How did the concept for Auk’s indoor garden come about? What was the initial inspiration behind this project?
The idea for Auk came from a problem we faced ourselves. We wanted to grow fresh herbs and vegetables in our homes but found the available solutions frustrating—too complicated, unattractive, or just not effective enough. Nothing worked the way we wanted it to, so we decided to create the solution ourselves. We envisioned something beautiful, simple, and reliable that would make indoor gardening effortless for everyone. That’s how Auk was born: out of our own needs and our determination to make it better.
What was Auk’s primary mission when it was founded?
Our mission from day one has been to make sustainable living easy, stylish, and accessible for everyone. We wanted to help people bring a bit of nature into their homes while reducing food waste and environmental impact. By combining awesome technology with beautiful design, we’re inspiring people to grow their own food and live more sustainably—one herb at a time!
What products or services do you offer? What are the defining characteristics?
We offer Auk Mini, a smart indoor garden that takes care of water, light, and nutrients for you. It’s compact, elegant, and incredibly easy to use. You can grow anything—herbs, vegetables, even seedlings—because our system is completely open. You’re not locked into specific pods or seeds. Auk Mini is made with sustainable materials like recyclable plastic, carbon-neutral aluminium, and FSC-certified wood. It’s designed to look stunning in any space while making gardening accessible to everyone.
Who is your target customer? Which needs are you aiming to fulfil?
We designed Auk Mini for anyone who wants to grow fresh, healthy food at home—whether you live in a city apartment, a suburban home, or even a dorm. It’s for people who care about sustainability, love great design, and want a simple, effective solution to growing their own food. No green thumb required.
How did you develop your idea? What was the process before the release of the final product?
Developing Auk Mini was a journey of constant iteration and refinement. We started with sketches, then moved to prototypes, testing everything from the mechanics to the materials. Our biggest challenge was creating a hydroponic system that worked flawlessly without relying on complex mechanics. We wanted it to feel as natural and reliable as possible. After endless feedback sessions and user tests, we landed on a design that’s both highly functional and beautifully minimalist.
How does the design of your product help people develop conscious and sustainable habits?
We designed Auk Mini to make sustainability feel effortless. Its automated system ensures your plants thrive with minimal effort, and the open design allows you to experiment with any seeds or cuttings. Plus, the adjustable light doubles as soft, ambient lighting, making it a feature you’ll enjoy having in your home. By creating a product that’s as easy to use as it is beautiful, we’re helping people make greener choices without even thinking about it.
What benefits does the product offer for those interested in growing seeds and vegetables?
With Auk Mini, you’re growing food that’s fresher, healthier, and completely free of chemicals. You’ll reduce reliance on supermarket produce, which often comes wrapped in plastic and loses nutrients during transport. It’s not just better for the planet—it’s better for you. And there’s a real sense of joy and accomplishment in harvesting something you’ve grown yourself.
What aspects of your production process or products are sustainable?
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Auk Mini is made from recyclable ABS plastic, carbon-neutral aluminium, and FSC-certified wood, all sourced from Europe. Our entire supply chain is local, reducing transport emissions, and our packaging is completely plastic-free and recyclable. The hydroponic system uses 90% less water than traditional gardening, making it an eco-friendly choice from start to finish.
Why did you choose to produce the indoor gardens entirely in Europe?
Producing in Europe was a deliberate choice. It allows us to work with local, high-quality materials and reduce the carbon footprint of transport. It also lets us ensure ethical working conditions and build strong relationships with our suppliers. Plus, European craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and design excellence.
How can choosing ethically produced products make consumers part of the sustainability journey?
When you choose a product like Auk Mini, you’re taking an active role in supporting sustainability. By choosing ethically produced goods, you’re not just reducing your own impact—you’re helping create demand for better practices across industries. It’s a small decision that can make a big difference, and we’re so proud to help people be part of that movement.
Do you have any products or innovations in the pipeline?
We’re always working on new ideas to make indoor gardening even more exciting and sustainable. While I can’t share too much yet, I can promise that we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come from us!
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