To reduce waste and limit the extraction of new resources, we use as many recycled materials as possible in our furniture. We choose materials that are suitable for endless reuse and apply strict selection criteria, such as responsible sourcing, sustainable origins, healthy materials, minimal environmental impact, maximum lifespan and circularity.
Maximising the lifespan
To avoid depleting the Earth’s resources, we are part of a circular system. This allows us to reuse materials for as long as possible, turning old materials into new resources. The technical lifespan of our materials is often much longer than the average use of our furniture, which is typically just 8 to 10 years. By reusing materials across multiple usage cycles, we ensure their maximum value and prevent material loss.
‘‘45% of all CO2 emissions are caused by material production.’’
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Closing the Gap (2019) and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, Global Status Report (2021)
In practice: Revived table top
Every year, around 5,000 Compact tabletops are returned to the Circular Hub. This is a durable material with a lifespan of over 30 years. We refurbish these tops by giving them a new top layer, extending their lifecycle. This saves around 95% CO2 emissions compared to producing a new Compact table top.
We choose recycled and recyclable materials
When selecting recycled materials, we consider factors such as usage, construction, strength, comfort, colour and texture. We sometimes change a design to suit the properties of the material. We test reused or recycled materials to the same standards as new ones, ensuring the quality and lifespan of our furniture.
There are two types of recycled plastics: post-consumer recycled materials (PCR) and post-industrial recycled materials (PIR). Post-consumer recycled materials come from used products, while post-industrial recycled materials come from industrial waste generated during the production of new raw materials.
‘‘Since the launch of the Ahrend Well Circular Black in 2020, we have saved 65,000 kg of plastic.’’
Calculation based on average sales between 2020-2023
In practice: Ahrend Well Circular Black
The black plastic seat of the Well Circular Black is made from polypropylene, a 100% recycled post-consumer plastic. Based on average sales between 2020-2023, we expect to save around 16,250 kg of plastic annually.
On average, we save up to 80% CO2 emissions per kilogram compared to new polypropylene. One kilogram of post-consumer recycled polypropylene emits 3.1 kg less CO2 than new polypropylene. This results in a yearly reduction of 50,375 kg CO2, which is equivalent to driving around the world four times! (Source: Ecochain Carbon Translator)
Recycled fabrics in acoustic screens
The acoustic filling of the S50 panels consists of 77% recycled textile waste from the fashion and interior industries. This saves up to 50% in CO2 emissions compared to acoustic material made from new raw materials.* The material is not glued, making it easy to disassemble and reuse, for example, in the Ahrend Revived Collection, or to recycle. The technical lifespan of the material is up to 75 years, meaning it can last through multiple life cycles.
*This calculation is based on a comparison between PET fibre acoustic material made from new raw materials and recycled acoustic material made from 77% textile waste.
Mono-backing
The available fabrics for the panels are made from mono-materials. These materials consist of 100% of a single component, such as 100% wool or 100% polyester. At the end of their life cycle, these fabrics are suitable for textile recycling. They are finished on the back with a sustainable layer known as mono-backing. This is a mono-material made of (recycled) polyester that is adhered to the fabric with 100% polyester glue. The mono-backing is therefore 100% recyclable, and the fabrics remain suitable for recycling.
How we close the loop through innovation
To close the loop, we have partnered with suppliers, startups, local businesses and social enterprises to innovate with materials. For example, we work with i-did to create recycled felt from our textile waste, and the wood waste from our Wood Hub is returned to local chipboard suppliers.
‘We have partnered with suppliers, startups and social enterprises to innovate with materials and close the loop.’
Circular thinking is in our DNA.
Friso Kramer, the iconic designer, first pioneered sustainable design by always looking at how things could be simplified—less frills, fewer parts, less material, fewer things that could break. Long before the term existed, we were already leading the way in circular design, with timeless products that can be endlessly reused. How do we do it?
Minimising your environmental impact starts at the drawing board. During the design process, we calculate the environmental impact of various design and material choices through Life Cycle Assessment. By doing so, we make decisions that ensure minimal CO2 emissions for our furniture.
Our furniture is used intensively indoors throughout the day. We therefore ensure that the materials are sound and durable. We test our furniture extensively in various ways. How do we do this?
Our furniture is used intensively in indoor environments throughout the day. This is why we ensure that the materials are sound and durable. We extensively test our furniture in various ways. How do we do this?