Sustainable product series: Sofas
Return to JournalAt Dodds and Shute, we care deeply about understanding our supply chain – how furniture products are made, where, out of what materials and by whom. In 2018, we launched our supplier sustainability audit. We have now gathered data on over 200 FF&E manufacturers’ practices. Suppliers who score above 70% are considered on our sustainability ranking list.
Here are some of the sofas from our sustainable suppliers that we’ve been using on our projects lately.
Arcade Sofa, by Resident
Resident focuses on three core principles: designing for longevity, producing only what is necessary, and ensuring no product ends up in landfills. They use small-batch manufacturing to minimise waste, recycle all manufacturing by-products, and regularly use timber veneer as an efficient substitute for solid wood. Resident takes back products at the end of their life cycle for repair, recycling, or repurposing. Their technical practices include using energy-efficient LED lighting, managing upholstery production across multiple locations to reduce shipping emissions, and utilising recyclable packaging.
The modular Arcade Sofa combines customisable layouts with a multi-density feather and foam pillow system for exceptional comfort.
We recently used the Arcade Sofa at the British Land Norton Folgate project. See more from this project here.
Grade Two Seater Sofa, by L.Ercolani
Rising to prominence in post-war Britain, Ercol prioritises responsible timber sourcing, supply chain carbon reduction, and minimal packaging waste. Using high-quality hardwoods like ash, oak, and walnut, Ercol holds FSC and Grown in Britain (GIB) certifications. Locally sourced GIB timber shortens supply chains. Their award-winning factory integrates eco-friendly features, including natural lighting, soundproofing, motion-sensor lighting, and a biomass boiler powered by wood waste. Ercol focuses on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainability in materials and manufacturing.
Effortless yet elegant, the Grade Two Seater Sofa blends understated sophistication with warmth and comfort.
We recently used the Grade Two Seater Sofa at the British Land Norton Folgate project. See more from this project here.
RF1903 Sideways Sofa, by Carl Hansen & Søn
Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation, family-run Danish design company with over a century of heritage. The company sources wood exclusively from responsibly managed forests and maximises resource use by repurposing nearly all residual material — fuelling a district heating plant that warms over 400 homes in Gelsted, Denmark. As an FSC-certified manufacturer, the company upholds rigorous environmental standards. They also invest in the future of craftsmanship through an apprenticeship program, training young artisans to preserve traditional skills and embrace sustainable practices.
The RF1903 Sideways Sofa blends sustainable craftsmanship with natural materials, traditional techniques, and an inviting, modern design.
- FSC certified oak.
- Natural paper cord.
- Steam-bent solid wood backrest.
- Made in Denmark.
- Repair & refurbishment programme.
See more from our 80 Goswell Road project here where we used the RF1903 Sideways Sofa.
Soft Work, by Vitra
Vitra prioritises sustainability by designing durable products, choosing eco-friendly materials, and incorporating circular economy practices. 23% of their products contain recycled content, and 61% are recyclable — a figure projected to increase with ongoing product development. Nearly 100% of products are assembled in Vitra’s factory in Germany, powered by renewable energy and 97% of suppliers are based in Europe. Vitra demonstrates a transparent commitment to creating timeless, high-quality designs that are easy to repair and recycle.
Soft Work is a versatile seating system that combines features of home, office, and public spaces.
- Greenguard gold certified, for low VOC.
- Designed for disassembly.
- Modular, adaptable components minimise replacements and optimise space usage.
- Made in Germany.
We recently used the Soft Work at the new Virgin head office, Whitfield Studio. See more from this project here.
Photography copyright: Amy Heycock ; Jack Hobhouse
Sustainable product series: Sofas
At Dodds and Shute, we care deeply about understanding our supply chain – how furniture products are made, where, out of what materials and by whom. In 2018, we launched our supplier sustainability audit. We have now gathered data on over 200 FF&E manufacturers’ practices. Suppliers who score above 70% are considered on our sustainability ranking list.
Here are some of the sofas from our sustainable suppliers that we’ve been using on our projects lately.
Arcade Sofa, by Resident
Resident focuses on three core principles: designing for longevity, producing only what is necessary, and ensuring no product ends up in landfills. They use small-batch manufacturing to minimise waste, recycle all manufacturing by-products, and regularly use timber veneer as an efficient substitute for solid wood. Resident takes back products at the end of their life cycle for repair, recycling, or repurposing. Their technical practices include using energy-efficient LED lighting, managing upholstery production across multiple locations to reduce shipping emissions, and utilising recyclable packaging.
The modular Arcade Sofa combines customisable layouts with a multi-density feather and foam pillow system for exceptional comfort.
We recently used the Arcade Sofa at the British Land Norton Folgate project. See more from this project here.
Grade Two Seater Sofa, by L.Ercolani
Rising to prominence in post-war Britain, Ercol prioritises responsible timber sourcing, supply chain carbon reduction, and minimal packaging waste. Using high-quality hardwoods like ash, oak, and walnut, Ercol holds FSC and Grown in Britain (GIB) certifications. Locally sourced GIB timber shortens supply chains. Their award-winning factory integrates eco-friendly features, including natural lighting, soundproofing, motion-sensor lighting, and a biomass boiler powered by wood waste. Ercol focuses on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainability in materials and manufacturing.
Effortless yet elegant, the Grade Two Seater Sofa blends understated sophistication with warmth and comfort.
We recently used the Grade Two Seater Sofa at the British Land Norton Folgate project. See more from this project here.
RF1903 Sideways Sofa, by Carl Hansen & Søn
Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation, family-run Danish design company with over a century of heritage. The company sources wood exclusively from responsibly managed forests and maximises resource use by repurposing nearly all residual material — fuelling a district heating plant that warms over 400 homes in Gelsted, Denmark. As an FSC-certified manufacturer, the company upholds rigorous environmental standards. They also invest in the future of craftsmanship through an apprenticeship program, training young artisans to preserve traditional skills and embrace sustainable practices.
The RF1903 Sideways Sofa blends sustainable craftsmanship with natural materials, traditional techniques, and an inviting, modern design.
- FSC certified oak.
- Natural paper cord.
- Steam-bent solid wood backrest.
- Made in Denmark.
- Repair & refurbishment programme.
See more from our 80 Goswell Road project here where we used the RF1903 Sideways Sofa.
Soft Work, by Vitra
Vitra prioritises sustainability by designing durable products, choosing eco-friendly materials, and incorporating circular economy practices. 23% of their products contain recycled content, and 61% are recyclable — a figure projected to increase with ongoing product development. Nearly 100% of products are assembled in Vitra’s factory in Germany, powered by renewable energy and 97% of suppliers are based in Europe. Vitra demonstrates a transparent commitment to creating timeless, high-quality designs that are easy to repair and recycle.
Soft Work is a versatile seating system that combines features of home, office, and public spaces.
- Greenguard gold certified, for low VOC.
- Designed for disassembly.
- Modular, adaptable components minimise replacements and optimise space usage.
- Made in Germany.
We recently used the Soft Work at the new Virgin head office, Whitfield Studio. See more from this project here.
Photography copyright: Amy Heycock ; Jack Hobhouse