The packaging materials used with products ordered from Finnish Design Shop are selected carefully, minimizing the emissions and with the bigger picture in mind. Our search for more eco-friendly options is ongoing, and we keep finding more sustainable solutions one package at a time.
FINNISH DESIGN SHOP ships products to over 180 countries around the world via various logistics partners. We, of course, aim to ensure that each shipment dispatched from our warehouse arrives at its destination undamaged – whether it be in Finland or Singapore. That’s why we not only package the products carefully, but also continuously test new solutions, searching for more eco-friendly materials.
This Design Stories column provides answers to some recurring questions from our customers, which may be helpful and inspirational to others, as well. We have recruited Miina Lindblad from Finnish Design Shop’s customer service team to answer your conundrums.
1. Why has so much packaging material been used with the product I ordered?
“We always try to use packaging materials that help the products arrive at their destination undamaged and keep the shipment emissions to a minimum. The worst-case scenario is that the product is damaged during shipment and we have to send a new product. That’s why we wrap our products as carefully as possible, which may make the amount of packaging material seem excessive. However, our logistics professionals are constantly developing our practices with various partners to find the best ways to ship orders, both near and far.
Logistics in itself is a significant source of emissions, which is why every carefully packaged shipment helps reduce transport. We have a large-scale packaging material project underway at our warehouse, aiming to replace materials with more eco-friendly alternatives. We have, for example, significantly reduced the use of adhesive tape and replaced some of the plastic fillers with a paper alternative. This also makes it easier for the recipient to recycle the packaging materials.”
• New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
2. How should I package a product that needs to be returned?
“Products that are returned should be packaged as carefully as possible and shipped back in the same condition as they were when received. Every order that is shipped from our warehouse is packaged to withstand the whole journey to its destination and should therefore be packaged just as carefully when returned. The original product packaging and related instructions and packaging materials must always be returned, and no consignment notes may be attached or addresses written on the product packaging. If the original transport package has already been disposed of, a similar package should be used when returning the item. At the moment, our customers can return items free of charge, and it is in everyone’s best interest that the products are returned undamaged and in their original condition.”
• More information about returns and exchanges >
3. Why do I have to assemble the product I ordered?
“Some manufacturers aim to deliver the products flat-packed whenever possible. The smaller the transport package, the lower the emissions. Smaller packages are, first and foremost, more environmentally friendly. With its screw-on L-legs, Artek has been a pioneer in this for 90 years.
Comprehensive assembly instructions can be found on the product packaging and the manufacturer’s website. If necessary, you can also ask our competent customer service personnel for help. We cannot come to your home to assemble the products, but we will do everything in our power to help you assemble your new design gem correctly.”
• Finnish Design Shop Customer Service >
Miina Lindblad works as a design sales representative in Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service team. She is currently renovating an almost hundred-year-old house, and the interior seamlessly combines the new and the old. Miina’s newest design treasure is Vitra’s chrome Wire Chair, which fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the old house.
For help with your design purchases:
• Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service >
Text: Miina Lindblad Illustration: Evi Rinkinen