SUSTAINABILITY

Constant Consciousness

We like to consider ourselves a kind and conscious company, but we know there will always more that we can do.

Caring deeply for the planet, working tirelessly to find highly skilled, independent craftspeople, building a considerate team and constantly deepening our curiosity for the origins of each material are just a few of the ways in which we're continuously trying to do better.

Below, we've shared some of the initiatives that we have in place at the moment to help us in our crusade to be ever more thoughtful and ever more aware and empathetic to people and the planet.

MADE WITH MEANING

Consciously Created

At Rowen & Wren, we believe that how something is made matters every bit as much as what it becomes.

Wherever possible, we favour natural materials that speak of honesty and longevity. Our oak furniture, for example, is crafted from FSC-certified wood, often finished with nourishing oils that make each piece easy to repair and refresh – a simple step towards a longer life. Our hardware follows the same ethos. We've chosen to work with authentic materials such as solid brass – never plated or lacquered – allowing each piece to develop a unique patina as it gently ages.

This slower, more purposeful approach extends to how we make things too. Much of our collection is produced in small batches, often by hand – a process that celebrates the human touch and the quiet beauty of imperfection.

In a continued effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we're also looking closer to home. Over time, we've shifted our focus to British makers, and today, over half of our collection is proudly crafted here in the UK.

HONOURING THE ARTISAN

Supporting Small Makers

At Rowen & Wren, we have long admired the quiet dedication of independent makers, those who work with their hands, their hearts, and often years of honed expertise.

Through our Small Makers Initiative, we seek out early-stage artisans and emerging studios whose craft aligns with our values. Whether preserving time-honoured techniques or offering something entirely new, we offer them a platform to share their work, championing their talents within our collection and beyond.

It's our way of celebrating the beauty of true craftsmanship – and of helping to ensure these skills not only survive, but continue to flourish.

PERUSE OUR EDIT

PROGRESS IN OUR PACKAGING

An Overhaul in the Making

Our boxes are now made using recycled materials wherever possible, and are fully recyclable – but we know there is always more we can do.

Even the tiniest of details can make the biggest of differences and an often overlooked but essential element of your items arriving safely is the tape used to fasten everything in place. We knew it needed to be strong but it also had to be thoughtful in its impact. That's why we use paper tape made from FSC-approved stocks – part recycled, fully recyclable and naturally degradable. Using just the right amount, we aim to make sure everything is secure, while not being wasteful.

In a bid to reduce waste, we've moved our returns process entirely online and any signs of plastic will slowly begin to disappear. Just know that we're working on it, constantly.

POSTCARDS WITH PURPOSE

In Celebration of British Artists

When you receive something from us, we hope it reflects our gratitude and brings with it a quiet sense of care.

Each season, we commission a British artist to create a postcard inspired by our latest collection – a small token nestled into every parcel. We hope you'll find it special enough to keep, to frame, or perhaps to revive the gentle joy of sending a handwritten note to someone you love. And in doing so, help share the work of a talented independent illustrator.

Supporting British artists in this way allows us to celebrate creativity close to home – and to play a small part in helping it flourish.

MEET OUR LATEST ARTISTS

GIVING BACK

Our Charity Initiative

Conscious behaviour begins with paying attention to the world around us, to the causes that matter, and to the small actions that can make a lasting difference. At Rowen & Wren, we seek to tread gently, help where we can, and always keep sight of the bigger picture.

That’s why, during moments of mass consumerism such as Black Friday, we take a different approach. Rather than offering discounts, we choose to give back, donating a percentage of the day’s takings to charity instead. It’s our way of using the occasion to support something more meaningful.

In 2021, we also introduced a year-round initiative inspired by the compassion of our team. Each member of staff chooses a charity close to their heart and donates a portion of their salary to it every month. As a company, we match every donation - a small but significant way to amplify the impact.

Below, a few of our team share who they’ve chosen to support, and why.

Railway Children – Chosen by Lucy and Graeme

Since having our daughters Alma and Agnes, children have definitely become our achilles heel. The thought of any child living on the streets with nowhere or no one to turn to is a truly devastating thought for us both. The Railway Children Charity provides protection and opportunity for children who find themselves in this situation, working with children in India, East Africa and the UK.

The Woodland Trust – Chosen by Paul

I chose The Woodland Trust for my monthly donation. We are all aware of the impact climate change is having, and will continue to have, on our planet. Trees play an essential role in mitigating this crisis. They lock up carbon, provide an alternative to fossil fuel energy, and provide valuable habitat for our declining wildlife. The team at The Woodland Trust work across the world to plant beautiful, flourishing woodlands full of life, to restore damaged ancient woods to their former glory, and to inspire millions of people to enjoy and protect our natural world.

Diabetes UK – Chosen by Alex

At the age of four, my brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells. For the 36,000 children and young people living with type 1 diabetes, it can make childhood a frightening place, which is something I’ve witnessed first-hand. Diabetes UK is at the heart of research into immunotherapies, a treatment which aims to stop that attack from happening to prevent or even cure the condition.

YoungMinds – Chosen by Mark

Although the pandemic may be – for the most part – over, life remains difficult for those most disadvantaged by the current challenges the world is presenting. Children of all ages are among those with the most serious obstacles put in their way, and the support provided by YoungMinds helps those most in need of an escape from trauma and hardship.

The Swan Team at Aintree Hospital – Chosen by Molly

The Swan Team at Aintree Hospital work towards improving the experience of end of life care at Liverpool hospitals. Not only did they care for my Nannie in her final few days but also for my entire family while we were there with her. The Swan Team were the kindest of souls and made a difficult experience for us all as positive as it could’ve been. 

World Animal Protection – Chosen by Sheila

At the hands of some human beings many animals across the world endure a lifetime of pain, suffering and cruelty from the moment they are born. I have, therefore, chosen World Animal Protection because they work and campaign tirelessly to effect change, helping governments and communities to protect and care for their animals. They believe that all animals must be cared for humanely and protected from pain and fear, given a life worth living and a life they deserve.

Alzheimer Society – Chosen by Zoe

I would like my donation to go to the Alzheimer Society as it is a cause which affects so many people and I have an overwhelming fear of this dreadful disease. It has impacted some very close family and friends in one way or another.

Woking & Sam Beare Hospice – Chosen by Michelle

Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care is a local charity that provides an essential service to enable those with life limiting illnesses to live life to the full and to equip them to die with choice and dignity.  

Care4Calais – Chosen by Lily

Care4Calais is a volunteer-run charity delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the UK and Europe. Currently around 700 refugees are living in and around Calais, sleeping rough in the worst imaginable conditions, not even allowed tents for shelter from the elements. Operating year round, the focus of Care4Calais is to provide warm clothing, bedding, food and medical assistance to people in desperate need. As someone whose family has had the luck and privilege to be born in a place of safety I would like to think it's our shared duty to extend a hand to the mothers, fathers and children alike who do not share in this freedom.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – Chosen by Saskia

My life would not be half as good as it is without the companionship and unconditional love of a few furry friends. I am donating to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home because every pet deserves a chance at a loving, forever home. Their hard work spreads immeasurable warmth by connecting people with pets, easing loneliness with help of a wagging tail and loving purr. Battersea’s tireless dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals is nothing short of extraordinary. Through my contribution, I am not only supporting a cause close to my heart, but I am also ensuring that these animals have a chance at a life filled with love and security.