About Us and Sustainability

🌿 Our Story

The Laboratory of Things (LAB) was founded by Mark, a product designer who saw first-hand the environmental cost of mass manufacturing and unsustainable production methods.

Driven by a desire to do better, he set out to create a future where homewares and gifts could be beautiful, well-made, and sustainable — without compromise.

At LAB, we believe that good design shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. It’s our mission to prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand — and to help make choosing eco-conscious products the standard, not the exception.

Our Products

Everything we make is designed, 3D printed, and packed with care in our Bristol shop and workshop. From concept to creation, our process is hands-on, small-scale, and intentional.

We use environmentally friendly packaging with minimal waste, and we avoid unnecessary processing — like smoothing or polishing — because we believe our products are more beautiful in their natural, textured form.

Many items, such as our skulls and animal horns, are hand-painted by our in-house artists. Every piece is unique, and if you’re looking for a custom colour or bespoke variation, we’re always happy to help — just get in touch!

We also run a design and 3D print service, known as the 3D Print Shop, offering custom design and fabrication for creative projects.

Our Production

We use 3D printing, an additive manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer — producing far less waste than traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve cutting away excess material.

Unlike large-scale factories that rely on high-energy processes, we operate on a low-energy, small-batch production model, which helps reduce our carbon footprint and gives us full control over quality and sustainability.

We're constantly improving — reviewing our processes, exploring better materials, and refining how we work — all with the goal of building a more sustainable future in homeware.

Our Materials

We print using Polylactic Acid (PLA) — a plant-based, biodegradable plastic made mostly from renewable resources like corn starch. Don’t let the name fool you — it’s a much more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

PLA doesn’t release toxic fumes, is recyclable in some settings, and breaks down over time under the right conditions. It’s a key part of our commitment to reducing environmental harm while creating products that last and inspire.

Let's Work Together

Whether you’re choosing from our collection, requesting a custom piece, or partnering through the 3D Print Shop — thank you for supporting a slower, more sustainable way of creating.