Sustainability & Positive Production

Here at Divine Savages, nature is at the heart of our design.

Divine Savages nature inspired wallpaper

We are committed to a sustainable future and continuously strive to explore, test, and secure more positive solutions. Some eco-values are at our core, like our seasonless approach to design, with an emphasis on quality and forever-style over fleeting trends. We also produce in small-batches so we don’t create unnecessary waste. And as a British brand, we take pride in producing all our wallpapers and fabrics right here in the UK to not only support local industries but also reduce our carbon footprint and establish collaborative relationships with craftspeople. By putting a face to a name and working together, we can create products that align with our values and inspirations.

But there are also more technical considerations where we are continuously looking to advancements and material options, to enhance our environmental performance, recognising that the landscape has significantly evolved over the past five years since we started. As we approach the midpoint of 2023, let’s take a moment to touch base on where we are and where we aim to go next.

Divine Savages eco printing techniques

Eco + Sustainably Sourced Wallpapers

In late 2022, we launched our second Natural History Museum collection featuring two new prints in ten colourways. Excitingly, these new wallpapers were also our first ‘eco-wallpapers’ – printed on a new, high quality, eco non-woven substrate, 79% of which is made up of natural renewable fibres. Cellulose (wood pulp) fibres from FSC® certified forests (C119803) and other controlled sources account for 59% of the renewable materials. The remaining 20% are PLA (plant-derived thermoplastic) fibres from the naturally occurring sugars in sugar beet and corn. Our eco-wallpaper composition is completed by the addition of a water-based latex binder. It's important to note that we do not use any oil-based polyester fibers in our manufacturing process. Instead, we opt for renewable PLA (plant-derived thermoplastic) fibers as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional oil-based polyester (PET plastic) fibers.

Divine Savages eco sustainability papers inks

BENEFITS OF ECO-GRADE PAPER

Approximately 30% less greenhouse gases produced during manufacturing as this method uses renewable PLA (plant derived thermoplastics) instead of Oil based Polyester (PETplastic) fibres

This choice of materials significantly contributes to a reduction of approximately 30% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the production of traditional non-woven wallpapers. By utilizing renewable PLA fibres rather than oil-based polyester, we are able to minimize the environmental impact of our manufacturing process. Additionally, our English supplier sources their electricity from renewable resources. Overall, this technological improvement to wallcoverings is a great step forward. All without sacrificing the aesthetic or functionality of our wallpapers, as it passes standard Wallpaper Wash tests and is a joy to hang!

The inks used on our eco-wallpapers (as well as a few others in the collection) are water-based, which means they are non-toxic and free from VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).

Our remaining Traditional Flexo Print wallpapers use a non-woven base, and are FSC certified, meaning they are sourced responsibly from sustainable forests. We primarily use this method when a more fibrous base is needed for texture.

The ink on our remaining digitally printed wallpapers are water-based HP Latex inks, with durability to withstand wear and tear. They are also free from Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Lead (tested to >0.2ppm) or Formaldehyde. HP Latex Inks have qualified for certifications that demonstrate they meet some of the world's most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air. They also meet stringent health and environmental criteria and are UL ECOLOGO® certified5 and conform to ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List6.

Small-batch production also means we don’t overproduce. Additionally, we’ve made some lower-volume items ‘made to order’ to enable us to prevent waste.

Lastly, we keep our production close to home within the British Isles. By manufacturing locally, we minimise transportation emissions and support local industries. This approach not only reduces our carbon footprint but also allows us to have a closer relationship with our suppliers. This enables us to source materials responsibly and ensure that the production processes meet our high standards, while also ensuring our suppliers are paid fairly and are working in healthy environments.

What’s Next: Our new collection launching in Autumn 2023 is our most eco-friendly collection to date, with most designs printed on our eco-wallpaper base. We’re continuously looking for new options, using eco-wallpaper where possible, and embracing yet-to-be-discovered technologies!

Divine Savages recycled and low impact fabrics

Recycled & Low Impact Fabrics

We currently offer two different materials in a large range of our patterned fabrics.

Recycled Velvet
This is a new technical improvement to our existing range, replacing our previous velvet fabric in late 2022. Once we were able to find the right suppliers and sort the logistics – it was an obvious choice. It looks great and feels sumptuous all while reducing virgin materials. Our velvet pile is 100% recycled polyester, sourced from plastic waste, primarily plastic bottles.

Divine Savages Recycled Velvet is 100% recycled polyester, primarily sourced from plastic waste. One metre of fabric makes use of approximately 23 plastic bottles.

LINEN (55% Linen & 45% Cotton)

As linen and cotton are derived from plant sources, they are renewable and biodegradable. Linen cotton fabric also requires less water during cultivation and energy consumption during production compared to other fabrics. In addition, it doesn’t use chemicals or pesticides that can harm the environment and pollute water sources.

Our recycled and sustainable fabrics are the base for our own velvet cushions and beautiful fringed lampshades, as well as being sold by the metre as a raw material. Our customers have used Divine Savage fabrics to reupholster chairs, sofas, and many other incredibly creative projects, often giving new life to tired vintage items.

What’s next: As our collections grow, we'll be expanding our sustainable fabric range, giving you even greater choice for your next interiors project.

Recycled Velvet & Natural Cotton/Linen Lampshades & Decorative Cushions

Our fringed lampshades are made to order to reduce waste, simultaneously allowing us to offer a wider range of sizes and prints to suit each customer. The shades are constructed in Wales using our own recycled velvet fabrics.

A range of decorative cushions are available in our natural linen/cotton fabric. And as we speak we are in the process of phasing out our existing velvet cushions, and replacing them with our new recycled velvet. Our fabric is created and printed in the UK, and also sewn, constructed and filled within the great British Isles.

What’s next: We’re in the process of adding cotton lampshades to our range. As a biodegradable natural fabric, cotton is more eco-friendly than synthetic fibers.

Packaging & Posting

Our postal packaging is made of recycled materials – from the boxes to the filling.

What’s next: As our volume increases we hope to be able to have access to an even greater supply of eco-friendly solutions to get Divine Savages products to our lovely customers.

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Any Questions?

We’re a small brand, literally formed out of our front room living in London nearly 6 years ago. As our brand has grown, we have gained access to increasingly advanced technology and have been able to collaborate with a broader range of skilled artisans. If you have any further questions or suggestions for improvements, we are eager to hear them. Feel free to contact us anytime!