Sustainability

Papier-mâché is intrinsically a sustainable craft, that recycles discarded paper to create exquisitely handcrafted artefacts that are eco-friendly and durable.

Having stood the test of time, the craft has been passed down over generations and is till date, crafted in small scale karkhaanas (workshops) in Kashmir using the same traditional methods that were used centuries ago.

At Studio Firdaus, we are committed to sustainable production and consumption patterns as well as to contributing towards sustained and inclusive employment and economic growth of the artisan community in the Kashmir valley.

A few ways in which we illustrate our commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth:

• We work with partners who we share our vision and ethos. They are small businesses with workshops employing small teams who work with them over years. They are inclusive in their practices, often hiring people with speech and hearing impairments in their facilities
• Our products are hand-crafted in small batches and often take weeks or sometimes months to produce
• Made from the pulp of discarded paper, papier-mâché is intrinsically light-weight and hence can be transported across the world with a lower carbon footprint than other products
• Our packaging is largely sustainable and we aim to totally eradicate any plastic in our packaging in the coming years

At the heart of Studio Firdaus, are the artisans of the Kashmir valley who are passing on the legacy of this timeless craft of papier mâché over generations. We are committed to fair compensation to our partner artisans towards their economic and social development. We would hope that with the success of Studio Firdaus, the craft itself will become more appealing to younger generations, who may look at it as a sustainable means of making a living.