Sustainability

It's at the heart of what we do

Sustainability is central to our design philosophy. Ode to Elma was born out of the idea to turn waste materials into beautiful, meaningful, quality long-lasting design. Our mission is to minimise our environmental impact by treading as lightly as possible on this earth; and we strive to do this not only in our business and design practices but in all aspects of our lives.

Our handmade products start out as waste paper which we recycle in to paper pulp. This transforms into a durable yet delicate and lightweight material. The result is a solid sculptural form with a textured appearance that is truly unique.

Through repurposing and the use of recycled materials we aim to challenge preconceptions, showing that you can indeed turn waste materials into something beautiful - there is beauty in imperfection.

Our Founder has completed a Diploma in Sustainable Living through the University of Tasmania, progressing her journey and developing her understanding of sustainability further.

We like to think of sustainability as a practice (like yoga or meditation) that you develop and build on, always learning and improving.

Below are some examples of what we do to incorporate sustainable practice into our business and design processes.

  • HANDMADE

    Each piece is individually made by hand with care and intention, they are not mass produced. We value the slow, thoughtful process of making by hand and the unique details that give each piece its perfectly imperfect character.

  • MATERIALS

    Recycled paper pulp is the core material used to create our designs. Paint and varnish used in the finishing of our products are all water based, low VOC and non toxic. All fittings and fixtures are sourced as locally as possible to minimise our environmental footprint.

  • PACKAGING

    All our packaging is plastic free, recyclable or biodegradable. We use only recycled paper & natural plant-based packing peanuts to ensure your goods arrive safely. They are shipped in recycled cardboard boxes with water activated kraft paper tape as the adhesive.

  • RECYCLE

    We aim to operate as close to a circular economy as possible focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Waste is kept to a bare minimum with everything being repurposed or recycled. We reuse boxes and packing materials where possible.

  • RESOURCES

    Harvested rainwater is used in the pulp making process. A strainer ensures no excess mixture or unwanted particles enters the waterways. Our pieces are all air dried under the suns rays saving on precious natural energy resources.

  • PLANET

    As a business we are focussed on earth friendly practices that minimise waste and reduce our impact on this planet. We are always re-evaluating our processes striving to make improvements in pursuit of a happier and more sustainable world.
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Meet the Maker - Kerrie Mould

Brought up in New Zealand by actively anti-waste parents, as a youngster I was always finding new uses for things, from altering op shop clothing to repurposing objects. And, after a small indulgent period in my 20s, I inevitably carried this mentality into my adult life.

I established ode to elma after relocating to Melbourne, with the aim of challenging preconceptions about repurposing and using recycled materials by showing that you can indeed turn ordinary, everyday materials into beautiful, functional, quality design.

In memory of my Nana ‘Elma’, ode to elma is a nod to a time where people mended, recycled and reused everything - out of necessity and hardship. Ironically, what was once seen as frugality or thriftiness is now deemed sustainability, and we have come full circle to rethinking the way we live and what we consume - as a necessity, due to the growing climate crisis.

Always hungry to learn more and progress my sustainability journey, I recently completed a Diploma in Sustainable Living through the University of Tasmania. The process of imagining and creating pieces that are truly sustainable brings me joy and I am genuinely grateful that I get to do what I am passionate about.

Initially starting with a selection of pendant lights constructed from 100% recycled paper pulp the ode to elma range has expanded to include bowls and vessels. The material creates a truly unique look and organic feel, resulting in designs that are not only mindful of the environment but also beautiful and functional. Inspiration is taken from the natural world around us with a focus on texture, colour and form.

Each piece is individually handcrafted in my Melbourne studio.

AS SEEN IN

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MEDIA COVERAGE

We have been lucky enough to have our work featured in many leading Australian and International design and interiors print magazines as well as online publications. We were also extremely privileged to have out lights in the Impossible House which was featured on Grand Designs Australia.

For a detailed look at where we have been featured click on the button below.

OUR MEDIA COVERAGE