Nottingham designers slash thousands of production miles from Sherwood

Nottingham-based interiors brand Lane is encouraging consumers to consider the production miles of their favourite homeware products with the launch of their new soft furnishings and accessories range made in Sherwood.

Founded by local graphic designers Joff and Ollie, Lane says it is bucking the trend of globalisation and reducing production miles by getting their new cushions, table linen and throws made by local craftsman Ray Pope.

Everything they make, including their critically acclaimed Twin Tone Lampshade, is exclusively designed at Primary Studios in Radford and is made entirely in the UK.

Whilst this web-based brand ships internationally, it says it produces 96% of their product range in Nottingham within a five-mile radius.

By making locally Lane says it has achieved a 99.1% reduction in road miles during production compared to many of their competitors who manufacture in China.

The new collection takes this one step further by collaborating with London Cloth Company, the only fabric weavers in London. The products are made with unique roped dyed indigo and unbleached cotton woven by the first micro mill in London for over a century.

Lane designer and creative director Joff Casciani said: “Taking this vintage process and cloth and bringing it to life in a contemporary collection that is relevant to a modern lifestyle is really exciting. Why can’t we preserve the crafts of yesterday?

“Everything we make is made in the UK and it’s even better to have a product that is made in Nottingham.

“Everyone deserves the choice to buy things for their home that are made in their city rather than something that has travelled thousands of miles.

“This collaboration unites a new wave in manufacturing with the creativity that the UK is known for.”

It’s estimated that around 80% of goods bought in the UK including fabric, lighting and kitchenware are made in China. Designer brands are increasingly manufacturing in the Far East, moving away from traditional high end manufacturing regions such as Northern Italy. Most products shipped from China to the UK will have travelled 5,000-7,000 miles creating a huge carbon footprint.

Joff added: “Small brands like ours and small manufacturers like London Cloth need to work together and work smarter. Britain is great at design but in post Brexit Britain that simply won’t be enough. Making and designing together is the future.”