Eleek owners Sattie Clark and Eric Kaster in Eleek's showroom
Eleek is one of the newest additions to the B Corp family. Based in Portland, OR, this sustainable design and manufacturing firm specializes in beautiful, handcrafted lighting, sinks and hardware fixtures. Additionally they offer design, light restoration and manufacturing services based in a history of pattern-making and craftsmanship. With a strong commitment to a reduced environmental impact and to community, Eleek uses cutting-edge technologies and policies, while constantly seeking better practices. On top of all this, Eleek works with employees, customers, vendors and peers to increase community consciousness and raise industry standards. The firm’s history and practices come together in a dynamic juxtaposition of old-world values and progressive, sustainable practices.
With a mission based in conservation, Eleek has maintained its tenacious pursuit of sustainability. Dedicated to becoming a zero-waste facility, employees recycle and reuse everything possible while restricting non-recyclables. Waste, water and transportation use are limited, with factory shifts carefully structured to keep active production time to a minimum. To further reduce impact and raise awareness, the non-profit, ProjectScrap.org, was founded to promote the use of scrap materials within the community. In this way, Eleek not only sets an industry standard but informs others to maximize change and shift social consciousness.
Community is the second key tier to Eleek’s mission. Facilities were deliberately located in an Urban Renewal Zone, a mixed-use area needing businesses to invest and provide jobs. This supplies a central location and hiring pool, which directs wages into the local area. Additionally, 80% of their suppliers are located within 50 miles, supporting local businesses. Eleek was instantly welcomed and has provided a positive leap forward for the neighborhood.
As co-owner Sattie Clark believes, it is often the intangibles which are so important. Employees, many of who are local artists, are well provided for but also have access to company equipment on weekends for personal work. Many sustainable policies are easy and economically win-win. From city funding to employee retention, it is not only philanthropic, environmental motives that have guided “good” business. It is this core message which forms the spirit of B Corps. Good business sense does not mean harmful policies. With such commonly aligned values, it was a clear fit for Eleek to become a B Corp. The framework assists their process of sustainability and third-party certification lends legitimacy.
Looking into the future, Eleek will continue pushing down the path of sustainability. Next on the agenda: digging deeper into the supply chain. Additionally this organization will continue to be a leader in the industry through outreach, education and collaboration. With so many positive policies, Eleek is doing its best to be a model B Corp. Their creativity and dedication make us proud to welcome them and invite you to Better Know this B through their website
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