Business as a Force for Good
What we mean by “Business as a force for good”, and what we do to contribute to the circular economy.
Who We Are: At A Glance
What Does It Mean To Be Sustainable?
At Corban & Blair, we are deeply committed not only to environmental sustainability, but importantly to the people whose hands design, create and make our products alongside us. When we think about sustainability in our design process, we consider the following:
- Environmental Protection: Conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and maintaining biodiversity so ecosystems can continue to function.
- Economic Stability: Creating economic systems that can last over time without depleting resources, emphasising long-term health over short-term profit.
- Social Equity: Ensuring all individuals and communities have access to resources, opportunities, and a good quality of life.
Considering the Earth
Here at C&B, sustainability is considered through the lense of the circular economy. From the materials we use and how we manufacture, through to durability, reuse and end of life, we exercise our design thinking and problem solving skills to ensure we remain environmentally conscious every step of the way.
Choosing materials is serious business for us. From our Eco Leather range to our Genuine Leather products, there’s something for everyone to enjoy- and to feel good while doing it.
Client: UNSW
A5 Australian Made Eco Leather Journal
Our Eco Leather is an innovative material created by combining 60% genuine leather offcuts from the European shoe and handbag industry with natural latex and natural solubles.
Client: Volvo
Eco Denim Travel Set
The Eco Denim range is made by combining 60% pre-loved and offcut denim from the fashion industry with natural latex and water solubles, transforming discarded textile materials into durable and functional products.
Client: Captain’s Choice
Genuine Leather Compendium and Tagsl
We work extensively with Genuine Leather, a natural material that carries unique markings such as scars, wrinkles and veining. To reduce waste we repurpose smaller leather offcuts keyrings, bookmarks, coasters and more.
Our primary goal is to reduce unnecessary consumption and create products that are durable, timeless and genuinely valued. As a certified B Corp, we know sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement and one we’re committed to every day. Through considered design, responsible sourcing and ongoing improvement, we continue working toward more sustainable and ethical ways of designing products people want to keep, repair, refill and continue using over time.
Uplifting People
For us, being sustainable is not only about materials and environmental impact – it is also about building a business that can continue to support people, makers, suppliers, clients and communities over the long term.
As a locally owned Australian business, we work to create economic stability through thoughtful growth, long-term relationships and responsible business practices. By manufacturing locally where possible, we help support Australian makers, specialist suppliers and skilled industries, contributing to local employment and keeping valuable craftsmanship and production knowledge within Australia.
Our approach to production also encourages more sustainable economic practices. Smaller production runs, made-to-order projects and bespoke manufacturing help reduce unnecessary overproduction and waste, while allowing us to respond more carefully to what clients genuinely need.
Economic sustainability to us also means building strong partnerships. Many of our collaborations involve artists, local makers and suppliers, ensuring value is shared across a broader creative and manufacturing ecosystem.
Learn more about the impact of our work here.
