Sustainability Pledge

  • Box O Fun supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The UN Sustainable Development Goals that we focus on:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

  • What the Goal Entails Globally

    SDG 9 seeks to build resilient infrastructure and foster sustainable industrialisation. The ceramics industry faces challenges in adopting technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Achieving this goal requires innovation in sustainable production methods and collaboration between industries and research institutions.

     

    Why This Goal Was Chosen

    Innovation is at the core of our business. We are pioneering the use of machine learning to optimise ceramic glazes and employing augmented reality (AR) to enhance the visualisation of scientific concepts. Our commitment to SDG 9 reflects our dedication to transforming traditional practices into more efficient and environmentally friendly processes.

     

    Our Initiatives

    • Machine Learning-Driven Glaze Optimisation
    • AR for Scientific Visualisation
    • Collaborative Partnerships

     

    Targets for Success

    • Achieve a 5% adoption rate of our AR tools in materials science university courses by 2028.
    • Establish partnerships with at least two research institutions on AI and machine learning initiatives by 2027.

     

    Current Achievements

    • Our first machine learning model is designed to optimise ceramic glaze recipes, effectively minimising waste.
    • We have established a partnership with one research institution on AI and machine learning.
    • Our AR visualisation tool is in active development.

     

    Learn more about SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

  • What the Goal Entails Globally

    SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries by promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their background.

     

    Our Commitment to Reducing Inequalities

    At Box O Fun, our dedication to SDG 10 is a natural extension of our core social values, particularly our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. We believe that diversity is not just a buzzword—it's a fundamental strength that drives innovation, creativity, and success. By creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the ceramics industry, we are living our values and contributing to a more equitable world. We are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive ceramics industry by creating opportunities for individuals who are underrepresented, particularly those with protected characteristics. We recognise the unique challenges faced by these groups and are committed to providing pathways to meaningful employment.

    Read more about our Social Values in relation to Reduced Inequalities in our Social Values.

     

    Our Initiatives

    • Apprenticeship Programmes: We aim to develop apprenticeships specifically for young people, including those at risk of offending or who have previously been in care. These programmes are designed to equip participants with valuable skills and experience, helping them build successful careers in the ceramics industry.
    • Inclusive Hiring Practices: We aim to develop recruitment strategies actively seek to attract and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

     

    Metrics of Success

    • Establish at least 1 apprenticeship position annually for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
    • Achieve an increase in the hiring of individuals with protected characteristics.

     

    Current Achievements 

    As we are still classed as a start up company, we are currently working towards these targets.

     

    Stakeholder Benefits

    • Participants: Gain access to training and career opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.
    • Local Communities: Benefit from increased economic participation and reduced inequality.
    • Industry: Enriches the ceramics sector with diverse perspectives and talents.

     

    A Message from Our Founder: "Creating opportunities for underrepresented groups isn't just a moral obligation, it gives us an advantage. By investing in diverse talent, we are building a stronger, more innovative ceramics industry that benefits everyone." - Layla Hashim.

     

    Learn more about SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

  • What the Goal Entails Globally

    SDG 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, crucial for current and future generations. With growing populations increasing resource demand, environmental degradation and unsustainable practices are rising. The UN stresses that responsible production and consumption can reduce inequalities and promote a green economy. SDG 12 calls for urgent global action to use resources efficiently, reduce waste, and adopt sustainable practices across industries.


    Why This Goal Was Chosen

    Sustainable ceramics are at the heart of our mission. SDG 12 aligns with our focus on developing eco-friendly ceramic products and processes. We recognise the critical need to reduce waste and minimise our carbon footprint in the ceramics industry. To enhance our efforts, we are developing a machine learning model specifically aimed at tracking and reducing carbon emissions, allowing us to make data-driven decisions that promote responsible consumption and production.

    Our Initiatives
    Waste Reduction and Recycling:

    • Salvage materials and equipment from ceramic manufacturers in Stoke-on-Trent, diverting tonnes from landfill.
    • Test and repair usable machinery, recycle industrial machinery beyond use.

    Sustainable Production:

    • Produce ceramics, kits, tools, fabrics, and printed materials to order after initial small batches.
    • Fire ceramics only in full kilns, occasionally using nearby manufacturers' facilities.
    • Conduct controlled experiments for glaze development, testing on small samples to reduce raw material consumption.
    • Utilise new, energy-efficient kilns for glaze testing.

    Carbon Footprint Reduction:

    • Source clay locally from Stoke-on-Trent to minimise transportation emissions.
    • Use recycled or recyclable packaging materials, repurposing boxes from local manufacturers.
    • Run website on sustainable energy with minimal script usage.
    • Develop a machine learning model specifically for tracking and reducing carbon emissions in the ceramic industry.

    Innovation and Research:

    • Leverage machine learning to minimise waste in production processes.
    • Develop more eco-friendly ceramic products and processes.
    • Focus on sustainable glaze formulation.
    • Implement carbon accounting and emissions reduction strategies using our own in-house software.

    Learn more about SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

SDG 13: Climate Action.

  • What the Goal Entails Globally

    SDG 13 calls for urgent measures to combat climate change. The ceramics industry, due to its energy-intensive nature, must take significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

     

    Why This Goal Was Chosen

    As a company committed to sustainable ceramics, climate action is crucial. We are developing tools for accurate carbon emissions measurement.

     

    Our Initiatives:

    • Machine Learning for Carbon Accounting

     

    Targets for Success:

    • Successfully piloting the first phase our carbon accounting software by 2026.

     

    Learn more about SDG 13: Climate Action.