DRAAIT stands for sustainability

At DRAAIT, our focus is on producing tableware and vases as sustainably as possible. I make environmentally conscious decisions at several moments in the production process.

There´s no way around it, water, energy sources and (sometimes hazardous) raw materials are required for the production process and for making glazes. For every step in the production process, I try to optimise sustainable practices.
 
  • Water that I use for throwing on the wheel mixes with clay. Allowing this mixture to settle means I can pour off and re-use the water, as well as the clay. The water can be used for throwing on the wheel again or added to dry clay to ensure that it can be re-used.
  • The remaining clay at the bottom of the bucket is poured out onto a clay recycling plasterboard slab to ensure it reaches the correct humidity. Then it is mixed with new clay. I will then knead it thoroughly so that it can be re-used in the studio.
  • All leftover glazes are added to a larger bucket which is turned into a ‘reclaimed glaze’. This glaze will often turn dark brown but is ideal for use on the inside of flower pots and vases.
  • In my NATURE ceramics series, I only use raw materials that I have collected or extracted myself. I collect silt and sand from the Rhine, which is only five minutes away from my home, ash from our campfires, and shells whilst walking on the beach with my children. Sometimes, I will add 2-3% copper to ensure an even prettier colour. Unfortunately, I am unable to mine copper myself, but sometimes a compromise is required to realise a fantastic final product.
  • All packaging materials are recycled as much as possible.