The world has embraced many changes over the last few decades… some for the worst, some for the better. Sustainability falls in the latter.
As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, the demand for sustainable furniture has reached new heights. Sustainability, after all, is a movement, a commitment, and a lifestyle choice all in one. But what exactly is sustainable furniture, and why should your business care about it?
Join us here at Style Matters as we explore the benefits of eco-friendly furnishings, and understand why investing in sustainable furniture is good for both the planet and your business.
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Strong, ethical, and made-to-last – eco-friendly furniture is all the rage these days. So, what exactly is it?
The sustainability process itself is about creating beautiful, functional pieces using materials and processes that minimise environmental impact. This could mean using recycled or upcycled materials, responsibly sourced wood, or even innovative materials like Eco-Boards, which are made from agricultural waste and are 100% biodegradable.
It’s not all about the materials though. It’s about a holistic approach that includes eco-friendly production methods, ethical labour practices, and even sustainable delivery.
For example, we at Style Matters partner with Eco Speed, an environmentally-friendly company committed to carbon neutrality. They even donate 10% of their profits each month to purchase and restore local nature reserves. Talk about going the extra mile…
So then, why should businesses like yours invest in sustainable options when kitting out their spaces? Let’s have a look:
As we mentioned earlier, the most obvious benefit is reducing your environmental footprint.
Sustainable furniture uses fewer resources, reduces waste, and often employs recycled or eco-friendly materials, such as FSC-certified wood or low-carbon leather. Choosing sustainable pieces means you’re playing a part in protecting our forests, reducing landfill waste, and cutting down on harmful emissions.
With sustainable furniture, you can bid farewell to fast trends and cheap materials that fall apart after a year. These eco-friendly options are built to last, with a focus on craftsmanship and timeless design, which means you won’t have to replace them as often. Less replacement means less waste… and less money going down the drain.
For those unfamiliar with the term “off-gassing”, chances are you’ve experienced it before. It’s that unpleasant smell that comes from new furniture… typically made with chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants.
Sustainable furniture, on the other hand, is often made without these harmful chemicals, creating a healthier environment for your staff and customers. For instance, Eco-Boards used by Style Matters are formaldehyde-free, moisture-resistant, and produce less dust, making them healthier to work with and be around.
According to a recent PwC survey, more than 70% of respondents were willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods. Even as a business, you should be paying attention to these stats. Why? Because they are your potential customers… individuals who prefer to support businesses that align with their sustainability values.
By choosing eco-friendly furniture, you’re showing your customers that you care about both the planet and their ideals. As a result, you can boost your brand image, whilst fostering customer loyalty and trust.
While sustainable furniture might come with a higher upfront cost, it’s certainly more cost-effective in the long run. Why? Because you’re investing in high-quality, durable pieces that don’t need to be replaced every couple of years.
Ready to invest in sustainable furniture but not sure where to start? Here’s what to consider when choosing a manufacturer:
Materials: Look for furniture made from recycled, reclaimed, or responsibly sourced materials. At Style Matters, we offer pieces made from sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood, recycled metals, and Eco-Boards. Make sure to check the specifications of the materials to understand their environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Certifications: Keep an eye out for certifications like FSC, PEFC, LWG, or GreenGuard, which verify that the furniture meets certain environmental standards. These certifications are a good indicator that you’re buying genuinely sustainable furniture.
Durability and Timeless Design: Avoid fast furniture that won’t last. Opt for well-crafted, timeless designs that can withstand the wear and tear of commercial use. At Style Matters, our goal is to create pieces that last decades, minimising the need for replacements and reducing waste.
Eco-Friendly Delivery: Consider how the furniture is delivered. Sustainable furniture should also come with sustainable delivery practices. We at Style Matters use Eco Speed, a company committed to carbon neutrality. They even partner with LWT and contribute a portion of their profits to local nature reserves, ensuring your furniture has an eco-friendly journey to your doorstep.
Customisability: Look for brands that offer customisation options. Sustainable furniture doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. At Style Matters, we work with leading sustainable producers to create bespoke pieces that perfectly fit your business’s needs while staying true to eco-friendly principles.
At Style Matters, we’re dedicated to crafting high-quality, sustainable furniture that not only looks good but also does good. We partner with like-minded, eco-conscious suppliers and continuously innovate to reduce waste, recycle materials, and minimise our environmental impact.
Our range includes everything from metal frame chairs and water-resistant cushions to Robinia wood seating and chairs made of polypropylene with rich weaving of ropes and fabrics—all designed to blend sustainability with style and durability.
Explore our portfolio to see how we can help transform your project. For more information or to start a consultation, contact us online or call us at 01565740342.
Style Matters
Pickmere Lane,
Pickmere, Knutsford
WA16 0JJ
