Paving the way for a sustainable future

When it comes to the things we buy and the products we use, it’s become abundantly clear that consumers care. Recent years have seen a move away from throwaway culture, shunning the low-skill assembly line model for a more sustainable approach. The result is an ever-increasing demand for products that are made with the planet in mind.

Design brands are responding to this need in myriad ways. Whether it’s products that are made to last or ones that can be reused and reimagined, this new approach to production requires diligence at every step.

For many companies, this begins with the materials. Nikari have worked almost exclusively with wood since the company began in 1967, sustainably cultivated from Northern European forests and supplied by a sawmill located directly next to their workshop. As wood is a completely renewable material, at the end of their products long lifespan, the parts can be broken down and recycled.

Similarly, Emeco have been flying the flag for recycled materials for decades. Their unique approach began with the Navy Chair in 1944, created from salvaged aluminium that was readily available at the time. Ever since then, they have remained dedicated to finding new and innovative ways of working with materials that would have otherwise been discarded.

The manufacturing process itself is an area where companies are taking big steps to decrease their ecological footprint. Italian brand Mattiazzi create their products with a set of sustainable aims in place. Included in the list is no emissions released into the atmosphere, nothing sent to landfill, and the use of 100% clean energy. For each tree they cut down, another one is planted; sawdust is collected from the floor and used to heat the factory.

Mattiazzi are clear about their goals and not afraid to share them - their website proudly displays the amount of energy they’ve produced in the last 30 days, as well as the weight of CO2 emissions they have managed to avoid.

For other companies, their approach to sustainability extends to the community around them. Bosnian brand Zanat use a traditional woodcarving technique in their work which demands the use of highly skilled workers. In an area where unemployment is rife, they are creating jobs for the local community, employing and training new members of staff each year.

Following her travels to underdeveloped countries, designer Nani Marquina knew that she had to use her designs to make a difference. In the 90s, she outsourced all of the production for her eponymous label to countries where it could offer new opportunities and improved living standards for local people. Today, the brand’s colourful rugs are largely handwoven by expert craftsmen around the globe.

By really reexamining their business practices and making a difference where they can, these brands are setting the standard for eco-conscious design. It may not be the norm just yet, but together they are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

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