If you're worried about the impact your daily choices have on the environment, you're not alone. We do, too. It's no secret that the furniture industry has a huge carbon footprint.
In the UK in 2022, furniture manufacturing produced over 575,000 metric tons of carbon monoxide emissions, according to Statista⁽¹⁾. While this is a significant drop from what it was in 1990 – 2.5 million metric tons – it's also the highest it's been since 2010. It's becoming an increasing concern.
The demand for sustainable furniture solutions is more pressing than ever. With both individuals and companies striving for a net zero target, Loopspace is pleased to offer second-hand office chairs, saving you money and helping you do your part for the planet.
We're going to explore the environmental impact of buying new furniture compared to buying pre-loved furniture. Let's examine the various effects on carbon footprints, waste generation, and resource consumption.
The carbon footprint of new vs. pre-loved furniture
A carbon footprint is the measure of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to a particular activity or individual. In 2022, the carbon footprint of the UK furniture industry was more than 575,000 metric tons. The UK's largest furniture association, FIRA, emphasises that furniture companies independently report their carbon footprint with many using different boundaries and methodologies to take their measurements, so the problem may be worse than we think⁽²⁾.
They also reported that the estimated average carbon footprint for a new task chair is 72 kgCO₂e (kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent). Metal and plastic task chairs account for 70 per cent of this sector's carbon footprint. To put this into perspective, the carbon footprint of a new 1600x1200 mm workstation desk is 45 kgCO₂e. So, new office chairs have quite a significant carbon footprint for their size.
Foams, fillings, packaging, and transport account for another 18 per cent of a task chair's carbon footprint.
The KTH Royal Institute of Technology reported that buying used furniture can reduce climate impacts by 42 per cent⁽³⁾. With better replacement rates, transport decisions and a variety of products sold, the second-hand furniture industry could save up to 80 per cent of climate impact.
Buying a new office chair could have a carbon footprint of 72 kgCO₂e. Buying a used office chair could have a carbon footprint of 32 kgCO₂e at most.
Resource consumption:
raw materials and deforestation
The furniture industry is responsible for a considerable portion of the world's deforestation. According to World Wildlife, the international trade in illegal wood products, typically used for low-cost timber products, is responsible for up to 30 per cent of global timber production⁽⁴⁾. Furniture manufacturers use other raw materials, including water, energy, and transport, to produce new products.
Since 1990, the world has lost one-third of its forests, with 420 million hectares gone⁽⁵⁾. The furniture industry uses a vast amount of the wood from deforestation, with Ikea alone responsible for 1% of the world's wood annually⁽⁶⁾.
The furniture industry uses wood from forests for many of its products, as well as packaging materials like cardboard or wooden pallets. While there are more sustainable forests, there is scepticism that taking from forests can ever be truly sustainable in the long term. Buying second-hand office chairs ensures a much more environmentally friendly practice since no new materials are needed for the product.
Waste generation and landfill impact
Wrap UK has reported that 22 million pieces of furniture are thrown away annually⁽⁷⁾. Reusing items could save UK households up to £8 billion each year.
EE Waste reports that steel takes about 50 years to decompose⁽⁸⁾. It takes up to 200 years for aluminium to decompose. Stainless steel can take more than 1000 years. Many office chairs are made of these materials, which is why it's crucial that they don't end up in landfills.
We're passionate about reducing waste while ensuring office furniture can be reused or repaired instead of discarded. There is value in second-hand goods, which is why we prefer to call it 'pre-loved'. Second-hand does not mean it’s lesser than; it just means it's lived a life already.
Toxic chemicals and indoor air pollution
Did you know that new furniture ‘off-gasses' and is particularly harmful in indoor environments? Off-gassing occurs when a new item releases volatile organic compounds into an environment, including carcinogenic chemicals and formaldehyde. The process can last years.
Buying second-hand office furniture emits significantly fewer VOCs and toxic chemicals, making it safer for indoor use. Choosing second-hand pieces can reduce the chance of experiencing headaches, nausea, allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections, according to Science Direct⁽⁹⁾.
High VOC levels are found, particularly in new and recently renovated spaces, due to the fresh paint, wood, furniture, and appliances. When purchasing a pre-loved office chair from Loopspace, you avoid the high levels of VOCs that may have previously been present in the piece. When refurbishing our chairs, we use eco-friendly products to ensure they emit low to no VOCs.
Energy consumption in manufacturing vs. refurbishing
Refurbishing furniture is so much more efficient than manufacturing new products. NetRegs reports that up to 80 per cent less energy is consumed when refurbishing a product⁽¹⁰⁾. By choosing us, you are protecting the environment and so are we.
Science Direct concludes that refurbishing is the most ideal option over recycling or discarding of a product⁽¹¹⁾. Refurbishing allows the repair of the product while keeping its value. They report an even bigger potential energy saving, up to 90 per cent.
It goes without saying that refurbishing products rather than demanding new ones saves a significant amount of energy consumption. If you are planning to create a sustainable office for your home or business, choose Loopspace for eco-friendly furniture.
The case for pre-loved furniture
Purchasing pre-loved furniture for your office space will have a substantial positive impact on the planet. Used furniture can reduce climate impacts by 42 per cent; it reduces the demand for new materials, and therefore, leads to less deforestation; it can cut energy consumption by 90 per cent. On top of all the effects this decision has on the planet, it can also save you money and reduce indoor air pollution in your work environment.
Are you ready to buy a pre-loved office chair and experience incredible comfort at a fraction of the cost? Or buy a component to repair your existing office chair? Explore our products today.
