Leaf
Branch
Tree

We have developed a sustainability rating system based on the results of our Supplier Sustainability Audit. Our icons indicate how the manufacturers we’ve worked with have scored, so that anyone can understand the sustainable status of each company. The Leaf means the company scores 70-79%; the Branch means the company scores 80-89%; and the Tree means company scored in the top-tier with 90-100%.

What We Learned

Supply chain

We monitor suppliers’ practices through our Sustainability Audit and Supplier Code of Conduct.

Our aim is to source the most sustainable products, and help our clients make selections aligned with their values. We achieve this through truly understanding how products are made, from what and by whom.

Supplier Sustainability Audit

In 2018, we launched a comprehensive audit of our suppliers, and have now gathered detailed information on over 150 companies.

This robust supplier impact measurement and reporting tool provides unparalleled data and allows us to communicate the sustainability performance of all products using our leaf, branch and tree rating system. This level of transparency means brands and products can be compared against a consistent framework.

Code of Conduct

No matter how suppliers score on our audit, our Supplier Code of Conduct sets minimum requirements for all key suppliers in order to work with us.

This helps us ensure we only work with companies following good business practices, for example those adhering to laws, and following the UN Global Compact Principles.

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Climate Positive Business

What Our Audit Covers

Governance

Sustainable governance can be found with the presence of a policy or report. Additionally, the certifications attached to each supplier provide an indicator of their sustainable credentials and the steps being made to address a negative environmental impact.

E.g. Environmental Product Declaration, Nordic Swan eco-label, B Corp, Carbon Neutral

Materials

The materials used to form each product are central to a supplier’s environmental impact and this can be indicated in sustainability certifications. Also reviewed are if materials are sourced locally and are designed with end of life in mind.

E.g. FSC (wood), ISO 14001 (steel), Green Product Mark (plastic)

Production

We look at the processes by which a product is made. The country in which a business is registered is significant when compared with the country or countries of production. How does the manufacturer operate in terms of its energy use, waste and packaging policies?

People

The accountability of a supplier for their treatment of employees and monitoring of their own suppliers in terms of liability to The Modern Slavery Act is important. Also, we look at how a supplier is contributing to the local economy.

Innovation

We like to showcase companies using innovative materials or are developing sustainable products and technologies that provide a positive model to inspire the practice of others. This includes a variety of end of life schemes.

What We Learned

Manufacturers contacted

Responses from manufacturers

Countries where goods are manufactured

Average score

Average score of suppliers in our Shop

Manufacturers have a sustainability policy

Suppliers manufacture in their local community

Manufactured in the EU

Featured Stories

Leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers. Looking at material made from recycled clothing. Source submerged logs that are rescued from rivers. with GPS marker to show where each tree came from. Work with The Better Packaging Company who have developed a bubble wrap made from vegetables

Lyzadie

Buy wood from GiB (Grown in Britain) and have a mill to process street trees and unwanted forest trees, converting waste wood into commercial use. Offer a carbon footprint most pieces are carbon negative. Developed a material from wood chip and mycelium for lights and occasionally packaging. Provide a refinishing service.

Sebastian Cox

Green energy from a hydropower plant located next to factory. Sawdust & woodchips from workshop are currently used at a local farm to grow shitake mushrooms. Transportation company converted to local biodiesel reducing carbon emissions by 90%.

Nikari

Electricity from the river next door. Offer service for restoration on old products. Only use wood from certified forests, upholstery in natural material- latex, horsehair and wool.

Gemla

Waste wood is given to a local toymaker Tinkebu Patronize the last upright wool mill in the UK, creating sustainable, recyclable material and supporting UK farms that demonstrate best practices. Renewable energy is sourced from solar panels

Tom Raffield

Scrap wood is compressed into pellets and used to heat the factory and surrounding town Resand and reweave chairs that have worn down, usually after 30 years or so.

Carl Hansen

For every product on website you can find a breakdown of the sustainable certificates for each material.

Bla Station

Responsible sourcing

We can help our clients find and select better products, based on our criteria of responsible materials and processes, to help make your project backed by good design.

In our vision, there is no place for harmful materials and processes that are commonplace in our industry. We strive to only actively promote products that are leaders in sustainability. For example, our online shop only lists products that meet our standard, and are the best pieces from our manufactures who score the highest on our Supplier Sustainability Audit.

Supply chain

Supplier Sustainability Audit

Code of Conduct

What Our Audit Covers

What We Learned

Featured Stories

Responsible sourcing

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