fbpx

Sustainability

Our Sustainability Story

Cologne Chair

We apply a holistic approach to sustainability. As a business we want to contribute to a more sustainable society. The foundation of our business is focused around creating and developing high quality products that are durable and long lasting. A far cry from the “throwaway fashion” trend that has been in existence since the turn of the millennium. Our products are made from high-quality sustainable raw materials and created by skilled master craftsmen. When the time comes that a consumer no longer has the need for one of our products, the product will become part of a circular process where it can be repaired, re-used, re-sold, or recycled and avoids wastage. We aim to do this by improving our sourcing of sustainable raw materials to ensure that all material components in the product and packaging can be recycled. As well as improving our manufacturing and supply chain processes to support a circular business. Developing the skillset of our employees through training and apprenticeships to help innovate and grow the business in a sustainable way. We are continuously striving to develop the infrastructure of our business to achieve long-term sustainable growth. We look to do this by improving functions within our value chain, providing investment to areas that will help us to achieve our sustainability objectives. For example, switching our fleet to electric as the industry progresses and upgrades are due. Our strategy is therefore based on looking at how we can make changes in the short term that provide “quick” results coupled with longer term objectives. 

Our Commitments

Environmental

We utilise high quality sustainable and renewable raw materials from our sustainable sources in Indonesia. Cane grows at the rate of 2 – 3 cm a day making it a renewable material. Rattan like a weed, produces the material used for furniture manufacture 7 times faster than a tree produces wood and each vine can grow to a whopping 200m in length! Harvesting is done by hand and the tip of the vine is then re-planted at the base of its tree ready to repeat the process. Rattan encourages forest retention. As a result, choosing rattan is a sustainable furniture choice. As it is a natural material, it can of course be recycled. Our frames are handwoven cutting out the need for energy intensive manufacturing plants. Our cushions are manufactured in the UK in our own soft furnishings factory utilising fabrics from renowned mills. Many of our fabrics contain recycled material. Our aim is to continually work with our suppliers to source materials that reduce the impact on the environment and strive towards carbon neutrality. We strive to innovate in the design, manufacture and supply of our products. Our products are built to last, but when the day comes that a consumer no longer wants one of our products, we want our products to form part of a circular economy where it could be repaired, re-used, re-sold, or recycled, thus minimising waste as we strive to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Social

As a family run business of 50 years, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We have created a culture where we care about the welfare of our staff which we like to show in the benefits package we offer and in the high staff retention rates we have. 90% of our staff have worked for our company for over 10 years. By creating positive workplaces, we feel this helps staff to feel valued, confident, and happy in the work they do. We encourage and support aspiration and innovation in our business with our training and apprenticeship schemes. We are looking to grow and develop skillsets that are equipped for growing the business in a sustainable way. We are in the process of looking to support charities in Indonesia and the UK to help give back to communities who require support. As a wholesale business supplying to independents, we champion the “buy local” approach. We support local businesses, which in turn helps to improve the communities in which they are located. We provide many tools including sales training, marketing support and customer service, to help to support and grow their business.

Economic

As the business grows and develops, we are looking to build the infrastructure of our business to achieve long term sustainable growth. We look to do this by improving functions within our value chain, providing investment to areas that will help us to achieve our sustainability objectives. For example, switching our fleet to electric as the industry progresses and upgrades are due. Innovation in our supply chain to help reduce our carbon footprint whilst continuing to deliver first class service levels. Investment in manufacturing facilities to keep abreast of modern practices, machinery that is energy efficient and helps to reduce wastage that continues to create and produce a product offering that is best in class whilst at the same time minimises the impact to the environment.

Blog

Our sustainability blog has been designed to share handy articles that demonstrate how sustainability underpins everything we do as a business. 

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop