Our Responsibility
Sustainability
Design doesn't exist in a vacuum — and neither does its impact.
At Design East, we believe that great design should be responsible design. As a studio working with large-format print, surface design, and bespoke signage, we recognise the materials and processes we use have a real environmental footprint. We're committed to reducing it — practically, honestly, and continuously.
Our Commitments
What we pledge to do.
Minimise Material Waste
We plan every job to maximise sheet utilisation, reduce offcuts, and ensure surplus materials are repurposed or recycled wherever possible — not sent to landfill.
Choose Sustainable Substrates
Where quality permits, we actively specify FSC-certified papers and boards, recycled-content materials, and PVC-free alternatives for our print and signage work.
Reduce Emissions
We prioritise local suppliers and production partners to reduce transport miles, and we are committed to measuring and progressively reducing our operational carbon footprint.
Educate & Advise Clients
We proactively advise clients on the environmental options available to them — making it easier to choose sustainable materials and processes without compromising on results.
Responsible Disposal
When signage and print installations reach end-of-life, we guide our clients on the most responsible way to decommission, repurpose, or dispose of materials correctly.
Continuous Improvement
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We commit to reviewing our practices annually, setting new targets, and holding ourselves publicly accountable to them.
"The most sustainable product is one that's made well, used long, and disposed of responsibly." Design East Studio
What We're Doing Now
Current Initiatives
Fully Electric Fleet
All of our vehicles are fully electric — from client visits to on-site installations. Our fleet produces zero direct emissions, helping us deliver great work without adding to local air pollution.
Eco-Solvent & Water-Based Inks
We use eco-solvent and water-based inks across our large-format print processes — significantly reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions compared to traditional solvent printing.
FSC-Certified & Recycled Papers
We stock and specify FSC-certified and recycled-content papers and boards as standard, offering these as the default option on all applicable print projects.
Local Supply Chain
Based in East London, we work with a network of local suppliers and fabricators to keep our supply chain tight — reducing transport emissions and supporting the local economy.
Digital-First Proofing
By using digital proofing and virtual mock-ups wherever possible, we reduce the need for physical test prints — saving materials, time, and cost on every project.
Sustainable Packaging
We've moved away from single-use plastic packaging in our deliveries, switching to recycled and recyclable kraft paper, cardboard, and paper tape as standard.
Certifications & Partnerships
Who we work with.
FSC Certification
We source FSC-certified papers and boards, ensuring our materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide benefits for people and the environment.
Recycling Partners
We partner with certified waste management providers to ensure our substrate offcuts and packaging waste are sorted and recycled to the highest standard.
Local Business Network
We actively support and source from the East London creative and manufacturing community, championing businesses that share our commitment to responsible, quality-led production.