Jesmonite: What Is It?

October 3, 2026|Alice Tapia

The sustainable material behind every Koze piece...

Jesmonite is a material that is still relatively unknown to the general public, yet increasingly popular in the worlds of design, decoration and craftsmanship. At Koze Collection, we chose Jesmonite to create our pieces because it aligns perfectly with our values: durability, aesthetics and mindful production.

But what exactly is Jesmonite?
And why is it considered a more sustainable alternative to concrete or traditional resins?
Let’s break it down.

What is Jesmonite?

Jesmonite is a mineral-based composite material, made from a combination of mineral powder and a water-based acrylic resin.

Developed in the UK in the 1980s, Jesmonite was designed as a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional casting materials. It offers a stone-like, mineral appearance while remaining lighter and easier to work with.

Is Jesmonite an eco-friendly material?

Jesmonite is widely regarded as a more responsible material compared to concrete or solvent-based resins, for several reasons:

water-based composition
very low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions
safer for artisans to work with
well suited for small-scale, local production

Jesmonite naturally fits into a more sustainable and responsible creation process.

The benefits of Jesmonite

Jesmonite is appreciated by designers and artisans for many reasons:

1. Durable and long-lasting

Jesmonite is strong, stable and designed to withstand everyday use.

2. A unique mineral finish

Each Jesmonite object has subtle variations in texture and tone, making every piece unique.

3. Creative flexibility

Jesmonite can be cast, pigmented, sanded and refined, allowing both minimalist and organic shapes.

4. A healthier material

Unlike traditional resins, Jesmonite does not release toxic fumes during production.

Why we use Jesmonite

Its soft, mineral finish and everyday strength make Jesmonite ideal for decorative objects like our trays, which hold rings, keys or a candle while standing beautifully on their own. It is also particularly well suited for candle containers:

good heat resistance
solid and stable
soft, mineral texture
timeless aesthetic that blends easily into calm interiors

At Koze Collection, every Jesmonite product is hand-cast, sanded and finished by hand in Switzerland, making each piece slightly different. These small variations are part of the beauty of handmade objects.

What happens after the candle is finished?

One of Jesmonite’s key advantages is durability. Once the candle has burned down, the pot can be reused:

as a catch-all
as a small planter
as a decorative object

A simple way to extend the life of the object and reduce waste.

Jesmonite at Koze Collection

Choosing Jesmonite was an intentional decision. It reflects our vision of creating objects that are simple, durable and calming, designed to remain part of everyday life.

From our trays to our soy wax candles, Jesmonite plays a central role in the identity of Koze.