Our Bone to Art Process

We Believe in Keeping You Informed

Transparency is not a marketing strategy for us. It is a commitment.

We know that purchasing bone art raises questions — and those questions deserve honest, detailed answers. This page documents exactly where our materials come from, how we process them, and what standards we hold ourselves to. We encourage you to read it, ask us anything, and hold us accountable.

Ethically Sourced. Always.

Where Our Bones Come From

India is one of the world's largest producers of buffalo meat, supplying markets across the USA, UK, Canada, and the Middle East. FSSAI-licensed food processing plants handle these exports — and in doing so, generate significant quantities of by-products, including bones.

These bones — materials that would otherwise go to landfill or be converted to fertiliser — are what Carvora Studio works with.

We source exclusively from FSSAI-licensed facilities. This is non-negotiable. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates a strict regulatory framework for food processing plants, covering animal welfare, hygiene, and operational standards. Our sourcing partners comply with all of these requirements.

Our Selection Criteria

Not every bone that reaches us is used. Our procurers assess each piece for density, structural integrity, and quality before acceptance. Bones that meet our criteria are sent to our studio. Those that do not are converted into organic fertiliser — nothing is wasted.

Our Commitment — No Ivory. No Endangered Animals. Ever.

Carvora Studio is firmly opposed to the use of ivory or bones from any endangered or hunted animal. Our art is built on a principle of harm reduction, not harm. Every material we use is a by-product of legally and ethically operated food systems.

Sterilised to International Standards

Why Sterilisation Matters

Bone is an organic material. Before it can become art — before it can sit on your shelf or hang from your ear — it must be treated with a thoroughness that goes far beyond ordinary cleaning. Our three-stage sterilisation process ensures that every finished piece is microscopically clean, hygienic, and safe for display and handling in any home.

Our process follows the standards set out in EU Commission Regulation No. 142/2011, implementing Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009, which governs health rules for animal by-products not intended for human consumption.

Stage 1 — Initial Cleaning with Sodium Hypochlorite

Upon arrival at our facility, each bone is hand-scrubbed with a deep disinfecting and sanitising solution containing Sodium Hypochlorite — the same active compound used in surgical sterilisation and hospital-grade cleaning.

The bones are then sanded and filed by hand to prepare their surface for heat treatment.

Sodium Hypochlorite is highly effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity — as confirmed by the Washington State Department of Health.

Stage 2 — Heat Treatment at 100°C+

The sanded bones are submerged in a baking soda solution and heat-treated at temperatures above 100°C (212°F) continuously for 45 minutes, then allowed to cool fully.

This process alters the pH of the bone structure, creating an environment that is inhospitable to bacterial and fungal growth. It also begins the bleaching process that gives our finished pieces their characteristic immaculate white appearance.

Stage 3 — Final Sterilisation with Hydrogen Peroxide

After the piece is cut and carved to its final form, it undergoes its most rigorous treatment: full submersion in 100% pure Hydrogen Peroxide, with temperature elevated by high-power heating lamps.

This final stage eliminates any remaining microorganisms — including bacteria, viruses, and fungi — and achieves complete microbial elimination at the surface and within the material.

It is also this stage that produces the luminous white finish that Carvora's collectors have come to love.

What This Means for You

Every Carvora Studio piece that reaches your door has passed through all three stages of our sterilisation process and a final quality inspection. It is clean, safe, and finished to the standard we are proud to put our name on.

If you have any questions about our process — sourcing, sterilisation, certifications, or anything else — please reach out. We will always answer in full.