UDUMBARA Helsinki Pottery Sustainability Report
Introduction
Established 1994
At UDUMBARA Helsinki Pottery, ethics and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. As a small artisan pottery studio, we recognize the importance of minimizing our environmental impact. Since 2005, our commitment to transparent production, the use of local materials, and environmentally conscious practices has been the foundation of our craft.
1. Environmental Responsibility
Local Materials
Since 2005, UDUMBARA has exclusively used 100% Finnish terracotta clay, specifically Kultela wild field clay from Southwestern Finland. This locally sourced clay eliminates the need for global transportation networks and reduces reliance on industrially processed clays from unknown global sources. The clay requires minimal processing, with only sand from the nearby village of Kiikala added.
We operate as a no-waste pottery studio, striving to minimize our environmental impact. Broken, unfinished, or uncollected student pieces are returned to our clay supplier, where they are crushed and reintroduced into our sculpture clay. This closed-loop process ensures that non-biodegradable ceramics avoid ending up in landfills, reflecting UDUMBARA’s unique approach to sustainability in the ceramics industry.
Energy Efficiency
The ceramics industry is energy-intensive, particularly during the firing process. We power our studio and kiln using Fortum’s solar energy selection to address this. This choice significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with pottery making, contributing to our efforts toward a more sustainable future.
Minimizing Toxic Waste
At the beginning of 2020, we decided to stop using glazes and oxides, as they often contain harmful substances from unknown sources. Our last glazed products were made in 2021, and since then, we have focused on producing unglazed ceramic pieces. We still have approximately 20 kg of glazes in stock, which we may either use in the future or dispose of through hazardous waste facilities. We will only consider sourcing raw materials if their origins are ethical and clearly known. This decision has helped reduce the release of toxic substances into water systems and has made our studio safer and more environmentally friendly.
2. Ethical Contemporary Craftsmanship
At UDUMBARA, we advocate for transparency in the origins of ceramic materials. In an industry where there is often a misconception about clay’s sustainability, we educate students and customers about the ethical implications of sourcing materials globally. Many potters advertise using “recycled” clay, but professional ceramists have always reused the waste clay produced during their work. We continue to promote this practice and even share it with hobby potters through instructional videos.
Earth-friendly Pottery’s slogan reflects our deep-rooted commitment to ethical contemporary craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and transparency. In addition to producing pottery, our workshops encourage participants to think critically about their choices, whether in pottery or their broader lives as consumers.
3. Social Responsibility
Inclusive and Safe Practices
At UDUMBARA, we welcome all guests to our studio without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, disability, or any other factor. Our workshops are designed to create an inclusive community where everyone can engage with pottery in a meaningful way. While the pottery wheel is primarily suited for teenagers and adults, we are happy to work with individuals with physical disabilities to explore alternative methods of pottery-making, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.
4. Continuous Improvement and Engagement
As a small studio, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices. I regularly share insights on sustainable pottery through workshops and videos on YouTube (@UDUMBARA_Helsinki), helping to educate and inspire both hobbyists and professionals. We actively encourage participant feedback on how to further minimize our environmental impact.
In addition, I was interviewed by the Helsinki Artists Association to share my thoughts on ecology and sustainability, helping to raise awareness of responsible craftsmanship within the local art community.
5. Conclusion
At UDUMBARA Helsinki Pottery, we are committed to creating handcrafted luxury, sustainable, and contemporary ceramics while inspiring others to make mindful, ethical choices. By using local materials, adopting energy-efficient practices, and maintaining a no-waste policy, we strive to have a positive impact on both the environment and the people who engage with our work.
We understand that sustainability is an ongoing journey of continuous improvement. As we move forward, we will continue to explore new ways to enhance our practices, maintaining transparency with our customers and community. We believe that small, thoughtful actions can lead to meaningful change.
Contact Information
Eva Spoof, artisan ceramist
Owner, UDUMBARA Helsinki Pottery
