Sustainable Art Handling

Employing sustainable art handling practices is more than a trend and an optional extra; it is an essential step to preserving our cultural heritage whilst minimising our environmental impact. As well as handling artwork with care, at Constantine, we seek to implement strategies that reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote the use of sustainable resources in every stage of the art logistics process.

As an industry leader, we understand our critical role in promoting sustainability and recognise that our actions have an impact. This is why we are committed to leading the way in sustainable art handling practices.

The Importance of Sustainability in Art Logistics

The art sector, like most global industries, faces several environmental challenges. Packaging materials, often single-use and non-recyclable, contribute to the accumulation of waste. Transportation can produce significant carbon emissions. Additionally, the storage of artworks may require energy-intensive climate control systems to maintain optimal conditions.

At Constantine, we are acutely aware of these challenges and are committed to addressing them head-on. Sustainability is a key part of our services; we seek out and implement practices that reduce waste, lower emissions, and promote energy efficiency – as illustrated by our London West facility. We believe sustainable art handling practices are not an option but a responsibility.

We aim to use recyclable packaging materials wherever possible. This includes materials such as Tyvek, which is suited to shipping works of art, protecting textiles, and draping on soft furnishings and sculptures during winter months.

Regarding transportation, we are continuously exploring and investing in new ways to make our operations more energy efficient. This includes a rolling renewal of our fleet, optimising our routes and offering consolidated options to clients. We also continue to closely collaborate with providers of electric vehicles, so we are ready to adopt once the technology is in place.

Storage presents another opportunity for sustainable innovation. Our West London facility is designed with sustainability at its core. Utilising a state-of-the-art ground source heating system for our heating and cooling needs and solar panels to generate electricity.

Our commitment to sustainable practices goes beyond our operations. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organisations, working together to create a more sustainable art logistics industry

Constantine’s Sustainable Practices in Art Handling

At Constantine, our dedication to sustainability is reflected in several key initiatives and partnerships, underscoring our integrated approach to environmental stewardship.

1. Reusable Packing Solutions

One innovative solution to sustainable packing is our adoption of Turtle Crates. Designed with the environment and the safety of artwork in mind, these reusable crates represent a significant step forward in reducing waste from fine art crating.

Our Hire Crating Service gives clients the option of reusable crates. This helps to reduce the number of one-time-use crates produced. The service offers environmental benefits and cost savings, displaying the practical benefits of sustainable choices.

2. Upcycling Used Materials

Upcycling, the process of repurposing used materials for new uses, is another aspect of our approach. This not only diverts waste from landfills but helps reduce the demand for new materials, contributing to a more circular economy.

We have recently partnered with Rhys Pritchard, a furniture designer and maker, to repurpose our wooden crates into new products for community projects. Through collaborations such as this, we give the materials a second life and help to support creativity and local business.

3. Sustainable Partnerships

Partnerships play a crucial role in amplifying our sustainability efforts. Working with like-minded organisations helps us leverage collective experience and resources and drive more significant environmental benefits.

Our partnerships with Turtle and Planet Mark, amongst others, exemplify our commitment to sustainability. Through these collaborations, we aim to develop and implement further innovative solutions which contribute to a more sustainable arts industry.

4. Energy-Efficient Transportation

Reducing carbon emissions in our transport operations is another priority. We achieve this through a rolling renewal of our fleet, route optimisation that ensures the most efficient paths are chosen for each journey and offering our clients consolidated transport options. Our West London location features an electric vehicle providing a shuttle service to and from Heathrow Airport, and we continue to work closely with electric vehicle providers to ensure that we are ready to adopt once the technology is in place.

5. Sustainable Art Storage Facilities

Our London West storage facility is a testament to our dedication to sustainability in art storage. Designed with eco-friendly principles at its core, the facility uses a ground-source heating system, which provides the building’s heating and cooling needs and means we no longer use natural gas. Roof-mounted solar panels supplement day-to-day electricity usage, with excess energy exported back to the National Grid. Efficient LED lighting systems with integrated motion detection are used throughout the facility. A comprehensive sustainable urban drainage system is used, with water collected being recycled for the vehicle cleaning system.

Through these practices and initiatives, Constantine demonstrates an unwavering commitment to integrating sustainable art-handling practices into all aspects of our work. Our efforts underline the belief that the art logistics industry can play a pivotal role in promoting environmental stewardship while continuing to offer the highest standards of service

Join Us in Championing Sustainable Practices

The journey towards sustainability requires collective action from all stakeholders in the art sector. We encourage galleries, museums, artists, and collectors to demand more sustainable art handling practices, helping to preserve our shared cultural heritage whilst protecting our planet.

We invite you to join us on this journey to making the art sector more sustainable. Whether it is packaging, transportation, or storage, we have the expertise and the commitment to provide solutions that meet your needs whilst minimising environmental impact. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help support your sustainability goals.