How your business can benefit from having sustainable furniture

Over the past few years, sustainability has become increasingly important to consumers when deciding which companies to do business with and which products to buy. When we talk about sustainability in relation to the restaurant industry, we often think about reducing waste in the kitchen, such as food, water and energy. But there is also another important element that is often forgotten - the furniture.

 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 9 million tons of furniture are discarded each year, accounting for five percent of all that is dumped in landfills. The majority of the furniture in the landfills has been manufactured within the last 15 years, and is unfortunately not made with durability in mind. This makes neither environmental nor economic sense for any company. Therefore, companies are increasingly striving towards more sustainable production processes and environmentally friendly furniture.

Here are just a few of the benefits of supporting sustainable furniture suppliers:

Boost your brand

Business owners are becoming more aware of the far-reaching benefits of taking a more proactive ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) approach. Sustainability is at the forefront of politics, trade and investment, but it also drives consumer preferences. In fact, both customers and potential employees have begun to boycott companies that are not sustainable. As recently reported by Bupa, 63% of Generation Z expect employers to do more about environmental issues and 31% would turn down a job with a company with a poor ESG record.

 Companies with a strong ESG strategy have a significant competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. In the hospitality industry, sustainable furniture such as bamboo curtains or tables and chairs bring you one step closer to achieving the desired 'sustainable certification' and sends a clear message to both customers and employees.

Improve health

Sustainable furniture is better for the environment and for the general health of customers, employees and also those who work in the manufacturing process. Unlike traditional furniture production, which uses chemicals and pesticides that can cause fatigue, nausea and headaches, sustainable furniture, like NorthbyNorth's bamboo chairs and dining tables, produced without the use of harmful substances such as pesticides or fertilizers.

 In general, bamboo as a plant releases up to 35% more oxygen than other trees and plants and also recycles CO2. So even before it turns into stylish tables and chairs, it helps the environment and promotes better health.

Longer life cycle = long-term cost savings

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing (some species can grow up to 1 meter per day!), flexible and durable materials in the world. NorthbyNorth only uses mature bamboo, which increases the bamboo's strength and durability, and with proper treatment, our furniture can last for many years. In fact, bamboo needs minimal maintenance and protection which is essential when running a busy hotel, restaurant or bar where customers scratch, knock, kick and spill on the furniture. Investing in long-lasting bamboo furniture can help a business achieve significant long-term cost savings and cut waste, ultimately reducing the amount of furniture in landfills!

Sustainable communities

NorthbyNorth's bamboo is sourced from plantations in Vietnam. Our factories are located close to the plantations and employ local Vietnamese craftsmen. That way, there is work for the locals, who take pride in ensuring that every piece of furniture is of the highest quality.

 Our Danish designed furniture has a timeless simplicity that works well in the restaurant industry, offering durability, strength and flexibility without contributing to deforestation Stylistically, economically and socially, bamboo furniture seems to be responsible choices for companies that focus on the future.

 If you want to know more, visit our website northbynorth.com – or write to us at info@northbynorth.com