Responsibility & Impact Framework

Our guiding principles for sustainable materials and ethical practice

Introduction

Shimber exists to redefine what materials can be. We design coatings that replace synthetic pigments and plastics with fully bio-based innovation, delivering colour from structure, not chemicals.

This framework outlines how we put that belief into practice across environmental, social, and governance priorities. It is both a commitment to measurable impact and a roadmap for the kind of company we are building. Shimber pairs scientific precision with design excellence, and long-term responsibility with daily action.

Guided by our ESG principles, we strive to:

Protect our habitat on earth through circular, biobased materials and low-carbon manufacturing.
Empower people by fostering diversity, inclusion, and creative freedom across disciplines.
Lead with integrity in governance, ensuring transparency, ethical practices, and responsible innovation.

This memo outlines the steps we are taking and the values that drive them as we work to create a material future that is as ethical as it is extraordinary.

Environmental Responsibility

Our approach to the environment mirrors the commitments in our Code of Conduct, translating them into strategic goals.

Zero Pigments, Zero Microplastics – All Shimber colour is made entirely from wood, eliminating two major pollutants in traditional surface treatments.
Circular & Biobased – We use renewable, traceable materials, designed to return safely to the environment and support circular material flows.
Low-Carbon Manufacturing – We employ low-energy production processes and coat locally where possible to reduce transport emissions.
Durability with Responsibility – Our finishes meet luxury performance standards while remaining sustainable.

Social Responsibility

Our social commitments are grounded in the same values described in our Code of Conduct, with a focus on how they shape our partnerships and impact.

Diversity & Inclusion – As an interdisciplinary team, we actively foster inclusive work environments and amplify diverse voices in design, science, and business.
Creative Empowerment – We work with artists, designers, and architects to ensure that sustainability expands, rather than limits, creative possibilities.
Transparency & Education – We engage with the public and industry partners to share knowledge and encourage sustainable material adoption.

Governance & Ethical Practice

Our governance approach ensures that the principles in our Code of Conduct translate into accountable business practice.

Responsible Innovation – We balance open collaboration with safeguarding the long-term environmental and social impact of our work.
Ethical Sourcing – We partner exclusively with suppliers that meet our environmental and social standards.
Fair Business Practices – We act with honesty, accountability, and transparency in all dealings.
Regulatory Alignment – We stay ahead of sustainability, microplastics, and product safety regulations to ensure our partners can rely on our compliance.

Measuring Our Impact

Where the Code of Conduct defines expected behaviours, this framework sets measurable objectives.

Annual Impact Review & Voluntary Sustainability Reporting – While Shimber is currently below the size thresholds for the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), we are committed to aligning with its principles. We prepare an annual impact review covering environmental performance, social impact, and governance milestones, following recognised EU and international best practices.
Regulatory Readiness – We actively monitor developments in EU sustainability regulations, simplified ESRS standards for SMEs, and microplastics restrictions, ensuring we are prepared to adopt full compliance as we grow or as our supply chain requires.
Design-Led Case Studies – Publishing examples of projects that unite sustainability with high-end aesthetics.
Continuous Improvement – Refining our approach based on research, regulatory developments, partner feedback, and changing industry needs.

Closing Statement

At Shimber, responsibility is built into how we create structural colour from wood. Every choice we make, from sourcing bio-based materials to refining scalable manufacturing, follows the principles set out in our Code of Conduct and is guided by the same core belief: to deliver without compromise, without microplastics and never at the expense of the planet or people.

We know that every decision leaves a trace. By designing for circular material flows, anticipating and meeting EU regulations, and fostering inclusive and transparent partnerships, we hold ourselves accountable not only to our stakeholders, but to the standards we have committed to in our Code of Conduct.

This framework is a living document. It evolves alongside our work, shaping the future of responsible material innovation. Together, the Code of Conduct and this Framework form the foundation for how we operate, defining both how we act and what we aim to achieve. We aim not only to meet the sustainability expectations of today, but to shape the definition of responsible material innovation for the years ahead.