Building local networks
by Joris Wintgens
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At OFFSITE, we believe sustainable production starts close to home. Working with local suppliers, craftspeople, and organizations helps us cut transportation emissions, support our community, and build a network of partners who share our values. Collaboration doesn’t just amplify impact, it makes sustainable practices more accessible and more fun (for us at least).
Building a local network is all about finding people who get what we’re trying to do. That means working with partners who care about reusing materials, minimizing waste, and celebrating craftsmanship. Whether we’re sourcing reclaimed wood or teaming up with metalworkers to repair industrial parts, the right connections keep us grounded in both quality and sustainability.
And it’s not just about materials. Collaboration means sharing knowledge too. We’re constantly trading tips on how to handle reclaimed materials, experimenting with new processes, and troubleshooting design challenges.
One example we’re proud of is VASE__01. The material came from BEFO, a manufacturer in Almelo, but production happened in Eindhoven with Tim Harks, our local welder. It’s a great example of how we prioritize local partnerships to keep things sustainable while supporting skilled craftspeople. But we know we can take it further. We’re already exploring ways to collaborate even more closely with suppliers. Right now, we’re backstage working on a project with a steel production company in Limburg. We can’t name them yet, as the conversation is still ongoing, but it’s exciting to think about the possibilities of sourcing and producing materials in one place. Not only would it make the process even more sustainable by cutting down on transport, it could also create new value for the producer by turning their waste into something functional that they can produce themselves.
Ultimately, that’s what we want: strong local networks where materials are reused, value is added, and sustainability becomes second nature. By collaborating, we can actually turn waste into something meaningful.