The Truth About Resin and Sustainability

The Truth About Resin and Sustainability

1. Is Resin Environmentally Friendly?

Anyone who claims that resin is a completely sustainable or environmentally friendly material is not sharing the full picture. While resin does exist in nature, such as tree sap, the resin used for flower preservation, tabletops, counter tops, boat coatings, and other industrial applications is a man-made chemical compound. 
The resin I use in my work is a two-part system consisting of resin and a hardener. When mixed correctly, they undergo a chemical reaction to form a hardened, durable material. This results in the beautiful, long-lasting keepsakes and decorative pieces that many of my clients cherish.

2. The Environmental Impact of Resin

Like many synthetic materials, resin has an environmental footprint. The production of epoxy resin involves petrochemicals, and while it creates durable, long-lasting products, it is not biodegradable. However, that does not mean all resin use is inherently wasteful—what matters is how it is used, handled, and disposed of.

Some key considerations when working with resin:

- Resin waste management– Any excess resin or mistakes can contribute to waste if not handled properly.
- Curing process – Once resin has hardened, it is inert, meaning it will not break down easily, but also that it will not release harmful chemicals.
- Longevity of resin products – Unlike single-use plastics, resin creations are designed to last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

3. My Approach: Minimising Waste and Responsible Disposal

Understanding that resin is not an inherently eco-friendly material, I have taken proactive steps to reduce its impact:
- Minimal Waste Production– I currently estimate that my resin waste is around 0.02–0.03%*, a figure I continually strive to reduce.
- Proper Disposal – Any unusable resin is taken to my local recycling centre, ensuring it is disposed of correctly and not ending up in landfills.
- Eco-Conscious Business Practices – While resin itself is synthetic, I balance my environmental impact by using upcycled, recycled, and locally sourced packaging and materials for my business, sometimes you will see this in the packaging I use when posting a piece. 

4. Commitment to Sustainability Beyond Resin

Beyond my work, I am a huge advocate for sustainability in my local community. I actively support environmental initiatives, participate in waste reduction efforts, and ensure that my business aligns with my values.

While resin may never be 100% eco-friendly, being mindful of waste, sourcing responsibly, and prioritising sustainable materials in other areas of my business is my way of making a difference.