Green principles are at the very heart of this small yet growing textile company in Snowdonia
WORDS BY RACHAEL HOGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN COCKS
Often when you hear the term ‘organic’ applied to fashion or homeware you think outdated, drab, and dowdy. But the Snowdonia-based Peris and Corr eco-friendly screen printing and organic textiles company, has produced a range of decorative interiors products that would enhance the most stylish of homes.
Dyfrig Peris and Jennie Corr met at Cheltenham College studying Fine Art, and after completing a module in screen printing, had the idea of channelling their creativity and working for themselves. They set up business in the summer of 2008 and now both design and create all the products themselves.
Peris and Corr are eco-conscious both personally and in their business life. In fact, their entire supply chain keeps the environment firmly in mind. All their printing is done by hand, using 100% water-based inks.
There are no ozone-depleting chemicals, and after use the screens themselves are merely cleaned with water and not harsh solvents. Their textile products are made with organic materials: the cotton is from ‘Organic Cotton’; the cotton and hemp blends from ‘Hemp Fabric UK’; and the organic Fairtrade cotton tea towels are sourced from ‘Bishopton Trading’ in Bristol, and made in India.
It is obvious that the environment is at the forefront of Peris and Corr’s business mentality. As well as the materials, the inks, and the production itself being environmentally friendly, Jennie and Dyfrig recycle all their packaging and as much waste as possible.
Their collection of products, including lampshades, bags and cushions, would certainly brighten up any room and provide a great focal point. Their cotton shopping bags are created using 100% sustainable wind and solar energy, and are a delightfully charming and green option against plastic bags.
Some of their products are made to order, giving clients the chance to customise size and colour. A selection of the lampshades, one of Peris and Corr’s favourite products, features a patchwork pattern designed by them.
As they are all hand-printed, each one will be slightly different, and therefore clients are acquiring a unique one-off product.
In conjunction with their shop, they also offer an eco-friendly T-shirt printing service. Their water-based inks have passed the Oekotex Class 1 Standard, ensuring that they are safe for babies clothes too.
At Peris and Corr, they also give people the chance to get creative and design their very own organic artwork, cushions, stuffed toys, purses, and tea towels at specialised design workshops. Jennie says they have been very successful so far and she plans to organise more for the winter months.
