Our sustainable impact journey

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.

Eco credentials are at our core

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.

Our mission

Folio Albums is committed to supporting print-passionate photographers with handcrafted, high-quality fine art products designed with a low environmental impact

Our eco-innovation timeline

We have started well, but the journey does not end.

Eco from the beginning
2010
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.
State of the art workshop
2013
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.
Waste reduction
2014
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.
Carbon footprint reduction
2019
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.
Reduced hours and shipping
2022
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.

Some of our impact reduction initiatives

A responsible business

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:

We’re powered by green electricity which is 100% from renewable sources.
95% recycling rate for office waste and cardboard and our general waste contributes to generating energy.
Our PAS 2060 servers are certified as carbon neutral.
Our workshop is heavily insulated, climate controlled and uses low-energy LED lighting throughout.
Our product TLC guide and stationery are carbon-negative.

Eco-conscious products

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.

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.

Packaging & logistics

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.

Sustainable packaging and shipping information

Consciously selected cover materials

Our cover materials are chosen with sustainability in mind, ensuring every album is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful.

Fabrics
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.
Leather
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.
Silk
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.

A box full of leather offcuts used to upcycle and to be reused in projects

Giving offcuts a new lease of life

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.

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Oh stop it, you're making us blush

Feedback we love to share

I really cannot stress how impeccable the service from Folio albums has been after my first order. The communication was flawless, the albums exceeded expectation and are truly stunning, the packaging is excellent and eco friendly and the little thoughtful details like the handwritten card are proof that this is company who really cares.

I’m beyond geekishly excited when showing them to clients and I guess that says everything it needs to! The paper feels exceptional, the attention to detail is spot on and I’m so proud to offer clients these now.

The only problem is I now want to order a wedding album for our wedding…

Roxy Wallis

Captured by Roxy

Folio Albums are the very best. They recently helped me with a large, bespoke print order, with a very short turn around time. I was feeling stressed at the thought, but upon contacting the team directly, they made things so easy. They gave me clear and concise directions to prepare my images ready for print. They offered advice on the paper choice and print finishes. I was updated throughout the whole process, the communication was exceptional. The prints arrived comfortably before my deadline and they are absolutely beautiful. The colours and the tone are more lovely than I thought possible. I will recommend them to everyone. Thank you Harry + Team.

Lottie Topping

Why on earth would you use anybody else! Folio Albums make the very best quality albums that you will have ever seen, they are all beautifully handmade, ethically sourced and exquisitely presented! I have used a number of album suppliers over the ten years that I have been a professional photographer but none with the same level of attention to detail and customer focus as Folio Albums – their customer service is second to none! When you’re a busy photographer it’s nice to know that your album supplier has got your back. If you asked me to recommend an album supplier, I’d recommend Folio Albums in a heartbeat! Thank you for being amazing! 🙂

Mark Battista

Mark Battista Photography