Exploring Sustainable Materials To Use in Your Fit-Out - Denton

Sustainable materials and suppliers for an eco-friendly project

As we move towards a more environmentally conscious future, the importance of sustainability in all aspects of our lives becomes increasingly evident. This is especially true when it comes to office fit-outs. Companies like DENTON are at the forefront of this movement, recognising the need for sustainable materials and practices in their designs and producing an industry-leading ESG policy to demonstrate their commitment. In this article, we will explore the different sustainable materials that can be used in office fit-outs and how they can help create a greener, more eco-friendly workspace. Let’s delve deeper into the world of sustainable materials and how they can be incorporated into your office fit-out.

What makes a material sustainable?

Let’s start at the beginning. There are several factors that can make a material sustainable in construction and office fit-outs:

• Environmental impact: The material should have a low environmental impact, meaning it is produced with minimal environmental harm and does not deplete natural resources.
  
  
• Recyclability: The material should be recyclable, meaning it can be reused or repurposed at the end of its useful life instead of being discarded as waste.
  
  
• Durability: The material should be durable, meaning it is long-lasting and does not need to be replaced frequently, reducing waste and the need for new production.
  
  
• Renewable: The material should be renewable, meaning it comes from a renewable source and can be replenished, such as bamboo or cork.
  
  
• Non-toxic: The material should be non-toxic, meaning it does not release harmful chemicals or pollutants into the environment or the air we breathe.
  
  
• Energy efficiency: The material should be energy-efficient, requiring minimal energy to produce and transport, and can contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, a sustainable material has a minimal negative impact on the environment and society while meeting the functional requirements of the construction and fit-out project.

12 Examples of sustainable materials we use in our fit-outs

1. Tarkett: produces sustainable flooring solutions made from recycled and natural materials for commercial spaces. Their products are made with recycled materials, have low VOC emissions, and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.
   
   
2. Bolon: specialises in sustainable woven vinyl flooring. They were born from the ground-breaking idea of recycling vinyl and textile offcuts into woven rag rugs. Their products are made with phthalate-free materials and are produced in a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimises waste.
   
   
3. Autex: produces acoustic products, including ceiling tiles, wall panels, and screens, made from recycled materials. Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres, their products are also low VOC and can contribute to improved indoor air quality.
   
   
4. Baux: produces sustainable acoustic panels made from wood wool and cement. Their products are 100% recyclable and can contribute to improved indoor air quality.
   
   
5. Camira: produces sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabrics for commercial spaces, including office furniture and seating. Their products are made from natural and recycled materials and are fully recyclable.
   
   
6. Smile Plastics: produces sustainable decorative panels made from recycled plastics. Their products are fully recyclable and can contribute to waste reduction.
   
   
7. Johnson Tiles: produces sustainable ceramic and porcelain tiles for commercial spaces. Their products are made with recycled plastics designed to be long-lasting and durable.
   
   
8. Johnstone Air Pure Paint: produces sustainable paint products for commercial spaces. Their Air Pure paint is low VOC and can improve indoor air quality by absorbing formaldehyde and purifying the air.
   
   
9. Milliken: produces sustainable carpet tiles for commercial spaces. Their products are made from recycled materials with renewable energy sources and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.
   
   
10. Interface: produces sustainable carpet tiles for commercial spaces. Their products are made from recycled materials, are made with sustainable production methods, and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
    
    
11. Paperstone: produces sustainable solid surfaces made from recycled paper and a non-toxic resin. Their products are durable, have low VOC, and can contribute to waste reduction.
    
    
12. Foresso: produces sustainable decorative surfaces made from a blend of recycled wood chips and eco-friendly resin. Their products are 100% recyclable and produced in a low-carbon manufacturing process.

DENTON’s Green Statement on Manufacturers

Choosing the right supplier is just as important as the materials you use when considering sustainability. At DENTON, we take our commitment to sustainability seriously. As part of our efforts to promote green practices, we prioritise the use of manufacturers who share our values and demonstrate a dedication to sustainable processes. Here are some factors which help us select the right partners for our projects:

1. Chain of Custody and Timber Procurement and EU Timber Regulations (EUTR): All manufacturers produce wood-based furniture from FSC-certified timber.
   
   
2. Environmental Management Systems: Manufacturers are implementing an externally accredited management system like ISO14001.
   
   
3. Material Selection: Materials are sourced from sustainable sources and, wherever possible, include a proportion of recycled content.
   
   
4. Waste Minimisation: Manufacturers that reduce their waste throughout all their processes. This applies to wood waste, laminates, water-based paints, energy, solvents, packaging, and transport.
   
   
5. Locality: Where possible, we support local and regional manufacturers to decrease the transport mileage while supporting the economic activities of the surrounding community.

By prioritising these factors, we aim to create sustainable and eco-friendly office fit-outs for our clients while minimising our environmental impact.

Sustainable manufacturers, we consider in our fit-outs

There are countless suppliers across the UK and the world manufacturing sustainable materials, however, here are a few that have all been reviewed by our sustainability experts and selected for their various merits.

1. Rype Office

• Specialises in furniture remanufacturing and recycling.
  
  
• Uses recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood and steel, to create aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly furniture.

2. Offecct 

• A Swedish furniture company focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness.
  
  
• Uses environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled PET felt, and has implemented a recycling program that encourages customers to return used furniture.

3. Crown Workspace 

• Offers sustainable office furniture and interior solutions.
  
  
• Committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness, using materials such as recycled steel and plastic.

4. Reclaimed Nation

• UK-based supplier of sustainable furniture made from reclaimed materials.
  
  
• Sources materials from old factories, warehouses, and disused boats to create unique and sustainable furniture.

5. Berkshire Upholstery

• Specialises in refurbishing and repairing office furniture.
  
  
• Uses environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled foam and fabrics, to extend the life of office furniture.

6. Senator

• Procures sustainable and environmentally responsible materials for their products.
  
  
• Minimises waste by maximising the utilisation of every component and uses innovative recycled materials such as 3D knitted seat covers made from recycled plastic yarns.
  
  
• The i-Workchair 2.0 is a prime example of their innovation towards sustainability.

7. Naughtone

• Focuses on minimising environmental impact through locally-sourced, sustainable materials and responsible suppliers.
  
  
• Offers environmental certifications and health product declarations to enable customers to create sustainable and healthy spaces.

8. Humanscale

•  Incorporates recyclable materials and uses fewer parts in their products.
  
  
• Follows the Design for Environment process and designs products to last, making them durable and upgradable to reduce the need for frequent replacements. Monitors environmental metrics throughout the entire supply chain.

9. Orangebox

• Believes in using sustainable resources and designing easily recyclable products.
  
  
• Invests in sustainability partnerships and research to make recycling and renewability mainstream.
  
  
• Re-made by Orangebox aims to give fresh value and life to existing Orangebox furniture items that have come to the end of their current use

DENTON, industry-leading ESG and sustainability experts

By incorporating sustainable materials, such as those mentioned above, businesses can make a positive impact on the environment while also improving the health and wellbeing of their employees. At DENTON, we understand the importance of sustainability in the workplace and strive to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and office needs.

Considering an eco-friendly office fit-out? Our experienced team can help you create a more sustainable, productive, and fulfilling work environment by selecting sustainable materials from sustainable manufacturers like those mentioned above. Drop our friendly, experienced team a line today and let’s start an office design and build project together. Or browse some of our recent projects to learn more about the services we offer.