Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Oceanic Woodstore, we take pride in creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces that blend reclaimed wood with epoxy resin.
While epoxy resin allows us to craft stunning, durable designs, we understand that many of our customers are concerned about its environmental impact. Rest assured, we share these concerns, and we’re committed to making eco-conscious choices wherever possible.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the environmental challenges of epoxy resin and highlight steps we’re taking to reduce its impact, as well as innovations in the field that give us hope for a more sustainable future.
The Environmental Impact of Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a synthetic material commonly used for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, like many industrial products, it has environmental drawbacks:
- Non-renewable origins: Traditional epoxy resins are made from petroleum-based materials.
- Disposal concerns: Improperly disposed resin can harm ecosystems, as it doesn’t biodegrade.
- Emissions during application: Some resins release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution.
While these issues are significant, there are promising solutions and mitigation strategies to address them.
How We’re Reducing the Environmental Impact of Epoxy Resin
At Oceanic Woodstore, we’re continually exploring ways to use epoxy resin more responsibly. Here are some of the steps we’re taking:
1. Exploring Bio-Based Epoxy Resins
The future of epoxy resin lies in renewable sources. Researchers are developing bio-based epoxy resins derived from plant materials, such as soybean oil or lignin (a by-product of wood processing). These alternatives significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and could become a sustainable option for makers like us in the near future.
We’re actively monitoring advancements in bio-based resins and plan to incorporate them into our process as soon as they become commercially viable and meet our quality standards.
2. Ensuring Proper Disposal
We’re committed to responsible handling and disposal of all materials. We minimise waste by mixing precise amounts of resin for each project and ensure leftover resin is properly cured before disposal, as cured resin is non-toxic and safe for landfill.
We also encourage our customers to return unused or damaged resin products to us, so we can ensure they’re disposed of correctly or repurposed wherever possible.
3. Selecting Low-VOC Epoxy Resins
Whenever possible, we choose epoxy resins with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These resins emit fewer harmful chemicals during application, reducing air pollution and making the workspace safer for both our artisans and the environment.
What You Can Do as a Conscious Consumer
If you’re considering purchasing or working with epoxy resin products, here are a few ways you can help minimise their environmental impact:
- Choose makers who prioritise sustainability: Look for businesses, like Oceanic Woodstore, that use reclaimed wood and eco-friendly materials alongside epoxy resin.
- Take care of your resin products: Properly maintained resin furniture and decor can last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacements and waste.
- Recycle or repurpose: If your resin product reaches the end of its life, explore ways to repurpose it or consult your local recycling facilities for proper disposal methods.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Oceanic Woodstore, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. While epoxy resin has limitations, we believe in making choices that balance beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. By combining reclaimed wood with responsible resin use, we’re creating long-lasting pieces that keep waste out of landfills and celebrate the natural materials around us.
We’re also committed to staying informed about advancements in sustainable materials and adapting our practices as better options become available. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we continue this journey toward greener craftsmanship.
Let’s Create Responsibly
We understand your concerns and share your passion for protecting the planet. By working together and embracing innovation, we can craft stunning designs that don’t compromise our environment.
If you have any questions about our practices or want to learn more about our sustainable products, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to chat.
