How do you ensure the sustainability and ethical sourcing of the diverse range of woods and veneers you use, such as Chinese Teak and Sapelli Mahogany?
Stellar Works adheres to global standards and regulations, such as using CARB P2-compliant plywood and MDF, and follows the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification for responsible forest management. Our commitment includes utilising eco-friendly adhesives and paints that comply with RoHS and GB/T 23993-2009 standards, ensuring that our timber sources are sustainably managed.
For example, most of the wood we use is FSC-certified, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests. We also regularly audit our suppliers to verify compliance with these standards and have reduced our use of non-certified wood by 90% over the past five years.
How do you balance traditional Asian aesthetics with modern European design principles in your creations, and what influences this fusion?
We focus on creating products based on principles of honest and timeless design, rather than chasing trends. Each piece is crafted to last. At our core, we aim to bridge the aesthetic gap between East and West, producing furniture that transcends generations. Inspired by the Japandi movement, our products embody simplicity, timelessness, and sustainability. We blend cultural heritage with contemporary design elements, offering unique pieces that appeal to a global audience while preserving the cultural significance of Asian artistry.
For instance, our Ren Collection combines the clean lines of Scandinavian design with the intricate detailing found in traditional Chinese furniture, resulting in pieces that are both modern and rich in heritage.
How do you integrate traditional craftsmanship techniques with modern manufacturing processes to create your bespoke pieces?
Our craftsmen from rural China bring exceptional skills and experience, often with over a decade of expertise, even in their 20s and 30s. Their generational knowledge, rooted in local traditions passed by fathers and grandfathers, allows them to gauge wood moisture content by touch — an ability rare in countries like Japan or France.
We enhance their artisanal abilities with advanced technologies, such as a Five Axis Machining Center, ensuring high standards in woodcraft, upholstery, leatherwork, and lacquer techniques. This combination boosts production efficiency by 30% while preserving the artisanal quality that defines our brand.
How do you ensure transparency and traceability in your supply chain, particularly for materials sourced globally, such as marble from different countries and fabrics made from ocean-bound polyester?
We track materials from their origin to the final product, ensuring they are sourced responsibly and sustainably.
For example, our marble is sourced from certified quarries that adhere to sustainable mining practices, and we work with suppliers who provide detailed traceability reports. Our ocean-bound polyester fabrics are part of our efforts to combat ocean pollution; these fabrics are made from recycled plastics collected from coastal areas, preventing them from entering the ocean.
One of our notable additions this year is the AME collection by Kvadrat, which is included in our standard materials selection. This innovative fabric is woven from 100% recycled polyester derived from textile waste, inspired by the traditional Japanese Sashiko technique. The AME collection not only matches the performance of virgin polyester but is also fully recyclable.
We regularly audit our supply chain and work with third-party certifiers to maintain compliance with international standards, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for our wood and the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) for our fabrics. These efforts ensure that our products are safe for consumers and kind to the environment.
How do you differentiate Stellar Works from other luxury furniture brands, particularly in terms of your commitment to sustainability and unique design philosophy?
Our differentiation lies in a commitment to timeless design, cultural sensibility, and premium quality. We integrate traditional craftsmanship with innovative design within a robust sustainability framework. Compliance and worker welfare are ensured by supporting skill development, and safety, and providing opportunities for those with disabilities.
Our global presence and partnerships with renowned designers, such as Neri&Hu, Yabu Pushelberg or Space Copenhagen result in iconic collections blending contemporary design with traditional Asian craftsmanship.
Can you share examples of successful consumer engagement campaigns that have helped increase awareness and adoption of your sustainable products?
Stellar Works continuously seeks to raise awareness and adoption of its sustainable products through strategic consumer engagement campaigns. These include partnerships with leading design schools and participation in major design events.
For example, in 2024, we committed to using sustainable materials for our booth installations at Shanghai Design Week, attracting media attention and highlighting our sustainable practices.
Can you provide specific metrics or case studies that illustrate the environmental and social impact of your initiatives, such as the reduction of waste and carbon emissions through the use of circular materials?
Our use of ocean-bound polyester fabrics and recycled materials has led to a reduction of 500 tons of plastic waste annually.
Additionally, our switch to eco-friendly adhesives and paints has decreased our volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 30%.
A case study of our production facility shows a 20% reduction in energy consumption due to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
What are the long-term sustainability goals for Stellar Works, and how do you plan to achieve and measure these goals over the next decade?
Our long-term sustainability goals include expanding the use of sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency in manufacturing, and further reducing waste. We plan to achieve these goals through continuous innovation and adherence to global sustainability standards. Progress will be measured through regular audits, certifications, and reporting on key sustainability metrics.
For example, we aim to increase our use of recycled materials to 85% by 2030 and reduce our carbon footprint by 50% through the adoption of renewable energy sources and more efficient production processes.
We are currently researching biodegradable materials and exploring the use of 3D printing technology to minimise waste. By 2026, we plan to launch a new line of furniture made entirely from bio-based materials, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the industry.
