5 things to consider when choosing sustainable office furniture for your workplace

Sustainability has become a key consideration for businesses of all sizes. As we become more aware of the impact our choices have on the environment, many companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

One of the ways you can make your workplace more sustainable is by choosing sustainable office furniture. Not only does this reduce your impact on the environment, but shows your commitment to making a positive change, as well as helping cut costs along the way.

With that said, here are five things to consider when choosing sustainable office furniture for your workplace.

1. Lengthy office furniture warranties

When choosing sustainable office furniture, it's important to consider the quality over anything. If the quality isn’t there, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Look for furniture with long warranties, as this indicates that the manufacturer is confident in the product's quality. High-quality furniture will last longer, reducing the need for replacements, and ultimately reducing waste.

Not only does this help conserve materials, transport emissions and manufacturing energy, but saves you business money too. With furniture that’s built to last, you won’t need to be replacing it every few years.

2. Material choice

The materials used in office furniture can have a significant impact on the environment. Look for furniture made from recycled or natural materials. For example, chairs upholstered with recycled fabric, desks made from FSC certified wood. Avoid furniture made from materials that are harmful to the environment, such as PVC or other plastics that cannot be recycled.

Another material to consider is stone wool, which is used as insulation inside furniture. This material is sustainable, fire-resistant, and has excellent acoustic properties.

Using sustainable materials in furniture not only benefits the environment but can also enhance the aesthetics and functions of your workplace.

At Haiken, we offer a range of sustainable, acoustic office furniture solutions. From sound absorbing screens and desk dividers, through to office meeting pods and accessories, we’ve got you covered. Speak to our friendly team today to see how we could support your sustainability goals through office furniture.

3. Flexible office furniture

Flexibility is a key consideration when choosing sustainable office furniture. Whether that be a modular seating arrangement or desks with a telescopic frame, be sure to look for furniture that can adapt to what’s required as and when needed.

For example, a desk with a telescopic frame can be easily adjusted to suit different seating arrangements. Due to the design of the frame, a single desk can be extended into a desk to seat two. Simply add a new surface to the extended frame and it can be re-used for the next office layout. Similarly, modular seating arrangements can be rearranged to accommodate different group sizes and activities, making the space more versatile and functional.

This added level of flexibility also supports sustainability efforts by prolonging the lifespan of the furniture and reducing the need for replacements. Essentially, with the ability to adapt to changing needs, furniture can be repurposed or reconfigured rather than being discarded and replaced.

4. Removable furniture covers

Choosing office furniture with removable covers is a great way to make sustainable choices when it comes to outfitting a workspace. With removable covers, furniture can be easily updated, refreshed, or repaired without having to replace the entire piece of furniture. This reduces waste and extends the lifespan of the furniture, making it a more sustainable choice in the long run.

For instance, an office chair with a removable cover can be easily reupholstered with a new fabric to match a new colour scheme or updated decor. Instead of purchasing a brand-new chair, the existing one can be given a fresh look without the need for additional resources or materials. This not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact of furniture production.

As well, removable covers also make cleaning and maintenance easier. Spills or stains can be easily cleaned by removing and washing the cover without having to treat the entire piece of furniture. This can help maintain the appearance of the furniture over time, promoting a clean and hygienic workspace.

5. Office furniture take back schemes

In addition to choosing sustainable office furniture with features such as removable covers and modularity, it’s also important to consider what happens to the furniture at end of life. Furniture take-back schemes are an increasingly popular option that can help reduce waste and support a circular economy.

Office furniture suppliers that offer take-back schemes typically collect furniture at the end of its life and recycle or dispose of it properly. This can involve dismantling the furniture and separating its components for recycling or refurbishing it for reuse. By taking responsibility for the disposal of their products, a responsible office furniture supplier can help to reduce the environmental impact of your furniture selections and promote a more sustainable future.

Sustainable office furniture from Haiken

At Haiken, we are deeply committed to sustainability and take our responsibility to protect the environment seriously. As a team of eco-conscious individuals, we are driven deliver both immediate and long-term environmental benefits for our customers.

Our approach to sustainable office furniture is rooted in the use of responsibly sourced materials and the development of high-quality, durable products. We understand that the furniture industry has a significant impact on the environment, and we strive to minimise our carbon footprint by using sustainable materials and minimising waste.

Why not join us in our commitment to a brighter and healthier future for all by choosing Haiken as your partner for sustainable office furniture. Get in touch with our team today to see what we could do for your workspace.