Worcestershire based manufacturer Educational Art and Craft Supplies Ltd (Essdee) has been highly commended in a range of industry awards.
Essdee manufacture a range of block printing products and have been making their famous scraperboard since 1945. Their mission is to inspire the next generation of artists and printmakers.
The multi-generational family business has been highly commended for awards by Best of Craft and was shortlisted for two Craft Business awards.
The awards are a celebration of the brands, companies and designers who have provided inspiration and guidance to crafters new and experienced throughout the year. The winners are chosen by a stellar panel of judges including presenters, authors and influencers.
The brand new Essdee Fabric Lino Printing Kit has been highly commended for Best Craft Kit and the Essdee Block Printing Kit for Kids has been highly commended for Best Children’s Craft and Best Art Product.
They have also been recognised in the Best British Brand category. Director Stephen Yeomans says “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in this category. All of our products are made at our Kidderminster HQ and we employ staff from the local area, including having offered several kickstart placements to young people via the Chamber. We work hard to use other British companies in our supply chain, thereby further contributing to the local economy. We offer our products to retailers, distributors, schools and other businesses around the globe, and we are proud to fly the flag for British manufacturing”.
In addition, they were shortlisted for the Best Sustainable Craft Company Award. They installed 104 solar panels 2019 and now generate over 70% of their electricity from this renewable and carbon-free energy source. They have joined programmes to recycle their waste Lino and SoftCut back into the manufacturing process, and by the end of 2021 they will have phased out any remaining plastic packaging, focussing instead on recyclable cardboard and biodegradable wrapping.
For more information readers can visit www.essdee.co.uk