South-West independent stationery brand Tom’s Studio are not in the business of waste. Much the opposite, in founder Tom’s own words, “My mission is simple: to make beautifully crafted, refillable creative tools designed to last a lifetime.” Over the past decade, Tom and his team have done just that, creating beautiful calligraphy pens, mechanical pencils, and art supplies with a focus on sustainability.
The latest addition to this portfolio of eco-conscious products are four sets of pocket-sized paint palettes containing a range of nature-inspired watercolour half-pans made from recycled materials. Each half pan contains one of a series of beautiful watercolours hand poured in Frome by the team.
These aquamarine-hued half pans are a testament to Tom’s Studio’s ethos. Determined to turn the tide on waste, Tom’s Studio sourced 3D print filament from 0rca to 3D prototype print the plastic half pans. Cornish trailblazers 0rca utilise a patented solution to turn end-of-life fishing nets taken from Cornish fishing harbour Newlyn, into a widely useable Nylon 6. This nylon is well suited to both 3D printing in filament form, and injection moulding flake, all whilst producing 98% less CO2 than virgin nylon and diverting “ghost nets” from landfill.
“The nets are transformed into a durable, high-quality filament or flake that becomes something entirely new, useful and beautiful. The finished colour is incredibly evocative of its origins – subtle, ocean-toned and unlike any other half pans out there – which makes the material choice feel honest rather than hidden.” Alice Hadley of Tom’s Studio.
After sourcing their recycled material, Tom’s Studio approached Hampshire-based plastic injection moulders BEC Group to manufacture the half pans. Tom’s design engineer Ella produced CAD for the part which BEC’s toolmaker developed into a four-cavity tool design. This relatively simple part lent itself to four-cavities to enable high volumes from automated moulding production, whilst keeping the cost of producing the tool relatively low.
In a matter of weeks BEC’s in-house toolroom produced the tooling and had the Tom’s Studio logo laser engraved onto each cavity. The Tom’s Studio team visited the BEC site to watch the tool’s inaugural run in a moulding machine and give quality sign-off on the part to facilitate quick production. Shortly after, BEC ran the tool in earnest for Tom’s Studio’s first run, injection moulding 20,000 half pans in several days for product launch.
“Working with local brands like Tom’s Studio that understand the value of UK-made tooling and manufacturing is so important to businesses like ours. Unlike tooling and moulding in another country, we’re able to offer an incredibly agile service, and to develop a relationship that makes the process easier on both sides. We’re here to help.” Mike Tharme, Engineering Director BEC Group.
The half pans were shipped to the Studio’s Frome studio and hand-filled by their dedicated staff, inserted into lightweight travel tins and beautifully packaged with bespoke artistry on each box.
Watercolour paints are now available to buy on Tom’s Studio website.
