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Last month, we explored The Future of Workplace Design: Trends for 2025 and Beyond, examining how evolving work spaces prioritise flexibility, well-being, and technology integration. As the work place continue to adapt to new challenges and expectations, one factor stands out as a critical consideration for the future: sustainability.

Why Sustainability in Commercial Furniture Matters

Sustainability is no longer an optional feature—it is a business imperative. Organisations worldwide are recognising that their choices in office furniture impact not only the environment but also employee well-being, brand reputation, and long-term financial performance. With growing awareness of climate change, resource depletion, and waste management, businesses are seeking solutions that align with their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments while fostering healthier and more productive work environments.

Yet, sustainability is often misunderstood. In New Zealand, where the natural environment plays a significant role in cultural identity, sustainability is frequently associated with individual action—such as recycling or reducing plastic use—rather than systemic change. However, true sustainability in business requires a shift in mindset: from viewing eco-friendly choices as a cost to seeing them as an investment in resilience, efficiency, and long-term success.


Unison: A Commitment to Sustainable Practices

At Unison Spaces, sustainability is woven into the fabric of our approach. We believe that creating a responsible work space goes beyond aesthetics and functionality—it means making choices that support a healthier planet and a circular economy. Here’s how we uphold our commitment to sustainable practices:

  • Eco-Friendly Materials: We prioritise furniture crafted from recycled, renewable, and responsibly sourced materials. From FSC-certified wood to low-emission finishes and fabrics made from post-consumer waste, we partner with brands that share our vision for a sustainable future.
  • Circular Economy Initiatives: Through take-back programs, refurbishment options, and modular designs that extend product lifecycle's, we help businesses reduce waste and embrace sustainable consumption.
  • Carbon Footprint Reduction: We work with manufacturers who implement energy-efficient production methods, utilise sustainable supply chains, and invest in carbon offset programs.
  • Designing for Longevity: Rather than disposable trends, we advocate for timeless, adaptable designs that evolve with workplace needs, reducing unnecessary replacements and landfill waste.




Why Sustainability Matters to Us as a Business

At Unison, sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a core value that drives our business decisions and long-term vision. As a leader in furniture solutions, we recognise our role in shaping a more sustainable future for the industry. By prioritising eco-conscious practices, we:

A common misconception in the market is that sustainability comes with a premium price tag. While there is an initial investment, sustainable choices often result in long-term cost savings through durability, energy efficiency, and reduced waste. The true cost of unsustainable furniture—frequent replacements, landfill contributions, and negative brand perception—far outweighs the upfront expense of responsible sourcing.

Sustainability is not just about the products we offer—it’s about the impact we create. By integrating sustainability into our core business strategy, we ensure that our clients receive not only innovative and inspiring workspace solutions but also a commitment to a more responsible future.














                                       
Revolutionary Sustainability Initiatives in Commercial Furniture

The industry is witnessing groundbreaking sustainability efforts that set new standards for responsible furniture design. Key initiatives leading this change include:

  • NaughtOne’s Sustainability Commitment: NaughtOne is pioneering sustainability with a holistic approach that includes complete material transparency, a furniture take-back program, and 100% recyclable products. Their clear product passports help businesses understand the environmental impact of each piece, empowering better purchasing decisions.
  • MillerKnoll's Environmental and Social Impact: As a sustainability leader, MillerKnoll is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through material innovation, renewable energy initiatives, and closed-loop production cycles. Their goal of achieving 50% recycled content in all products by 2030 underscores their commitment to long-term environmental responsibility.
  • HOWE’s Sustainability Approach: HOWE a/s integrates sustainability into its core philosophy by designing durable, timeless furniture with high recyclability. With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, their initiatives include sustainable sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, and certifications that align with circular economy principles.
  • Casala’s Circular Economy Commitment: Casala Furniture has embraced the circular economy with its innovative approach to furniture design. Their program focuses on remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling furniture to extend product lifecycles, minimising waste and environmental impact while offering high-quality, sustainable workspace solutions.
  • Herman Miller's Ocean-Bound Plastic Initiative: Herman Miller has taken a bold step in tackling plastic pollution by integrating ocean-bound plastics into their furniture. By repurposing waste before it reaches marine ecosystems, they prevent thousands of kilograms of plastic from polluting our oceans while creating high-quality, sustainable office solutions.

These companies are proving that sustainability and high-quality design can go hand in hand.

                                            



Rethinking Sustainability and Price on a Global Scale

Sustainability in the commercial furniture industry presents both challenges and opportunities worldwide. As businesses navigate the complexities of balancing cost with environmental responsibility, it is essential to take a holistic approach to sustainability.

At Unison, we prioritise working with global manufacturers that are transparent about their sustainability efforts. While local production can reduce transport emissions, true sustainability requires a full assessment of the entire supply chain—from material sourcing and production to distribution and disposal. A product manufactured with sustainable processes and responsibly sourced materials may have a lower overall carbon footprint than one that is locally produced but lacks transparency and certification.

For example, companies like Herman Miller have made significant strides in reducing emissions by introducing recycled materials and innovative design changes. The Mirra 2 chair was recently redesigned with 100% recycled nylon, cutting its carbon footprint to 64.2 kg CO2. Similarly, MillerKnoll has reduced the carbon footprint of its top products by 25% since 2022, setting new industry benchmarks for sustainability.

The Importance of Supply Chain Transparency

Working with globally recognised sustainable suppliers allows us to ensure full material transparency, reducing emissions at the source rather than relying on carbon offsets. At Unison, we focus on suppliers who:

  • Use sustainable, bio-based, and recycled materials
  • Follow responsible manufacturing processes with minimal waste
  • Provide transparent carbon reporting through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

  • Commit to long-term sustainability goals, such as MillerKnoll’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050


                                                                                   



Designing for Longevity and Circularity

Sustainability is not just about what products are made of—it’s also about how long they last. We prioritise timeless, durable designs that can be repurposed or recycled rather than discarded. Suppliers like Herman Miller, Muuto, and Wendelbo are committed to designing products that stand the test of time, minimising landfill waste and maximising reuse.

The Next Step: Advancing New Zealand’s Sustainability Standards

While global brands are making significant progress, New Zealand manufacturers face challenges in achieving the same level of sustainability due to high costs and limited access to sustainable production methods. At Unison, we are on a journey to obtain Toitū certification, further strengthening our commitment to verified sustainability standards.

We aim to work closely with both global and local suppliers to raise the bar, ensuring that all our products meet rigorous environmental standards. This is not just about compliance—it’s about making meaningful change that benefits businesses, people, and the planet.

The Future of Sustainable Commercial Furniture

As climate change accelerates, businesses must take an active role in reducing their environmental impact. Choosing sustainable furniture is one way to contribute to a better future while also benefiting from high-quality, durable products.

At Unison, we are proud to be part of this movement—offering innovative, sustainable solutions that help companies align their work space with their values. The challenge ahead is not just about designing for sustainability but rethinking how we assess and implement it at every level.

The time for change is now. Let’s create a more sustainable future, one piece of furniture at a time. How is your organisation integrating sustainability into its work place strategy? Let’s continue the conversation.