Environmental Policy and REACh Statement

Burleigh 1851 Limited is committed to operating in a manner that minimises our impact on the environment. We continuously monitor our environmental credentials to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and to improve our operational practices wherever possible.

Waste management strategies are in place at our Middleport Pottery factory to maximise reuse, recycling and recovery. Our historic factory premises operate with energy-efficient heating and lighting systems.

Burleigh is Made in England. All of our ware is made at our historic home of Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, the ceramics capital of the world. There is a significant carbon footprint advantage to making our ware here: we use a local supply infrastructure that has been built up over centuries.

Within the factory, our processes are designed to be as sustainable and efficient as possible, reducing waste and reusing raw materials as and where we can. This is not just good environmentalism; it is the traditional, cost-effective way that has served British ceramic manufacturing well for generations. When casting (shaping ware using moulds and slip), excess slip drains back into the slip tanks for reuse in the next casting. Waste from forming, fettling and sponging is collected and reshaped into clay balls to be reused.

Pottery that does not pass our inspection standards is sold at a discounted price as 'seconds', meaning that imperfections do not mean a trip to the landfill. Out of all the ware we produce, less than 2% is unable to be recycled or used in some way.

Most importantly, Burleigh pottery is designed to last. Our fine earthenware clay is incredibly durable and our underglaze decorating technique ensures that colours and patterns remain vibrant for generations.

Burleigh 1851 Limited takes UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals) legislation seriously and risk-assesses and monitors all our products for the presence of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).

Burleighware articles contain lead oxide (classified as an SVHC) above the 0.1% (w/w) threshold. However, lead oxide is not released in normal use at levels above those deemed to be safe by applicable regulations.

Ceramic tableware intended for food contact is subject to specific safety regulations. All Burleigh Pottery articles comply with the Ceramic Articles in Contact with Food (England) Regulations 2006 and the lead release limits specified in Council Directive 84/500/EEC as amended by Council Directive 2005/31/EC. All Burleigh articles are deemed safe for food contact use.

We will always aim to supply articles free of SVHCs. Where this is not possible, we will provide appropriate and timely information to users.