MADE

Introduction

MADE is a contemporary furniture and home decor brand founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Ning Li, along with designer and creative mind, Benji Lewis. Established with a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship, the brand aims to redefine modern living spaces by providing unique and stylish products that reflect a blend of functionality and aesthetics. Their journey began with a vision to create furniture that goes beyond mere utility, focusing on the personal connection between individuals and their living environments.

At the heart of MADE's philosophy lies the belief that great design should be accessible to everyone. By working directly with manufacturers and cutting out the middleman, they strive to offer exceptional quality at competitive prices. This customer-centric approach extends to their commitment to sustainability, as they prioritize responsible sourcing of materials and ethical manufacturing practices. The result is a brand that not only emphasizes style but also promotes a lifestyle that is mindful of both people and the planet.

What truly sets MADE apart is its constantly evolving collection, marked by an innovative spirit and a keen eye for trends. Their designs often draw inspiration from various cultural influences, merging traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist. This uniqueness gives customers a sense of individuality in their home decor choices, making each piece a thoughtful addition to their living spaces. The brand fosters a sense of community among its customers, encouraging them to express their personalities through the carefully curated selections available.

Signature Products

MADE's products encapsulate the brand's essence, striking a balance between design and functionality while resonating with diverse customer needs. Each item reflects the brand's commitment to quality and aesthetics.

• Sofa Collection: A range of chic and comfortable sofas designed with versatility in mind, perfect for any living space.
• Dining Tables: Stylish dining tables that serve as beautiful focal points for gatherings, crafted to accommodate various tastes.
• Lighting Fixtures: A selection of unique lighting options that enhance the ambiance of any room while showcasing contemporary design.
• Storage Solutions: Thoughtfully designed storage units that combine aesthetics with practicality, ideal for keeping spaces organized.
• Outdoor Furniture: Durable and stylish outdoor pieces that allow customers to enjoy their outdoor spaces in comfort and style.

Materials and Ingredients Used by MADE

• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based products. It is widely used in the fashion industry for its durability and resistance to wrinkles, making it suitable for clothing, upholstery, and home accessories. MADE uses polyester in various products to provide a long-lasting and easy-to-care-for option for consumers.
• Plastic : Plastic is a versatile material produced from petrochemicals, commonly used in countless products due to its lightweight and durable nature. MADE incorporates plastic in its designs, addressing both the functional needs of items and the goal of providing affordable solutions that appeal to a broad audience.
• Recycled Polyester : Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic waste, such as bottles, which is reprocessed to create new fabric. By utilizing recycled polyester, MADE aims to reduce environmental impact while producing stylish and functional apparel and home goods, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
• Recycled Cotton : Recycled cotton is generated from pre-consumer and post-consumer cotton waste, which is re-spun into new fabric. MADE uses recycled cotton to create softer, breathable products while promoting sustainability and minimizing textile waste, making it an attractive choice for environmentally aware shoppers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From MADE

The following issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Microplastic Pollution:

Polyester and recycled polyester fabrics release microplastics into the water system during washing. These microplastics are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, thus ending up in rivers and oceans. As an example, a study reported that a city the size of Berlin could release a wash load equivalent to 500,000 plastic bags per day into the waterways, impacting marine life and entering the food chain.

High Energy Consumption:

The production of polyester, both virgin and recycled, along with metals used in structures, is energy-intensive. For instance, creating one tonne of polyester fiber consumes approximately 7,500 kWh. In comparison, the energy requirements for recycling processes, while lower than virgin production, still represent a significant environmental burden, contributing to climate change.

Non-biodegradable Waste:

Plastic and polyester are non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment for hundreds of years if not properly disposed of. This results in an accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and natural habitats, hindering ecological functions and posing hazards to wildlife.

Water Usage:

Cotton production is notorious for its extensive water requirements. Growing enough cotton for a single T-shirt can use approximately 2,700 liters of water, putting immense strain on local water supplies, especially in arid regions. This exacerbates issues such as water scarcity and stresses on freshwater ecosystems.

Pesticide and Fertilizer Use:

Conventional cotton farming relies heavily on chemical inputs to maintain crop yields. These pesticides and fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to local wildlife. In some cases, there have been reports of health issues among farmers exposed to these chemicals.

Mining Impacts:

Extracting metals for use in furniture components involves extensive mining operations. This can result in landscape disruption, habitat destruction, and pollution from the release of harmful substances. For example, mining operations often produce tailings, which are waste products that can leach toxins into the surrounding environment.

Deforestation:

Using wood and cardboard derived from non-sustainable sources can contribute to deforestation. Clearing forests for wood not only threatens biodiversity but also increases carbon emissions, as forests act as carbon sinks. The loss of forests exacerbates climate change and disrupts ecosystems.

Each of these issues highlights the complex environmental and ethical considerations associated with the production and supply chains of materials used by the brand and signify areas for potential sustainability improvements.