Sustainability at ACME
At ACME, sustainability starts long before a cup reaches a table. It begins with how we design, who we work with, and the standards we hold ourselves to when making things that are meant to last.
Intention Matters
Acme designs slowly and with intention, never chasing trends or quick fixes. Instead, they focus on making tableware that works harder, not multiplies.
That thinking shows up in the details. Acme saucers are deliberately versatile, designed to fit multiple cup sizes. Fewer SKUs, less duplication, less clutter. It means less to buy, less space taken up on busy café benches or crowded kitchen shelves, and more flexibility for the people using them every day. A small design decision, with a surprisingly big ripple effect.
Taking their time allows for proper testing, tweaking, and refinement. And they choose partners who are just as picky as they are, because getting it right matters more than getting it fast.
Generations of Craftsmanship
Our makers in Japan and China bring generations of porcelain know-how to the table.
This is craftsmanship that doesn’t chase trends, doesn’t settle for “close enough,” and doesn’t tap out after a few knocks in a busy café or kitchen.
All of our manufacturing partners meet internationally recognised standards, including SEDEX and BSCI, and operate using solar power, with one facility generating close to 100% of its own energy.
Our cutlery manufacturer has also earned an A rating in the BEPI audit, recognising strong environmental performance across emissions, waste, and resource use.
Imperfect by Nature
Working with natural materials like porcelain means accepting imperfection.
Ceramics are beautifully imperfect by nature, and in a world obsessed with flawlessness, chasing “perfect” often creates more waste.
Over the years, Acme has made cups that didn’t quite meet their visual standards. Minor blemishes. Slight variations. Still completely functional. Instead of discarding them, they asked a better question: What if these cups still had work to do?
Since 2019, Acme has been supplying their Acme B Range cups to coffee festivals around the world to help reduce single-use waste. These cups are borrowed, returned, washed, and reused, again and again (and again).
Collect Memories
For Acme, sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention.
Slowing things down. Making better choices, again and again. Designing waste out where they can, building long-term relationships with people they trust, and making things properly so they’re part of everyday rituals for years to come.
Acme believes the most sustainable piece is the one you never need to replace. That’s why they design tableware to last - objects that collect memories and quietly earn their place at the table.