allowing time for exercise during work hours (certain amount of hours each week).  Healthy employees are happy and produce better quality and accurate work. 

Reduce Waste

Re-use (packing paper for customers’ pieces) or recycle your boxes and packing paper.

 Recycle beverage bottles and cans used or purchased in your business.

Reduce waste and save paper towels by placing a note on the dispenser that encourages others to do the same. 

 Protect the Environment
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products such as biodegradable soaps and cleaners along with recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen. 

Use sustainable office supplies.  Websites such as The Green Office (http://www.thegreenoffice.com/) offer a variety of products that are both useful and green.

Preserve our Resources
Conserve water by turning it off between uses instead of letting it run as you perform other tasks. 

 Purchase Fair Trade coffee for the break room. 

 Provide easy access recycling bins so that recycling is just as easy as throwing paper away.

Pens and pencils can also be made of recycled materials, and refillable pens and markers are preferable to disposable ones.

Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Recycling printer cartridges is often free, and recycled replacements are cheaper than new ones.

Purchasing recycled materials is not the most inexpensive route, but rather an investment in our community and the world.  Recycling reduces waste and saves money in the long run.  Greening your company’s building can save money, boost productivity, earn respect for your company, and have a huge environmental impact since buildings account for roughly 30% of total CO₂ emissions.

Customer Feedback
I'm so happy to see that you're not using the Styrofoam popcorn anymore to pack your products.  My shipment arrived in perfect condition and I don't feel guilty throwing out the paper packing materials.  Keep up the good work.  Your new catalog looks great too.  -- Elise Leasure 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for not using Styrofoam in your shipping anymore!!!! -- Hannah Crowley, Van Grow Studio, Fort Worth, TX