The SPICE GRINDER - Delivered by Channapatna Craftsmen

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We have often resisted incorporating "marketing" into the description of the roles and activities we perform. This reluctance likely stems from the common revolt and desire to free ourselves from the grip of commercialism as it is true that marketing can provide the necessary motion for this well-oiled mechanism to work. While marketing has gained a negative connotation, i wonder, is it really undeserved? 

What if we market what we genuinely believe in, like and trust? What if leads to a positive impact and common good? A marketplace operated by transparent, authentic and genuinely honest operators allowing the audience to make its own, informed decisions. That market wouldn't be so bad i imagine. And while we are desperately distant from this utopian market state, there are clusters of positive changes that remind us marketing itself isn't inherently bad. It's what we market that matters most. 

Whether we call it marketing or simply conversations, we enjoy speaking with you, expressing our feelings, findings, developments and at times, even our innermost emotions. We aim to be informative and useful while remaining commercially viable to support the craftsmen and designers who develop innovative, sustainable, environmentally-centred designs that challenge habitual thinking and outdated views. It is through marketing [the placement of good, worthwhile products on the market] that we continue this journey. Although circular design has long existed as a concept, its tangible application is much, much more recent. Moreover, marketing these products allows everyone involved to improve, leading to a collectively better output. This is a well-observed fact we have experienced time and again, whether through the manufacturing processes, collaborating designers, product range, or simply our understanding of the tasks ahead.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce and "market" another addition to our product range. Designed for frequent use, it is a great reminder of positive design and complements our expanding tableware collection of sustainable and ethical designs. Developed by Built Editions, with offices in Amsterdam and Mumbai, the SPICE GRINDER is the tangible result of a collaboration between the studio and Fairkraft Creations. Handcrafted by artisans in Channapatna, a town renowned for its toy-making craftsmanship, this social enterprise helps sustain traditional lacware crafts. It provides educational programs specifically for women, fair pay and part-time employment opportunities. Additionally, the company offers employment to physically impaired individuals and ensures healthcare and social security for all its artisans.

The grinders wooden body is made of Hale wood (Wrightia Tinctoria), a local, fast-growing tree widespread in southern India, harvested from non-forest and non-agricultural land around Channapatna. The trees are not felled, allowing them to regrow. Hale wood is soft and fine-grained, making it ideal for woodturning and lac applications. No chemical treatments are needed to season the wood. The artisans are trained to use all sections of the wood to prevent waste, including sawdust, which is used in the incense-making industry.

The grinder's gloss finish is achieved through the application of shellac - a non-toxic, natural resin secreted by the insect Laccifer Lacca. This resin has been used by lacware artisans since ancient times. The lac is dyed with natural dyes extracted from plants such as Turmeric, Indigo, Kumkum, Manjishta, Catechu and Ratanjyoth tree bark.

The thoughtfully designed outer body of the SPICE GRINDER is further complemented by a "best in class" grinding mechanism, enhancing its sustainability and delivering an outstanding and truly natural product for your home. Developed by the Danish brand CrushGrind®, this grinding mechanism is the world's first ceramic mechanism. It is extremely durable, resistant to wear and corrosion, and comes with a 25-year warranty. 

The SPICE GRINDER is a truly tactile compilation of traditional craft, nature and contemporary, circular thinking that we are delighted to offer as part of our range. The grinders are now available in-store and online, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. We are excited to provide a private insight into the making process of the grinders as well, WATCH THE MAKING PROCESS HERE. 

 
Dark Green Spice Grinder
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Yellow & Light Green Spice Grinder
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Dark & Light Red Spice Grinder
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DESIGN SHOULD NOT COST THE EARTH!

How is it made, where is it made? Who makes it?
We want to be honest and most importantly we can be honest!
So ask questions and stay current as self-education support changes to a more sustainable living. ⠀⁠

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