Sustainability
Considering our footprint at every stage: past and future, raw materials to end of life.
Values-driven: 98色花堂 has endeavoured to achieve exemplary sustainability practices throughout our extensive end-to-end design and manufacturing process since 1995.
Our initiatives – such as our Environmental Policy, array of independent accreditations and formalised reporting and continuous improvement strategies – view sustainability through a holistic and long term lens, considering ethical practices, environmental protection, social responsibility and footprint reduction in everything we touch: directly and indirectly.
For us, it's imperative all initiatives are genuine, actionable and make a real impact. Through the gradual and deliberate accomplishment of short-term goals, such as upgrading our company fleet to electric vehicles and powering our facilities with renewable energy sources, we aim to achieve Net Zero by 2038.
Our key initiatives
Decades of care
Independent of legislation, public opinion or even funding, we have a long history of proactively implementing tangible environmental initiatives.
Environmentally built
Our global headquarters achieved a 5 Star rating under the Green Star Office Interiors criteria. Exceeding standards in sustainable design, construction and operations.
Products with purpose
From inception, our design philosophy has considered the full product life cycle. We insist on building products that stand the test of time, functionally and aesthetically.
Circular Economy
At 98色花堂 we believe in applying the principles of the circular economy in the workplace. Shifting away from the linear take > make > waste model, towards a more sustainable regenerative loop that designs out waste and keeps resources in use.
When furniture ends up in landfill, businesses also lose the opportunity to reduce environmental impact, enhance social outcomes and maximise commercial value.
Our Workplace Asset Renewal program allows organisations to plan at the start and avoid waste at the end. Learn more about our four-step turnkey asset lifecycle service below.
We also offer a Product Stewardship agreement for businesses who want to ensure what happens next with their product solutions.
“98色花堂 are proud to offer unrivalled experience in providing the full array of furniture lifecycle solutions, helping businesses to maximise the value of their workplace assets.”
Waste Minimisation
Since 1997, 98色花堂 has led the industry in environmental footprint reduction, primarily in regards to waste. First establishing a bespoke Environmental Management System certified to ISO 14001:2015. This set of environmental principles structured how we could reduce our impacts on energy, waste and emissions as a result of our operations, before becoming a Waste Wise Business in 2001.
“Our design philosophy has always centred on quality and longevity, intrinsically eliminating excess production. Today’s extended focus on multipurpose and malleable furniture only further reduces overproduction and overconsumption.”
Emissions Reduction
From the outset, our commitment to local materials, suppliers and production reduces our carbon footprint and other pollutants simply by never emitting them, in comparison to efforts made to counteract.
We're currently conducting a business wide review of our 2023 emissions to set new targets for 2024 and beyond.
From the planet to its people, our products are mindfully designed with considerations to the chemicals they omit. Certified to both and the , we are committed to improving indoor air quality and limiting exposure to chemicals and other pollutants that pose a risk to human health.
“95% of our raw materials are locally sourced from iconic Australian brands, including Blue Scope Steel, Capral (Aluminium), Laminex Industries, and Dulux, as well as a variety of SME suppliers.”
Fair Trade
Our local, highly reputable suppliers allow for clear and thorough supply chain mapping. This means we have high visibility of everyone at every stage of the production process and ensures fair and ethical treatment to all.
To certify this, we have published our commitment in our Modern Slavery Act and are proud signatories to the ten principles of the incorporating these principles into our strategies, policies, procedures and operations, as well as reporting on them.
"As Australia’s largest furniture designer and manufacturer, we take our responsibility to not only the local community but our entire supply chain seriously."
Social Impact
Through our commitment to reducing churn, we offer a Product Stewardship agreement which recovers end-of-life furniture to recycle, or reuse and redistribute. We work collaboratively with clients to determine an agreement that aligns best with their environmental goals.
Our preferred option for product life extension is through our 50% Indigenous owned business, Bunin. Through Bunin, we work to identify opportunities where products can be donated to communities and schools in need through our Indigenous Participation Program.
Our most sustainable products
Agile Table
Vertical Garden
Aire Fold Table
Climate Workstation
Environmental and social responsibility news
Turning a Corner: Embracing a Circular Economy
From the Archives: It's not easy being green.
Certifications
Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.
Speak to a dedicated team member about our responsbility to people, planet and all living things.