What we specifically do for greater sustainability
Sustainability is a big word that often has little behind it. So here are no promises, but four things that are genuinely part of our everyday work—with what they achieve and what they cannot do.
We are a small retailer, not a corporation with a sustainability department. What we do must make sense and be practical in our day-to-day business. That is precisely what makes the following points credible for us: They require effort because they are real.
Repairing before we throw away
When a defective light is returned, it does not automatically end up in the trash. At our warehouse in Münster, we first check what is missing. In many cases, it is a single component: a driver, a light source, or a cable. We replace it, and the light is fully functional again.
This is possible because we keep spare parts for our own models in stock. That would not be possible with an anonymous mass-produced product, but it is with our own product range.
To be honest: Not every defect is worth repairing. Where the effort and result do not match, we say so openly.
Shorter routes instead of offset emissions
Instead of allowing emissions to occur first and then offsetting them mathematically, we start at the source: We consolidate deliveries from production to our warehouse, plan transports together, and avoid individual shipments wherever possible.
The reason is simple: A trip that does not take place causes zero emissions. Offsetting is, at best, the second-best solution because it presupposes emissions.
For shipping to you, we work with DPD and GLS. Their CO₂ footprint is beyond our control; our own logistics behind it are not.
Packaging as small as possible
We regularly revise our packaging with one clear goal: as much protection as necessary, as little volume as possible. Smaller boxes mean more products per pallet and per shipment, and therefore fewer trips for the same quantity of goods.
This not only saves material but also directly improves transport efficiency. Less air in the box means fewer trucks on the road.
The limit is protection against breakage. With glass lights, ensuring they arrive safely takes priority over saving that final centimeter.
Returns & New Merchandise
We inspect every return: for completeness and damage, and we repackage it. If something is defective, we repair it—or sell the item transparently as B-stock.
A return is not automatically B-stock for us. If a light fixture comes back in perfect condition, it is new merchandise to us—and is treated accordingly. We are open about this, even though it is occasionally criticized.
We don’t sell products with signs of wear as new. Inspected B-stock is always clearly labeled as such.
Why this isn’t marketing
Every one of these measures costs us time or margin: repairs tie up labor, more compact packaging requires development, and we sell refurbished returns at a lower price. We do it anyway because, in the end, it pays off for everyone—for the environment and for you. And because we would rather promise less and deliver more.
Our lights
#lumiere.design.de
