Nowadays, the world is seeing the purchase of sustainable products and conscious efforts by companies and brands as a "normal" part of daily life. As many of you may already know, sustainable means "sustainable.

The word "sustainable" was coined from the words "sustain" and "sustainable" = "sustinable. Although it may seem like a recently coined word, the concept actually has a long history, having been announced in 1987 in the report "Our Common Future" by the World Commission on Environment and Development (established by the United Nations in 1983).

In this article, we would like to think about sustainability again and summarize what activities are available in interior design and furniture. We hope that you will learn about the appeal of sustainable furniture and consider it as one of your options.

What is sustainable furniture?

The term "sustainable" is somewhat vague. Simply put, it is an activity that aims to "continue our lives and preserve the global environment in the future.

Furniture, like food and clothing, is an item that is closely connected to our daily lives, and the awareness of each individual can have a large impact on the environment. What exactly is sustainable furniture?

Domestic and international furniture manufacturers are engaged in a variety of sustainable manufacturing practices. Here are just a few examples.

• Reuse of marine plastics
• Industrial Waste Utilization
• Use of Recycled Aluminum
• Uses naturally degradable bioplastics
• Use of natural energy for plant operations
• forest preservation

In this way, we are working to protect the global environment in which we live by using materials carefully, utilizing energy, and preserving rich forests and oceans for future generations. Another sustainable approach in the furniture industry is to nurture "human resources," such as training engineers.

The awareness of not only the maker but also the user/buyer is important. When purchasing furniture, choose furniture that will last as long as possible and not be disposable. At the same time, we want to pass it down from generation to generation with products that can be repaired or replaced.

Advantages and disadvantages of using sustainable furniture

Sustainable furniture has a positive impact on the environment and improves people's lives. The change in individual awareness will not only affect furniture, but also the way we live and work, making our lives richer and more fulfilling. But is it really all for the best? Let's take another look at the advantages and disadvantages of using sustainable furniture.

Benefits of Sustainable Furniture

The benefits are first and foremost that the products are good for the natural environment. Most brands that make sustainable furniture aim to help preserve the environment. And as a result, we sustain a livable environment and our own lives will continue to be comfortable.

As more people adopt a sustainable mindset in a single piece of furniture, they will become more conscious of the accessories, clothing, and food that surround it. The cumulative effect of creating a better cycle in our lifestyles will lead to a better environment for the planet as a whole.

Disadvantages of sustainable furniture

One disadvantage of sustainable furniture is the higher initial cost. Production costs, such as solid wood and special processing, increase the selling price. Inexpensive mass-produced items may be inexpensive at the time of purchase, but they may break quickly, cannot be repaired, and may cost more later on.

Considering not only the initial cost = initial cost, but also the cost of use = running cost in the medium to long term, the price of sustainable furniture cannot be considered a disadvantage.

Sustainable design that also has an organic, natural look. Recycled or repurposed materials may not be to your liking. However, technology is constantly evolving and many modern-looking pieces of furniture are being created. We encourage you to broaden your horizons and discover many great sustainable furniture options.

Introducing sustainable furniture usage scenarios.

Sustainable furniture can enrich our lives at every turn. Here are some examples of sustainable furniture that can be used in a variety of situations.

Relaxation and Resting Place [Sustainable Furniture Usage Scenes (1)

Sofas and single-seat chairs are furniture for living rooms and other relaxing spaces. Sofas are composed of components such as seat and back cushions, upholstery covers, and legs. No matter how expensive they are, deterioration such as dents and tears in the fabric are inevitable after use.

In addition to the durability of the urethane and springs that make up the inner material, careful selection of materials, such as fabrics that are resistant to abrasion, will ensure a longer service life. It is also advisable to choose a manufacturer or product that supports detailed maintenance, such as fabric replacement, wood replacement, and urethane replacement or addition.

Place for gathering and dining [Usage scenario of sustainable furniture (2)].

Most dining tables and chairs are made of wood, but using domestic wood is also recommended as sustainable furniture. Although 70% of Japan's land area is forested, the reality is that domestic timber is not being utilized because of the overwhelming share of mass imported timber from abroad.

Artificial forests such as cedar and cypress planted for postwar reconstruction are currently in a state of disrepair due to lack of proper care. By using furniture made by a brand that properly manages trees and balances all the processes of logging, sawing, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, we can play a part in protecting our rich natural environment.

Also, why not be particular about the paint? With a typical urethane coating, deep scratches cannot be repaired and the table will be discarded. However, if the table top is made of solid natural wood and coated with oil, it can be maintained and used for a long time.

Workspace [Scenes of using sustainable furniture (3)].

Office furniture has now become a diverse field. The workplace is shifting from one-size-fits-all to a place for creativity. With the spread of telework and the shift to online work, even office work is undergoing a major transformation, and office furniture is beginning to take on a different look and feel.

There is a growing demand for furniture that can be freely combined with other furniture, such as flexible arrangement settings to meet the changing work requirements of different departments and public trends.

There are many factors that make furniture sustainable, such as the materials used, the background of how it was made, and how it can be disposed of as little as possible, but changeability is probably one of them. Office furniture, such as storage units that can be freely combined with tops and doors, and desks with variable heights, can be moved and changed according to the purpose and used flexibly.

Space design that also motivates workers can be considered sustainable from the perspective of nurturing human resources.

>> Click here to see Tesera's sustainable office furniture

 

Sustainable Living. Why not start with furniture?

The word "sustainable" has been in use for more than 30 years. However, it is only in the last few years that the world has begun to pay significant attention to it. Global warming, environmental destruction, and various other problems related to the natural environment are no longer waiting for us.

And a sustainable society is not only about environmental conservation, but also about creating an environment where people on the earth can live in peace and equality. While the activities of governments and corporations are very important, it is also important for each individual to be aware of these activities in their daily lives.

Why not start with furniture that is essential to your life and work and incorporate it with a sustainable mindset? There is more than one path to sustainable initiatives. Let's start living sustainably with a flexible and diverse perspective.

Tesera uses recyclable aluminum materials for the main components, and even if some parts are scratched, they can be replaced, making the office furniture sustainable and easy to use. We look forward to seeing you at our Tokyo showroom in January 2022.

>> Click here for showroom details.