Sustainable Sourcing for Furnishing Projects: Key Considerations

When sourcing for your next furnishing project, several fundamental factors contribute to the overall footprint of the products you choose. Considering aspects such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life management can make a meaningful difference in sustainability. Here are some critical areas to focus on when evaluating manufacturers:

Reuse vs. New

Choosing reuse over new can significantly lower the environmental impact of your furniture and flooring. Consider the following:

• Environmental Impact:
  • New furniture often comes with a higher environmental cost compared to reused items.
  • An estimated 8 million square meters of carpet tile end up in landfill every year, underscoring the importance of reuse.
• Opting for Reuse:
  • By choosing reused materials with accredited, sustainable renewal processes, you can greatly reduce the embodied carbon footprint of your project.
  • This decision can be made early in the design process, helping to align sustainability goals with project specifications.
• Balancing Reuse and New:
  • Sometimes, stock limitations make it challenging to source entirely reused products.In such cases, combining reuse with sustainably sourced new items can still meet your sustainability objectives.
  Learn more about reuse in furnishing

High-Quality Standards

Prioritizing quality in your choices can contribute to both environmental and economic benefits. Here’s how:

• Long-Term Investment:
  • High-quality products are designed for durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Investing in reputable, well-constructed items saves on maintenance and replacement costs over time.
• Sustainable End-of-Life Solutions:
  • Durable products are more likely to be reused rather than discarded at the end of their lifecycle.This approach mirrors the shift in the fashion industry, where consumers are increasingly opting for long-lasting, second-hand items over fast fashion.
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Responsible Textiles

The interiors industry shares responsibility for the environmental impact of textile production, along with fashion. Responsible sourcing in textiles is essential for sustainable furnishing:

• Environmental Impact of Textile Waste:
  • High-end suppliers have historically sent unused textiles to landfill to prevent unauthorized resale, contributing to waste.
  • According to the European Federation of Furniture Manufacturers, only 10% of EU furniture waste is recycled, with most going to landfill or incineration.
• Sustainable Textile Sourcing:
  • When choosing textiles, prioritize those made from recycled materials and renewable energy sources.
  • Select textiles that offer end-of-life options other than incineration or landfill, which supports a circular economy.
• Quality Over Quantity:
  • Investing in high-quality textiles for furniture or flooring reduces the need for frequent replacements, aligning with sustainable goals and extending the product’s lifecycle.

By making these considerations part of your planning and sourcing process, you can create a more sustainable furnishing project that minimizes environmental impact while meeting practical needs.