In each Quality Control, we carefully evaluate whether our pieces should be “Level 1” or ”Level 2” - a way our team found to differentiate the pieces that have some kind of imperfection from those that are ready to go to the online store. Our concern is both “Level 1” and ”Level 2” need to be safe and functional to use on a daily basis.

We used to sell “Level 2” pieces only on Open-days, but what was funny to see is that most people preferred to buy these ones instead of “Level 1”. Of course, that the lower prices attract people, but we received a lot of feedback on how these “imperfections” made the pieces even more unique, while avoiding waste. That's why we decided to create this No-Waste collection, making these pieces available to everyone with a 20% discount on the original price.

If you would rather not be surprised with some irregularities in size, texture or color, No-Waste Collection is most likely not for you - and that’s why you still have the chance to get “Level 1” pieces!




A piece can be categorized as No-Waste for having one or more imperfections.
These imperfections may be in six categories:

Material 
The imperfections in this category come from irregularities in the used raw material (stoneware or glaze) and not from the manufacturing process.

Example 1 - Due to the thickness of our glaze, small accumulations of glaze are unavoidable. These will appear in the shape of small “constellations” on certain parts of our pieces. Thanks to the high temperatures in which ourpieces are fired, they continue to be completely functional and safe.

Example 2 - All pieces are made with liquid stoneware, which is poured into the model and left to dry. Occasionally, we have an accumulation of stoneware in the inside of the piece (this is more common in our bowls and salad bowl), what changes the aesthetics of the interior of the piece. When this accumulation is extreme the piece is considered a No-Waste.

Forming
Being that our pieces are completely handmade, small differences in their shape are part of their charm. However, if a piece's shape makes it so that it cannot be used or piled in its intended way, that piece is considered a No-Waste.

Example 1 - A piece is considered a No-Waste if it cannot be securely piled onto others, even if it can stand straight over a table and is entirely functional.

Example 2 - A piece is also considered a No-Waste if during its manufacturer it loses its intended depth (more common with our plates) – these pieces can be used to serve entrees, for example.

Handling
Our whole process is handmade, so our pieces may show some signs of human touch. In these types of imperfections, you can see the human hand behind each piece.

Example 1 - When a piece is still raw, the smallest slip of hand can leave a mark, either by the way the piece was held or by accidentally leaning it against something. Thus, small marks of nails or fingers may appear on our pieces, as well as slips of the raw material creating a “bump” on the piece.

Example 2 - When our ceramists are smoothing the edges of a piece, sometimes small deformations can occur. These appear as jagged edges or small overlays of raw material.

Glazing
Bearing in mind that the glazing process is manual, small fluctuations in the glaze of a piece are inevitable, especially in our larger pieces. When these irregularities are exaggerated then the piece is considered a No-Waste.

The thickness of our glaze can cause some pieces to look “hazy” instead of the usual clean and transparent glaze. This mainly occurs in our pieces with greater depth (such as coffee cups, cups or bowls).

Example 1 and 2 - Our pieces are dipped in glaze and then dried before being fired. Sometimes the glaze, still liquid, continues to flow through the piece and accumulates, creating stains.

Firing
Our pieces are fired 2 times during their creation process: once for cooking the stoneware with the color and a No-Waste time for glazing. Our kilns operate at high temperature and any variation during cooking can result in irregularities in the pieces.

Example 1 - Sometimes during a batch our pieces can get stuck onto the shelf. It is not usual, but it can happen, especially in our dishes. In those cases, pieces come with small pieces of stone stuck to the bottom, since it is not in the area where the piece comes into contact with food, this piece remains safe to use.

Color
Our pieces are all painted when they are still raw onto our stoneware, which is of a dark beige tone. Thus, it is difficult to notice imperfections in the painting before the first cooking, when the colors are activated. Minor changes in oven temperature will also have an influence on how “vivid” the final color becomes.

Example 1 - Sometimes our pieces come out with a lighter color than what is in the catalog, this can happen either due to a change in the dye mixture or a variation in the oven temperature. In addition, if during the modeling, the pieces come into contact with traces of dye in a mold, they will appear with small colored spots. Although we accept some small color variations in our pieces (usual in handmade ceramics) if this variation is excessive or if there are color spots where the piece is supposed to be beige, then the piece will be considered a No-Waste.

Example 2 - During the process of smoothing the edges of the piece, it may happen that the dye is removed at the edge of the piece. This will be noticed in a kind of streak around the piece with a different color.

Example 3 - In the process of painting the piece, small errors may occur that will not be visible until after cooking, at which time it is no longer possible to correct. So, some pieces have variations in the amount of color inside the piece.

Being handmade, each piece is therefore unique and will reflect the human side of Reshape's production.