The Furniture Makers’ Company invites applications for seventh Sustainability Award

The Furniture Makers’ Company is inviting UK furnishing manufacturers of all sizes that are blazing an environmental trail to apply for the seventh annual Sustainability Award.

Sponsored by waste management specialist HIPPO, the award considers all aspects of sustainable business practices, including waste and energy management, design process, product improvements, packaging, transportation, procurement, end of life management, client relationships, supplier management, employee engagement and corporate social responsibility.

The deadline for entries is 7 September 2018. Previous winners of the Sustainability Award include Silentnight, Godfrey Syrett, Hypnos Beds, Orangebox, Premiere Kitchens and Senator International.

Ben Burbidge, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, said: “Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy in regards to ecological issues and are looking for products from companies they believe to be manufactured sustainably, with many prepared to pay more for them. However, being sustainable is more than a marketing gimmick, it’s a responsible thing for companies to do. The goal of the Sustainability Award is to recognise businesses within the UK furnishing industry that are committed to safeguarding our planet and leaving a fine legacy to future generations.”

Commenting on winning the award in 2017, Steve Freeman, managing director at Silentnight, said: “Sustainability has been ingrained within Silentnight for a long time and in 2017 we were honoured to be granted the Sustainability Award from The Furniture Makers’ Company, recognising our commitment to having a positive impact on the planet.”

Entry forms are available from The Furniture Makers’ Company website – https://www.furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence/sustainability-award/. Questions about this award can be answered by Doreen Oddy, guild marks manager, by telephone on 020 7562 8520 or email: guildmarks@furnituremakers.org.uk