Consumers are starting to make more planet-friendly buying decisions, so we take a look at the impact on kitchen furniture and how retailers can meet their needs

Enduura is a bio-based kitchen from Keller, with MDF made from 100% reclaimed wood and reportedly produces 20% less carbon emissions during production. The plant-based HPL is free from phenols and formaldehye.

Eco-conscious shopping has become a way of life – from buying preloved clothes, through to recycling mobile phones, films and games, or ethically sourcing food.

It has even influenced the KBB industry, with the growth of ex-display and used kitchens resellers.

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While stricter Building Regulations to create low-carbon homes, may be the largest influence for manufacturers, it is assisted by the underlying support of consumers who want to lower their impact on the planet.

According to research by KPMG, last year, half of consumers would prefer to buy a low carbon home.

Sustainability is not a far-out or far away concept, it is happening here and now.

Planet-friendly kitchens

While major domestic appliances may be at the forefront of the sustainable kitchen conversation, as consumers seek to lower their utility bills, the very fabric of the space is furniture.

Using FSC certified materials, reducing carbon emissions in production and increasing recycled content in its kitchens, Symphony has ambitions for its entire range to meet high sustainability credentials

Such has been the influence of eco-conscious choices, manufacturers have developed planet-friendly kitchens, with increased recycled content, and raised the standards of their environmental performance – minimising waste and carbon emissions in production.

Head of marketing at Symphony Robert Newton says sustainable kitchen furniture is rising up the agenda in the retail sector: “While price and design still lead the conversation, more retailers are asking us about things like material sourcing and lifecycle impact.

“It’s not necessarily the first question, but it’s coming up more often – and when consumers ask, retailers want to be ready with an answer.”

And head of UK operations at Rotpunkt Matt Phillips agrees consumer interest  is growing: “Shopping with a conscience has become the norm for many consumers as, in general, investing in the home while supporting climate-friendly initiatives is now part of the design conversation.

“This has led to multiple considerations when choosing furniture such as sourcing and production, through to packing and delivery.

“By assessing what’s important to each customer, from the outset, designers can be sensitive to their needs and the needs of the planet.”

Holistic vision

But it begs the question of what truly makes kitchen furniture sustainable? Is it material choice, sourcing, producing or even simply longevity of use?

Aluminium doors are offered in a selection of metallic and neutral tones. Since aluminium is recyclable, these door fronts form part of a sustainability offering from Poggenpohl

Robert Newton says it is a combination, as he explains: “At Symphony, we look at sustainability holistically – so it’s about using FSC-certified materials, making our manufacturing as efficient as possible, and ensuing our furniture is built to last.”

CEO of Scavolini, Fabiana Scavolini agrees sustainability means taking an all-round view: “At Scavolini we believe that true sustainability in kitchen furniture stems from a combination of factors.

“First and foremost, the selection of materials is crucial.

“We prioritise using certified wood, recycled components, and low emission finishes.

“Additionally, we focus on durability and timeless design to ensure our kitchens are built to last, minimising waste and the need for frequent replacements.”

Training and transparency

Taking a 360 view of sustainability can also minimise the possibility of greenwashing, where retailers many be led to believe products are more environmentally-friendly then they actually are.

Tempo Casella doors from JJO are available in six finishes and manufactured as part of a process ISO 14001 accredited for Environmental Management System.

Kitchen manufacturers are helping support retailers who want to make sustainable furniture choices with training, becoming even more transparent and providing them with sustainability credentials.

“Education is key”, says Tim Spann of Keller Kitchens, adding: “We offer comprehensive training on what sustainability really means – busting the myth that it’s simply about doing less harm. True sustainability is about doing more good, creating positive impact at every state.”

Keller and JJO both provide a carbon calculator for their kitchen furniture manufacture to help developers, retailers and their customers make more sustainable choices.

Managing director of JJO Stephen Greenhalgh explained why it has invested into the technology: “We are excited about how the calculator will add value and a real point of difference to our retail and trade partners’ businesses as more consumers make decisions driven by their desire to reduce their environmental impact.”

So, if in doubt, ask manufacturers about their sustainability credentials to help decide on the environmental impact of their furniture.

Tim Spann of Keller adds: “A truly sustainable manufacturer will be able to supply all the accreditations, certifications EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations), LCAs (Life Cycle Analysis) and FSC.”

Growing eco-impact

One thing is for certain, that sustainable choices will only become more important in kitchen furniture choice, with momentum not only driven by government policy, but also consumer demand and material research.

Smala in natural Walnut, from Rotpunkt,  provides customers with a real wood kitchen that protects the environment thanks to being made of Greenline BioBoard Gen2 with all wood elements FSC certified and low formaldehyde emissions

It could even be argued kitchen retailers have a duty to minimise their impact on the planet, as the built environment plays a crucial role in sustainability.

And this focus on more eco-conscious kitchen design can offer a distinct business advantage, as Tim Spann of Keller says accomplished retailers can position themselves as sustainability leaders, for a powerful point of difference in a crowded marketplace.

After all sustainability is not a buzzword but a fundamental shift in mindset.

So make sure you are placed to meet this market movement and its influence for kitchen furniture.