CRE8

CRE8 is a social enterprise that makes high-quality products using modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing. The company was founded in 2014 by Jurre Groenenboom and Maria Nguyen. CRE8 combines craftsmanship with technology to create products in a small-scale, sustainable way.

About the Makers
Jurre and Maria both studied industrial design at TU Delft. After his studies, Jurre worked as an independent designer for companies such as HEMA. His fascination with modern techniques and his desire to support young people were the driving force behind the creation of CRE8. “Many crafts have disappeared from the city, but with our technologies we bring them back to the center, where we produce with minimal space and waste,” says Jurre.

Production Process
All CRE8 products are manufactured in its own workshop in Amsterdam, often designed by Jurre or Maria, but also by young people who work in the workshop or students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. These young people are guided in their work-study program and are given the opportunity to develop their creativity and technical skills. In addition to its own designs, CRE8 also carries out custom orders for customers. In addition, the company organizes workshops and courses in the evenings, where participants can experience production techniques up close.

Sustainability
The production techniques at CRE8, such as 3D scanning, laser cutting and vinyl cutting, make it possible to fully customize products and only produce what is needed. This greatly reduces material waste. “We don’t have to stockpile large quantities and can produce per design, which allows us to work efficiently and on demand,” Maria explains. This makes the production method of CRE8 not only flexible, but also environmentally conscious.