Sustainability as an attitude

Natural Resources

We use exclusively mineral raw materials. Our clays are free from artificial additives, lead-free, microplastic-free, and vegan. Unlike many conventional clay productions, our clay does not use bone ash.

Recyclable Packaging

Our products are packaged exclusively in cardboard. Completely without plastic, foams, or synthetic fillers. What reaches you is environmentally consciously reduced and fully recyclable.

100% Green Electricity

Since 2019, the electricity for our production has come 100% from renewable energy sources, supplied by the French green energy provider Enercoop. Hot water and operational equipment are supplied by the monastery’s own solar systems.

European Production

All materials and tools come from Europe. The entire manufacturing process, from raw material to finished ceramics, takes place in Taizé. We produce locally, not globally.

Electric Kilns

The switch to modern electric kilns is a heartfelt concern for the brothers. Work is already being done with the electric kilns, and some initial batches have already been produced.

Until the entire production can be made with the desired quality using sustainable production facilities, gas kilns, which have proven themselves over decades of use, are still needed.

Smaller Footprint, Greater Meaning

Sustainability means more to us than just a label. It begins with everyday decisions, with consistent simplicity, and with respect for nature, people, and materials. Our pottery is part of a monastic community whose daily life is shaped by mindfulness. We also extend this mindfulness to our natural environment.
In Taizé, ceramics are created that are not only beautiful and durable but also conscious.

Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

  • Our Sustainability Goals

    Climate neutrality: We make our entire production climate neutral. We use emission-free energy, regional resources, and electric furnaces.

    Living fairness & diversity: Our community promotes solidarity, social justice, and diversity.

    Durability: In the manufacture of our long-lasting products, hardly any waste and emissions are generated. Through this, we want to contribute to the reduction of fast-moving consumer goods.

  • Sustainable consumption and production

    Our ceramics are made from pure, natural materials. Free from lead, microplastics, and artificial components. The clay, mineral glazes, and plastic-free packaging represent a clear "less is more."

    Producing durable objects and deliberately avoiding waste are a given for us.

  • Less Inequality

    Through our proceeds, we support the social projects of the Communauté de Taizé.
    The brothers are committed worldwide to people in need, with a special focus on children, the sick, and refugees.
    The support ranges from humanitarian aid in Korea and medical care in Africa to reconstruction projects after natural disasters.
    With the "Operation Hope," the community also helps refugees in crisis regions such as Jordan or Hungary.

    Solidarity Projects 

  • Clean water and sanitation facilities

    In Taizé, rainwater is collected and used. The community's wastewater is purified through an ecological treatment plant based on plants and microorganisms. This creates a closed cycle that conserves resources and protects the environment.

  • Affordable and clean energy

    Since 2019, the electricity for our production has come 100% from renewable energy, supplied by the French green energy provider Enercoop. Hot water and operational equipment are also supplied via in-house solar systems.

  • Measures for Climate Protection

    We rely on solar power, efficient lighting, and sustainable production methods. The conversion of our gas ovens to electric ovens is already in full swing. Our goal: less CO₂, more responsibility.

  • Decent work and economic growth

    The pottery creates local jobs, preserves traditional knowledge, and strengthens the local economy.

  • High-quality education

    We see our platform as a place for education about sustainable consumption and alternative materials, in contrast to fast-paced mass production. In stories, product descriptions, and conversations, we share our knowledge. Clear, honest, and inspiring.

  • Partnerships to Achieve the Goals

    La Poterie de Taizé maintains close partnerships with local craft businesses, sustainable suppliers, and social initiatives. Through this value-based exchange, a network is created that promotes ethical action and shared responsibility.
More about the 17 SDGs

  • Sustainability

    Environmentally conscious from raw material to packaging.

  • Handicraft

    Each piece is unique and is crafted with love and spiritual devotion.

  • European manufacturing

    Fair

    Local

    Transparent

  • Natural materials

    No microplastics, no chemicals, just the essentials.

  • Traditional heritage

    A millennia-old craft lives on.

  • Durability

    Made for generations, not for the next season.

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The production process

In our workshop, every step is carefully done by hand – from mixing the clay to the final glaze firing. The clay is produced, shaped, and dried in the monastery itself before being fired at over 1000 °C. Each glaze is also mixed, applied, and fired a second time on-site at up to 1200 °C. This creates stoneware ceramics that remain beautiful for a long time and have a noticeable depth.

Learn more about the production

Our glazes

Our glazes are made from natural minerals and are developed and produced directly in the monastery. They reflect the surroundings and the silence of Taizé.

There are ten different glazes, each with its own color palette, surface, and mood: Bleu, Matte Bleu, Silver Gray, Bresse Wood, Gousseau, Yellow, Hazelnut, Omnia, Red Kaki, and Temokku. No piece is exactly the same as another – and that is what makes them so vibrant.

Learn more about our mineral glazes

Sustainability

We work exclusively with natural raw materials. Our ceramics are durable, timeless, and made to be used for many years. We also pay attention to environmentally friendly solutions in packaging and shipping. We believe: sustainability starts with the material – and ends with conscious use.

Learn more about our sustainability & values

History behind La Poterie de Taizé

The pottery of Taizé is rooted in a special history: In the community of the brothers of Taizé, pottery was for decades part of a simple, mindful life and a quiet sign of connection with nature. When the pandemic brought life on site to a halt, a new idea emerged: to bring the ceramics of Taizé from Salzburg to the world. Thus, in 2021, our brand was born to connect old craftsmanship with new paths. Today, with every piece, we carry forward the values that have shaped us: sustainability, meaning, and genuine craftsmanship.

More about our story

Our team

Behind every product from La Poterie de Taizé are people with a shared belief: that things of value require time, dedication, and mindfulness. Whether in the workshop in Taizé, the warehouse in Salzburg, or our store in Vienna: we work on a small scale for something big. And we do this as a small but cohesive team.
Meet the team

Taizé Community

The Communauté de Taizé is an international ecumenical brotherhood in southern Burgundy, founded in 1940 by Brother Roger as a place of peace, silence, and reconciliation. Today, brothers from various denominations live there together—united through prayer, simplicity, and service to others. Their spirituality is expressed not in words, but in lived trust—even in the quiet, artisanal work with clay.
Learn more about the Communauté