Sustainability and luxury design do not have to be opposites. When brassware is made with care, the result can be both long-lasting and environmentally responsible.
At Francone Bespoke Taps, we take this seriously. A well-made tap should look good, work reliably and also be fabricated in a way that avoids unnecessary waste. This applies to the materials we use, the way we manufacture, how we package each product and how the product performs once it's installed.
Below, we explore how sustainable choices shape every step of our work and how these decisions can make premium brassware genuinely green.
1. Why Solid Brass Is a Sustainable Choice
How sustainable a tap is largely comes down to the material that it's made from in the first place. At Francone Bespoke Taps, most of our products are crafted with solid brass, which is durable, repairable and recyclable.
This supports an exceptionally long product life: solid brass can be refinished and revitalised many years after installation. By choosing solid brass, we avoid the waste associated with lower-grade metals or thin-plated products that wear out quickly. Instead of replacing a tap entirely, our builds allow customers to maintain and restore what they already own.
2. Sustainable Finishes Through Unlacquered Design
Every finish that we offer is unlacquered, including polished brass, satin brass, tumbled brass, bronze and nickel variations. Unlacquered brass ages naturally without the need for chemical coatings, and this has several sustainable benefits:
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Fewer synthetic chemicals are used in production
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The surface can be restored easily with polishing
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The tap can age at its own pace, which avoids the problem of coatings peeling or failing
A living finish is not only more characterful; it’s also more environmentally responsible. By working with raw brass, we avoid industrial lacquering processes that typically involve solvents and energy-intensive curing.
3. Manufacturing With Less Waste
Sustainability also depends on how a tap or shower is made. We manufacture our products in small batches and machine each component with precision to minimise waste and ensure quality assurance. Offcuts and brass turnings are recycled back into the material cycle rather than discarded.
Each product is polished by hand, which reduces unnecessary abrasion and uses considerably less energy than heavy industrial polishing lines.
Slow, steady, and carefully controlled finishing is often more sustainable than fast, automated production because it avoids reworking and reduces scrap.
4. Using Flow Reducers
A sustainable tap should help reduce water use once it’s installed, and many of our designs can be fitted with optional flow reducers. These limit the water output without reducing comfort or performance. They are particularly useful in kitchens, bathrooms and commercial projects where water use can add up quickly.
Flow reducers also help reduce energy consumption because less water needs to be heated. For customers who prefer a more eco-conscious setup, we can advise on the best aerators for their chosen model.
To view taps that can accept flow limiters, explore our collections of wall-mounted taps and deck-mounted taps.
5. Thoughtful Packaging That Cuts Waste
Packaging is often overlooked in the luxury sector, but it has a real environmental impact. We pack our products using fully recyclable packaging. By doing this, we are able to avoid using unnecessary plastics wherever possible.
We also supply hardware and fittings in minimal quantities, so that you're never ordering more than you really need.
Keeping packaging compact also helps reduce space in transit, which means fewer shipments and a lower transport footprint overall. Importantly, it protects the product whilst still being responsible and easy to recycle.
6. A Circular Approach To Repair, Refinish and Recycling
A sustainable tap should not end its life in a landfill, and with solid brass, customers have several options for what to do with their old taps:
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The surface can be re-polished if it becomes dull
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Individual parts can be replaced without changing the whole tap
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The brass itself can be fully recycled
Our unlacquered finishes make refinishing straightforward because there is no coating that needs to be stripped. If a customer wants a brighter finish again, the piece can simply be re-polished. If a spout or handle becomes damaged, it can be replaced rather than scrapped.
This circular approach encourages long life cycles and keeps premium brassware in use - rather than in waste streams.
7. Buying Brassware Responsibly: What To Look For
Sustainable luxury is not only about the look of the tap. It is also about how it is made and how long it will last. When choosing brassware, it helps to consider a few questions:
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Is the product solid brass rather than a plated lower-grade metal?
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Are the finishes unlacquered so they can age naturally?
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Can the product be repaired or refinished?
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Are water-saving aerators available?
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Is the packaging fully recyclable?
These considerations help ensure you invest in products designed to last for decades.
8. The Francone Bespoke Taps Approach
At Francone Bespoke Taps, sustainability is built into our process from start to finish. We believe luxury should be enduring, not disposable. A tap should be something you can maintain, restore and enjoy for many years.
This philosophy guides our use of solid brass, unlacquered finishes, low-waste manufacturing and recyclable packaging. It also informs our commitment to designing products that can be repaired—not thrown away.
For customers and designers seeking brassware that combines elegance with responsibility, this approach offers a meaningful alternative to disposable design.
Conclusion
Premium brassware can be both luxurious and sustainable. By choosing to use solid brass, avoiding lacquered coatings, and reducing how much waste is made during the manufacturing process, we think we're achieving just that.
Francone Bespoke Taps is committed to producing brassware that lasts and can be cared for throughout its entire life. When sustainability is treated as a practical part of the design process, luxury becomes something durable rather than disposable.
