Why Choose Banquette Seating for Hospitality Settings?

Caring for the environment is a collective responsibility that we all need to play a part in. This extends from our homes to our businesses, with the hospitality industry being no exception. One of the most impactful ways that hospitality businesses can contribute to the pursuit of eco-friendliness is through mindfully investing in sustainable furniture.

This blog will offer some guidelines on how to shop for hospitality furniture in a way that supports your sustainability goals. We will highlight important points to look out for, so you can feel confident before making an investment.

Search for Sustainable Materials
Sustainability in hospitality furniture starts with the materials being used. There are various elements every operator should consider when seeking out pieces for their setting.

• Sustainable timber. Signs of eco-friendly timber include FSC approval and ‘Grown in Britain’ certification.
• Sustainable stains & lacquers. Check for the use of water-based solutions, Ecolabel certification and low VOC contents.
• Sustainable fabrics. These can include materials made from recycled plastic, flax, hemp, wool and so much more.
• Sustainable leather. The use of leather from low-carbon suppliers makes upholstery less impactful on the environment.
• Sustainable faux leather. Sileather and similar products made from silicone, using non solvent production are ideal for those who also object to leather.
• Recycled materials. Other recycled supplies include silicastone and Smile Plastics, which can be great for detailing and more.

These are just some of the materials and key terms that you can keep an eye out for when looking for a sustainable contract furniture supplier.

Sustainable supply partnerships
Along with sustainability within an in-house furniture range, it’s also worth checking to see if a supplier has stock partnerships with any external sustainable furniture suppliers. For example, Woodbender Furniture, a company known for its artisanal, hand-crafted approach that only uses sustainably-sourced Ash timber. These sorts of partnerships are strong indicators of a company’s sustainability seriousness.

Other sustainable practices
It’s not all about the products a company sells in and of themselves. You can also keep your eye out for additional sustainable practices within the businesses you choose to work with. For example, companies with commitments to programs like Planet Mark are clearly making conscious steps towards increased sustainability targets like Net Zero.

Other commitments you can look out for include:

• Electric vehicle usage
• Alternative power usage
• Zero-waste to landfill policies

These are also practices that aren’t exclusive to furniture suppliers, meaning they can be taken as an example for your own company.

Prioritise quality in general
Sustainable furniture shopping for your hospitality setting should also be focused on quality pieces in general. Investing in better furniture means less need for replacements and repairs. Restaurant chairs, hotel lobby sofas and bar stools are going to see a lot of traffic and use in their lifetimes. Choosing quality workmanship will ensure that the lifetime is longer, reducing the potential for wasted materials and energy.

If you’re looking for a sustainable furniture supplier that covers all the sustainability criteria in this blog and then some, then you’re already in the right place. Follow this link to learn more about our commitment to sustainability, along with our bespoke options that can fit seamlessly into your goals.