Recycled content is becoming a competitive factor
For a long time, the selection of office furniture focused primarily on ergonomics, functionality and cost-effectiveness. Today, further requirements have been added: products should conserve resources, reduce emissions and remain in the usage cycle for as long as possible.
Particularly in the public sector and among companies with their own ESG targets, criteria such as the proportion of recycled materials, carbon footprint and circularity are increasingly being incorporated into tenders and procurement guidelines. At the same time, sustainability certifications for buildings and interior fittings are increasingly requiring robust product data that enables an objective assessment.
Why recycled raw materials are so important
The production of new materials is one of the biggest sources of CO₂ emissions in a product’s life cycle. Using secondary raw materials instead helps conserve resources and reduces the demand for energy-intensive primary materials.
That is why Sedus defines specific sustainability targets right at the start of product development – for example, regarding the proportion of recycled materials used and the maximum permissible CO₂ footprint. Sustainability thus becomes a measurable development parameter and is not merely assessed at the end of the process.
Up to 68% recycled raw materials – a measurable contribution
With a recycled content of up to 68 per cent, the se:cove lounge chair is one of the products where responsible material selection begins right at the design stage. This high proportion of recycled raw materials makes a significant contribution to reducing product-related CO₂ emissions.
Depending on the version, the CO₂ equivalent of the fully upholstered lounge chair is just 12.5 kg (cradle-to-gate assessment). This illustrates the impact that material selection can have on the environmental footprint even in the early stages of the product life cycle.
Transparency as the key to sustainability
However, a single figure is rarely sufficient for architects, specialist retailers and buyers. They need verifiable data that can be integrated into sustainability assessments and tenders.
That is why Sedus provides comprehensive environmental information for its products in the form of Environmental Product Information (EPI). This includes, amongst other things, details on environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle, material composition, recycling content and CO₂ emissions generated. This transparency makes it easier for planners to make informed decisions and to provide robust evidence of compliance with sustainability requirements.
Choice of materials is only part of the solution
A high proportion of recycled material is particularly effective when it forms part of a holistic sustainability concept. Sedus therefore considers the entire product life cycle: from development, through regional sourcing and energy-efficient production, to durability, reparability and recyclability.
It is precisely this combination that is becoming increasingly important for modern ESG strategies. After all, sustainable products should not only be manufactured in a way that conserves resources, but should also be used for as long as possible and, at the end of their life
Sustainability becomes a matter of planning
The demands placed on sustainable procurement will continue to rise in the coming years. For companies, this means that furniture must not only be functional and aesthetically pleasing, but must also be able to provide verifiable evidence of its environmental performance.
With a recycled content of up to 68 per cent, transparently documented environmental indicators and product development consistently geared towards the circular economy, se:cove represents a new generation of furniture that places equal emphasis on environmental responsibility and quality.
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