Materials

A big part of what we do revolve around finding the right materials, for the right products, made by the right suppliers. This is not an easy task, and for each product we spend at least 4-12 months researching and prototyping, to make sure that our products function well and last for a really long time. We purposely select materials with lower long-term imprints, that remain user-friendly and functional for a long period of time; often for many years - sometimes a lifetime. This is an introduction to the key materials we work with, to make it all happen.

Biodynamic hemp

Hemp is a plant fibre known for its durability and exceptionally strong fibres. Our hemp material is grown biodynamically in Uttarakhand, North-India, where human interaction is kept to a minimum and absolutely no pesticides or herbicides are used.

A study conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute in 2019 showed that cotton requires up to 10,000 litres of water to produce 1 kilogram - the equivalent of a single T-shirt. Hemp, on the other hand, requires 65% less water to grow. In addition, the hemp plant grows up to 1,9 metres, and hence it requires 70% less land to grow compared to cotton. Hemp is also a hypoallergenic material, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin, and contains natural antimicrobial properties.

When the time comes to recycle your hemp products, check with your local recycling facilities for proper disposal. The hemp we use is not treated with bleach and non-biodegradable chemicals, so you may also compost it. It will normally biodegrade within 4-6 months.

From our on-site visit to our hemp plantation in Uttarakhand, India, April 2022.

Platinum silicone

Platinum silicone is the highest grade of silicone used for food products. Silicone is an odourless, colourless polymer composed mainly of silicon, which is found naturally in sand, quartz and rocks. It is flexible, resistant and withstands high temperatures. All Concept Zero products are certified and tested according to EU LFGB food-grade regulations.

Silicone is recyclable in some countries, but not biodegradable. However, unlike plastics, it does not break down into microplastics. When your silicone products can no longer be used, dispose of them at your local recycling facilities or read more about recycling options at your relevant government site.

Stainless steel

The benefits of stainless steel are many. When it comes to recycling, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and it’s the most recycled material in the world. In fact, more steel is recycled each year than aluminum, paper, glass, and plastic combined. Our manufacturer is strictly ISO:14001 certified for environmental management systems. It is also BSCI® certified, a Belgium-based certification programme for workers' wellbeing, with an overall score B (from A-E).

We use either Japanese 316 steel or 304 steel in the making of our products. They are both stainless, odour-free, and certified food contact safe. Stainless steel, when used in our products, can last a lifetime or longer, so we find it a highly suitable material to use in our products.

When your stainless steel products can no longer be used, dispose of it at your local recycling centre.

Surplus Coconut Fibre

Coconut fibre brushes provide many benefits. They are naturally anti-bacterial, odourless, and they have great durability due to the strength of the coconut fibres (also called coir). The coconut fibre we use is made from surplus materials. Our coconut brushes are made by hand with a traditional Sri Lankan weaving technique.

To create the handle, we select suitable coconuts which are then hydrated and husked. The fibres are then extracted from the husks and soaked in water to soften them. These fibres are then woven together using handlooms and machines, and the brush is then shaped and finished with a wooden handle.

As for the bristles, they are made from coconut coir fibres; waste products from natural coconut fibres that are bound together with strong adhesives. The bristles are then cut to the desired length, and the ends are secured with a metal base or handle. After the bristles have been cut, the brush is ready for use. The manufacturing of the brushes is located in the North-West region of Sri Lanka, Katunayake.

When they can no longer be used, you can either dispose of them at your local recycling centre, or compost them in your garden, as they are fully biodegradable and compostable.

Recycled glass

Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials (sand, soda ash and limestone). However, no resources last forever, and that's why we care about using recycled glass, that has already been manufactured. The glass we use is made in The UK. Glass is a fully recyclable material that can be recycled in a close loop, more or less endlessly.

To recycle it, dispose of it in your glass container and hand it over to your nearest recycling facility.

Bamboo

Our bamboo is strictly FSC® certified, and comes from the Fujian province in China. Bamboo is considered a highly efficient resource due to its rapid growth rate and ability to regenerate after harvest. It's naturally antibacterial. Our bamboo supplier is also BSCI® certified, a Belgium-based certification programme for workers' wellbeing, with an overall score B (from A-E).

Compared to an equivalent tree mass, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen and it absorbs as much as 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. It’s naturally renewable and requires minimal maintenance and processing to grow.
Bamboo is biodegradable and will compost in most natural environments.