Fine art albums and print products for professional photographers
At Folio Albums, our commitment to environmentally friendly, green practices and sustainable policies is deeply ingrained in our ethos. Recognising the profound impact of our photography industry on the environment, we prioritise conscious choices to positively influence our planet.
Our approach with Folio Albums has always been to marry the craftsmanship of the past with the technology of today.
To take what was great about historical processes and materials and bring it forward into the future – but without damaging our planet or its potential.
Folio Albums is committed to supporting print-passionate photographers with handcrafted, high-quality fine art products designed with a low environmental impact
We have started well, but the journey does not end.
Folio Albums was created with eco credentials at its core. We started by sourcing eco-friendly materials, papers, packaging, and even suppliers. We were also one of the first European companies to exclusively print using inkjet, meaning that unlike other suppliers, we do not use silver-halide chemical printing.
Our move to a state of the art workshop in 2013 was a significant step, placing sustainability at the forefront. The workshop, with a B energy rating, is climate-controlled, lit with low-energy LED lighting, and powered by green electricity.
This year saw a focused effort on reducing waste through lean manufacturing techniques in our production processes. Additionally, we transitioned to a carbon-neutral server network with ANS, aligning our server practices with our commitment to sustainability.
Investing in more space and doubling our workshop in 2019 allowed us to accommodate larger stock, resulting in reduced carbon footprint. Lean manufacturing practices and operations were further enhanced, contributing to our sustainability goals.
We are extremely proud that we became a member of Carbon Neutral Britain in 2022 which showcases our continuous growth and innovation. Introducing new eco-friendly packaging materials like paper tape and bubble wrap also marked a milestone in achieving plastic-free packaging.
June is typically a quiet month as photographers gear up for the wedding season, which is why we drop to a 4-day working week. This allows us to reduce our carbon footprint with fewer commutes and less energy usage. We also switch to shipping twice per week instead of daily to further reduce our impact by consolidating shipments.
As a responsible business, we actively review and implement new ways to minimise our impact on the environment. Below are just some of the ways we do this:
Crafted for enduring beauty, our products are designed to last a lifetime without compromising the delicate balance of the environment and its global ecosystem. All materials are sourced from sustainable origins, and we are committed to using 100% recycled materials whenever feasible.
In our quest for suppliers, we carefully select those who share our dedication to environmental protection. The paper we use is FSC-approved and the leather adheres to strict REACH standards, is not chrome-tanned and is produced in the EU. We support the use of leather for its natural and durable qualities and our leather is always a by-product of the meat industry meaning it doesn’t go to landfill. Â
If you are interested in the eco credentials of any specific product, please contact us. We are eager to share the details of our commitment to environmental sustainability.
While we want our products to last for generations, we aim for packaging that leaves no enduring environmental footprint. By incorporating recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible, we take pride in the fact that our packaging is entirely free of plastics.
Our chosen packaging supplier not only provides recycled cardboard, they use solar panels to generate their own electricity and have a state-of-the-art energy efficiency compressor and a waste extraction system that bales waste for resale.
After much research, we chose DHL and DPD as our shipping partners. Largely due to their carbon-neutral approach, actively offsetting all CO2 emissions and strong commitment to limiting their impact on the environment. We also do our bit by combining orders wherever possible to reduce the number of shipments, and allow people to collect from us if they prefer.
Our cover materials are chosen with sustainability in mind, ensuring every album is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful.
Common environmental issues linked with fabric materials often involve the use of synthetics like polyester which is why we don't offer faux velvets. With a commitment to eco-friendly practices, our fabric range prioritises materials such as rayon, cotton, and linen blends, ensuring they contain no microplastics.
There's a misconception that leather alternatives are more eco-friendly than genuine leather. However, due to the substantial demand in the meat trade, disposing of leather in landfills is emerging as a significant issue. Utilising leather as a by-product of the meat industry helps prevent substantial waste, offering a sustainable solution. Opting for genuine leather not only avoids additional landfill waste but also ensures the use of a high-quality, long-lasting material.
Our silks are sourced from a manufacturer that's passionate about its corporate responsibility. Their quality assurance system was certified in accordance with ISO 9001 back in 1993 and they are always looking to incorporate new sustainable methods. The silk is luxurious and high quality, meaning its longevity also contributes to its sustainable variables.
We strive to minimise or eliminate waste whenever possible. Following the handcrafting of our leather goods, we always have leather off-cuts. In an effort to give these remnants a new purpose, we introduced upcycle leather boxes. These boxes contain leather offcuts and are available for a nominal charge to cover shipping. Alternatively, you can collect them for free from our workshop.
We envision these materials being repurposed for new and exciting projects, whether you’re into crafting, have a specific project in mind, or simply want to create something unique, like a new pair of earrings. The possibilities are diverse, from crafting motorbike seats to designing passport covers. We’ve seen some amazing examples of upcycling our leather.Â
We aspire to be carbon neutral, but realistically, we know this will take time. While we work on achieving this goal, we are committed to offsetting all our carbon emissions. We’re so passionate about this that we even strive for carbon-negative supplies where possible.
We’re proud members of Carbon Neutral Britain, which means we offset any carbon emissions we can’t avoid by contributing to the Carbon Neutral Britain Woodland fund. The offsetting we purchase contributes to projects including reforestation, deforestation prevention and woodland management projects, with a strong focus on having a positive impact on the local wildlife, ecology and biodiversity.
Examples of the most recently supported projects include preventing deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, reforestation after wildfires in Australia, as well as woodland planting in the UK.
Find yourself here with a question?
As a professional photographer, you know that every wedding you capture is a unique work of art. Just like selecting the right lens or finding the perfect lighting, choosing the ideal album manufacturer is a crucial decision that can make or break your client’s experience.
At Folio Albums, we’re not just about crafting stunning albums; we’re also about building meaningful relationships with professional photographers. We want to be your trusted partner on this incredible adventure.
No matter what queries are on your mind, we’re ready to have a conversation. Click the “Schedule a Call” button below, and let’s arrange a time to discuss how we can complement your photography with our exceptional albums. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, we’re here to support you and your business.
Feedback we love to share
I have met the Folio Albums team in Atlanta at Imaging USA. They had a tiny booth but I loved their products right away. Some of the other suppliers had way too many options to my taste and I found it overwhelming. Folio have 2 great albums and that’s what I wanted. Also they could manage the French accents on the letters when doing the cover personalization. Also, they have great customer service and always send me tea when I order 🙂
Samuel Tessier
Samuel Tessier Photographe
I just love Folio Albums, their quality is excellent. What is really impressive is how they check your spreads before they print them. There have been a couple of instances that I have missed the smallest of errors in the detail. The guys emailed me to highlight these self made faults that could’ve otherwise ruined a beautiful album.
Love this service. 10/10
David Gillan
David J Gillan Photography
Such an amazing business. I have ordered from Folio Albums since the start of my business and no other album can compare to the quality of Folio Albums, not only that but even more impressive is their customer service. Always on hand to help and always sending updates when you order an album or any other product from them. Thank Folio for creating amazing products with sensitivity to environmental issues and your no plastic policy.
Danilo Barbosa
Under The Veil