LAFIORE: THE TIMELESS ART OF GLASSBLOWING MEETS SUSTAINABILITY IN MALLORCA

12/09/2024

Nestled at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, near the picturesque village of Valldemossa, lies one of the last remaining glassblowing factories on the island: Lafiore. Founded in 1964 by the Tortella family, this small, family-run business has kept the ancient art of glassblowing alive for decades. In recognition of this precious craft, UNESCO declared glassblowing an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.

But Lafiore is much more than a relic of tradition. It’s a place where craftsmanship meets innovation, where design and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony. Since its beginnings, Lafiore has used recycled glass as its primary material. Now, with the launch of its innovative initiative, Somos Circulares, the factory is pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious creation even further.

Lafiore artisan shaping glass
THE SOMOS CIRCULARES PROJECT: CREATING A CIRCULAR FUTURE

In collaboration with hotels across Mallorca, Somos Circulares collects colorless or non-returnable glass bottles that would otherwise be shipped back to the mainland for disposal. Instead of contributing to waste, these bottles are carefully collected, crushed, and melted at 1,200 degrees in the factory’s furnaces. From these recycled fragments, Lafiore artisans breathe new life into beautiful, hand-crafted glass pieces.

A LEGACY POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY

In line with their commitment to sustainability, Lafiore has taken important steps to further reduce their environmental impact. Today, the factory is almost 100% self-sufficient, thanks to solar panels that power the energy-intensive furnaces used to melt the glass. Harnessing Mallorca’s abundant sunshine, Lafiore not only creates beautiful and sustainable products but does so with a minimal carbon footprint.

Handcrafted glassware in use, capturing the beauty and sustainability
A PIECE OF MALLORCA IN EVERY CREATION

What truly defines Lafiore glass is its inspiration, deeply rooted in the natural beauty of Mallorca. Each piece is designed to capture the essence of the island: from the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean Sea to the earthy tones of the Serra de Tramuntana. When you bring home a Lafiore creation, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re taking a piece of Mallorca’s soul with you.