Sustainability at DUR Schmuck
At the heart of Oldenburg lies the headquarters of DUR Schmuck, where sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a challenge we actively embrace within the jewelry industry. Every day, we strive to follow environmentally responsible practices in order to make a positive impact on our planet. Here are some of our most important sustainability initiatives and achievements:
Recycled Silver in Our Jewelry Production
Over the past years, we have transformed our silver jewelry production so that 92% of our sterling silver collection is now made from 99.99% recycled silver. This means that wherever we have had the opportunity to switch to recycled silver, we have done so. This transition allows us to significantly reduce the environmental impact traditionally associated with jewelry manufacturing. The jewelry industry is known for its considerable CO2 emissions, whether from silver mining or the use of numerous chemicals during metal processing. That is why we see it as our responsibility to take action and move toward recycled materials. Our goal is to further increase the share of recycled silver and continue minimizing our ecological footprint.
Sustainable Printed Materials
Another important step in our sustainability journey is the use of environmentally friendly materials for our printed products. Whether posters, banners, flyers, brochures, or coasters — we strive to print all materials on sustainable paper. If this is not possible, we offset the resulting CO2 emissions through direct cooperation with printing companies that offer carbon compensation. When this option is unavailable, we support climate protection projects such as tree planting initiatives through ClimatePartner in order to offset our environmental footprint.
Energy-Efficient Office Lighting
Another aspect of our sustainability efforts is the conversion of our office lighting to energy-efficient LED systems. This measure contributes significantly to reducing our energy consumption and supports our commitment to operating in a more environmentally friendly way. LEDs not only consume less electricity than conventional light bulbs, but also have a much longer lifespan, which further reduces resource consumption and waste.
Cotton Pouches for Our Jewelry
We also focus on sustainability in our jewelry packaging. In the past, our jewelry pouches were made from synthetic fibers. Today, we have switched to cotton pouches, which represent a more environmentally friendly alternative. Cotton is a renewable and biodegradable raw material that places less strain on the environment than synthetic materials. These pouches are not only more practical and aesthetically pleasing, but also considerably more sustainable, making them the perfect choice for our high-quality jewelry pieces.
Sustainable Jewelry Boxes
We have also redesigned our jewelry boxes with sustainability in mind. Previously, these boxes were imported from China and transported by ships powered by heavy fuel oil, resulting in significant CO2 emissions. Today, our jewelry boxes are “Made in Germany” and consist of 30% grass fibers, while the remaining material is made from 100% recycled cardboard. A special feature of our new boxes is the insert: Instead of conventional foam inserts, which must be disposed of as hazardous waste, we use pressed grass fiber paper. This environmentally friendly insert is not only sturdy and protective, but also fully recyclable. When the boxes are no longer needed, they can simply be disposed of through the paper recycling system, creating a closed recycling loop.
Use of Natural Materials
With the natural materials we use, we pay tribute to our extraordinary planet. Whether coral, lava, or beach sand, our design team transforms these elements into unique jewelry collections with creativity and passion. Our jewelry is more than just an accessory — it is a celebration of the Earth and its resources, embedded in stylish designs that make everyday life a little more extraordinary.
Family-Run Production Facilities
DUR is proud to produce its jewelry in family-run workshops in Indonesia and other countries, which not only create jobs, but also bring smiles to the faces of those who wear our jewelry. These family businesses share our values and implement our philosophy in every step of the production process.
Resource-Conserving Production Methods
For DUR, sustainability is more than just a goal — it is a lived value. We prioritize resource-conscious and quality-focused production methods that use only materials washed ashore by the sea and combine them with pure silver to create unique jewelry pieces.
Reuse of Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are sometimes unavoidable in daily operations. We therefore reuse them multiple times in order to minimize the amount of newly produced plastic. Through reuse, we can reduce the demand for new plastic bags and thereby lessen the environmental impact caused by plastic waste.
Energy-Saving Printers
All laser printers in our company, which previously consumed high amounts of energy and required many regularly replaced components such as heating units, transfer belts, drums, and toner cartridges, have been replaced with energy-efficient and ink-saving printers featuring Eco Mode. These modern printers not only save considerable amounts of energy, but also reduce the need for plastic replacement parts. Eco Mode additionally helps lower ink consumption, further contributing to reduced environmental impact.
Reduced Paper Consumption
In the past, we used more than 200,000 sheets of DIN A4 paper per year, resulting in a CO2 footprint of 944 kg. Today, we use only 20,000 sheets of paper made from 100% recycled and non-bleached paper. Through this transition, we have reduced our CO2 footprint to just 54 kg. This success is also due to the fact that we have optimized our layouts, allowing us to print fewer pages overall. Reducing paper consumption is another important step in our efforts toward sustainability and resource conservation.
Together for a More Sustainable Future
At DUR Schmuck, we understand sustainability as an ongoing process. We deeply value the contributions and suggestions of our customers and partners in helping us further reduce our ecological footprint. Your feedback is incredibly important to us, because we firmly believe that together we can make a positive difference for our planet.