Sustainability: our wallpaper

For us, sustainability is not a label on the packaging, not a trend, but a way of thinking and doing. That’s why we don’t shout it from the rooftops, for a long time, we felt it was simply the norm. Still, we are increasingly asked whether our wallpaper is sustainable and what we do to contribute. And that’s exactly what motivates us: that more and more customers are making conscious choices. They want to know where something is made, what materials are used, how long it will last. They want products that are not only beautiful, but also feel good.

That’s why we’re happy to tell you more about it here. Because from the very beginning, Annet Weelink Design has been committed to sustainability. From the first design sketch to the moment our wallpaper graces a wall, we ask ourselves: how can we do this as responsibly as possible, for the planet, for the people involved, and for our customers?

We’d love to take you behind the scenes. Not with vague green promises, but with real examples of how we work, the choices we make, and why this matters so much to us. Because we believe that sustainable products only truly have value when the story behind them is honest.

For every design, we consider:

• Where do the materials come from?
• Are they safe for people and the environment?
• How is it printed?
• What happens to leftover materials?
• How long does the product last?

These questions guide our decision-making. We don’t take “quick” shortcuts, but make conscious choices.

Less waste, more meaning

One of the biggest challenges in many industries is overproduction. Many companies produce large quantities in the hope that they will sell. This leads to warehouses full of leftovers, destruction of goods, and unnecessary CO₂ emissions. From the start, we decided we didn’t want to work that way.

At Annet Weelink Design, we produce to order or in small, manageable batches. This means that every product is made for a specific customer or collection, not “just in case.” By only making what is needed, we avoid excess stock, reduce waste, and minimize returns. It ensures we use materials and energy thoughtfully. And there’s another benefit: what we make, is made with care. No mass production, but conscious creation especially for you.

Local and fair production: staying close feels better

Sustainability isn’t just about materials, it’s about people. About who makes the product, under what conditions, and with what values. That’s why we choose to produce everything in the Netherlands and work exclusively with suppliers within Europe.

Working locally has multiple advantages. First, it shortens transport distances, which drastically reduces CO₂ emissions compared to production outside Europe. It also creates transparency. We know our partners personally, we visit their locations, and we know exactly how things are done. No vague supply chains, but direct connections.

On a social level, local production is a conscious choice as well. In Europe, strict regulations apply to working conditions, safety, and fair wages. We want to collaborate with partners who take pride in their craft, just like we do.

Extra benefit: Working closely with local partners also allows us to move quickly, experiment with new materials, and innovate together. This keeps our process flexible and responsible.

Transparency: openness as a starting point

In a world full of greenwashing, we strongly believe in transparency. Wherever possible, we share the origin of materials, production procedures, and the measures we take to reduce our impact. We aim to help customers make well-informed choices, with full insight into the chain.

Materials that are safe for people and the planet

What you bring into your home should not only look beautiful but also feel good. Wallpaper can hang in a space for many years, so it’s important that it’s safe, not just for indoor air quality, but also for the people who make it.

That’s why we only choose materials that meet strict standards. Our wallpaper is fire-safe and contains no harmful flame retardants or toxic metals. We print with water-based inks that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOC), so no unhealthy fumes are released. Our products are PFAS-free, because we don’t want “forever chemicals” in our supply chain. In addition, most of our wallpapers are PVC-free and made from paper or fiber-based materials. Only for our textile-look non-woven variants do we make an exception, when necessary for the quality of the texture.

Our certifications and safety at a glance

When selecting materials, we pay close attention to strict criteria.

Our wallpaper is:

• Fire-safe
• Free from flame retardants or toxic metals
• Printed with water-based, VOC-free inks
• PFAS-free
• UV-resistant
• PVC-free and paper-/fiber-based (except textile-look non-woven wallpaper)
• Certified where possible (e.g. FSC or PEFC for wood- or paper-based materials)

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination

We don’t see sustainability as a certificate you earn once, but as a process that never stands still. The world changes, new materials are developed, technologies evolve. What is sustainable today, may be outdated tomorrow. That’s why we continuously evaluate our methods.

Want to discover how beautiful sustainability can be?

You are warmly invited to explore our collections, ask questions, or get in touch with us. Because creating sustainable walls is something we do together!