Étoile: sophisticated design, responsibly produced

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Posted by Marre Stolk
Étoile: sophisticated design, responsibly produced
Étoile: sophisticated design, responsibly produced

When it comes to making tableware, it’s not just about how it looks. Just as important is how it’s made and how long it lasts. The Étoile collection from Maastricht Porselein beautifully Maastricht Porselein these elements: a distinctive design, durable material, and thoughtful choices in the production process.

A collection full of color

Étoile is the French word for star. The name refers to the skies, the light, and the atmosphere that inspired the collection. Soft color gradients and watercolor patterns give each Plate, cup, and bowl its own unique look. Yet all the pieces naturally complement each other.

The collection was designed by Dutch designer Carole Baijings, who is internationally renowned for her unique use of color and materials. For Étoile, she combined her distinctive style with the craftsmanship of Maastricht Porselein. The result is a tableware collection that stands out yet is also very easy to mix and match. Its refined look makes Étoile particularly well-suited for fine dining and upscale restaurants.

Built to last

Étoile is made in Portugal from vitreous stoneware, a strong, high-quality glazed stoneware. During firing, the material develops a dense, glass-like structure. As a result, it absorbs virtually no water or dirt and is stronger than regular stoneware.

Water absorption is around 0.3 percent. For standard stoneware, this is usually between 2 and 3 percent. The special production molds also contribute to consistent quality and beautiful, clean lines. This makes Étoile suitable for daily and intensive use.

Just pop it in the oven once

One of the main differences lies in the firing process. Étoile is fired only once, for eight hours at 1,170 degrees Celsius. Porcelain is usually fired at least twice, often for a total of 24 hours or longer, at temperatures that can reach up to about 1,400 degrees Celsius.

That single, efficient baking cycle results in significant savings. Compared to two or three baking cycles, it can reduce gas consumption by up to 49 percent and cut CO₂ emissions by up to 42 percent within the production process.

 

Using Materials and Water More Wisely

More conscious choices have also been made regarding the use of raw materials and water. The material used to make Étoile consists of 20 percent recycled material. In addition, 51 percent of the industrial wastewater generated during production is reused.

The colors and patterns are digitally printed onto the tableware. This allows for the precise application of soft color gradients without generating any production waste during the printing process. Furthermore, no toxic materials are used in the decoration process.

Tableware you can enjoy for years to come

More sustainable production only truly adds value if a product is also built to last. That’s why Étoile is strong, retains its shape, and resists fading. The flat surfaces of the collection also come with a five-year chip warranty.

In this way, Étoile demonstrates that beautiful design and more sustainable production can go hand in hand. A collection that brings color to the table while also being crafted with an eye for materials, energy, water, and durability.