Sustainability: The New Standard

As environmental initiatives continue to flourish, sustainability is increasingly becoming a cornerstone across industries. Regarding the furniture industry, the marriage of aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution. Fortunately, there is no shortage of forward-thinking designers embracing this shift. It's likely that your favourite designers are using sustainability as an opportunity to innovate and ultimately disrupt the design space, for the betterment of our planet.

At Inform, sustainability is a core value that guides our curation process, influencing everything from furniture to accessories, and even art. We prioritize the work of designers, artists, craftsmen and creatives of all kinds, who embrace green approaches. This commitment not only aligns with our personal values, but also drives our admiration for those who go beyond the conventional—pushing boundaries and innovating new solutions in the pursuit of sustainability.

This being said, when developing the plans for our 50 Water Street showroom in 2006, we approached the project with mindful consideration of the effects that the building would have on the environment and to those using the space. This building has a vertical geo-exchange system to manage the heating and cooling of the interior spaces. This combined with a radiant heating/cooling system and exhaust air heat recovery system significantly minimizes the building’s energy consumption. Additionally, displacement ventilation and a heavy mass concrete structure work together to improve indoor environmental quality by providing stable indoor temperatures and improving the performance of the radiant heating/cooling system.

How is the sustainability movement reshaping the landscape of modern furniture design?

Waste to Wonder

One of the most significant changes in modern furniture design is the shift towards eco-friendly materials. Gone are the days when luxury furniture meant using only the finest virgin wood or the most exotic materials. Today, designers are turning waste into wonder, opting for mediums like reclaimed wood and recycled/recyclable metals and plastics.

Brands like Magis are no strangers to innovative approaches, and their Costume sofa designed by Stefan Diez is a perfect example of this material revolution. The body of the Costume is crafted from recycled and recyclable polyethylene, produced using rotational-molding technology that repurposes waste from the furniture and automotive industry. The fabric cover, secured with tension belts, can be easily removed and replaced, allowing for effortless upkeep. This thoughtful design not only reduces the amount of foam used compared to traditional sofas, but also ensures that most of the materials can be easily recycled. Should the upholstery wear out over time, it can be quickly swapped out, making Costume as sustainable as it is stylish.

Additionally, Emeco, known for its iconic aluminum chairs, have expanded their materials repertoire to include recycled PET from plastic bottles and reclaimed wood. For Emeco, it's not just about reducing waste; it's about creating furniture that tells a story—each piece bearing the mark of its sustainable origins. The use of these materials also highlights a broader environmental impact, significantly reducing the reliance on new resources and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with production.

Crafting With Care

Sustainability in furniture design goes beyond materials; it extends to the very processes by which these pieces are created. Modern furniture makers are increasingly adopting sustainable production methods, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical labor practices. This is where the fusion of technology and traditional craftsmanship truly shines.

For example, Rimadesio has not only transitioned to using 100% recyclable materials like aluminum and glass, along with water-based paints and recycled packaging, but they’ve also fundamentally transformed their production process. This includes installing the largest photovoltaic system in the Italian furniture sector, which powers their operations with solar energy. Additionally, they’ve installed special machinery at their Milan headquarters to press scrap cardboard for further reuse by nearby paper mills.

Growing Forests, and Craftsmen

Carl Hansen & Søn believes that sustainable living starts with creating and investing in things that truly stand the test of time. To realize this vision, the manufacturer is dedicated to using the finest ethically sourced wood from responsibly managed forests and trusted sawmills with whom they’ve built long-standing relationships. Nearly every piece of wood is put to use—even the smallest scraps are repurposed as fuel for a district heating plant that warms over 400 homes in Gelsted, Denmark. Beyond contributing to the growth of precious forests, Carl Hansen & Søn nurtures the next generation of craftsmen through the time-honored tradition of apprenticeships. This ensures that the legacy of Danish furniture design and craftsmanship endures, preserving sustainable practices for the future.

As the furniture industry evolves, innovations like smart materials, zero-waste manufacturing, and timeless design are becoming essential to achieving sustainability. While challenges remain, particularly with the prevalence of fast furniture—the collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and consumers is driving continued progress. Sustainability is no longer just a trend in furniture design; it’s a fundamental shift toward a more responsible and conscious way of living. When you choose sustainable pieces, you’re not just buying furniture—you’re investing in a better future for our planet and embracing the forefront of modern innovation. 

At Inform, we are dedicated to sharing the stories of sustainability in our space and offering access to products that embody these essential values and ethics—because they matter.