Note: This article was last updated on May 7, 2024 and may contain outdated information.
We’ve launched an e-commerce platform for Surface Matter, a Certified B Corp supplying sustainable design materials to designers and architects across the UK. Celebrating 10 years in business in 2023, Surface Matter represents surfaces including Richlite, Durat, Plasticiet, Pierreplume, and Skatelite.
The challenge was going beyond typical e-commerce. Designers and architects don’t just need to buy materials, they need to understand them: technical specifications, sustainability credentials, performance characteristics, and how they look in real-world applications. The platform needed to support both specification-driven searches and inspiration-led browsing.
We built the site on Craft Commerce with a product database that tells the story of each material. The system includes detailed technical specifications, sustainability information, and project galleries showing materials in completed projects. As a Certified B Corp, Surface Matter’s commitment to “materials used better” and “change shouldn’t mean waste” informed the entire approach.
The platform balances practical functionality with storytelling. Architects can download data sheets and request samples while learning about the environmental benefits and manufacturing processes. Each material gets the space to communicate both its technical properties and its broader context.
The result positions Surface Matter as a trusted partner for sustainable design projects. Designers and architects can discover, specify, and source materials that align with their sustainability goals while maintaining high standards for performance and aesthetics.