Industry Sustainability
Sustainability has become a top priority in nearly every industry, and commercial office furniture is no exception. As companies rethink how they design and furnish their workspaces, there’s a growing push to align those decisions with environmental values.
From sourcing materials to extending product life, there's a growing movement to reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, and design with the future in mind. Here's how the industry is adapting—and what you need to know to make more sustainable choices.
The Hidden Waste Problem in Office Furniture
Let’s start with the reality: commercial furniture waste is staggering.
According to the EPA, over 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings waste are generated in the U.S. each year—and more than 80% of that ends up in landfills.
Unlike residential furniture, office furniture is often removed all at once when companies move, grow, downsize, or update their interiors. Entire floors of workstations, task chairs, cubicles, and conference tables are discarded—not because they’re broken, but because they’re no longer needed.
This waste contributes to:
Overcrowded landfills filled with non-biodegradable materials
Emissions from the breakdown of synthetic foams, plastics, and textiles
A need for constant manufacturing of new furniture, using virgin materials and energy
The good news? The industry is changing—by looking at furniture as part of a circular economy instead of a throwaway product.
The Rise of Refurbished & Remanufactured Furniture
One of the most impactful ways to reduce furniture waste is to reuse what already exists—and that’s where refurbished and remanufactured furniture comes in.
Refurbished Furniture
This involves basic repairs and surface-level improvements. Think cleaning or reupholstering fabric, replacing worn parts like arms or casters, and doing minor cosmetic touch-ups. Refurbishing is ideal when the structure of a piece is still strong. It gives the furniture a second life while maintaining a more budget-friendly price point.
Remanufactured Furniture
Remanufacturing is more in-depth. The furniture is taken apart and rebuilt to like-new condition, often with modern upgrades. That includes full disassembly, replacement of worn parts, updated finishes and upholstery, and quality testing that often meets or exceeds the original manufacturer standards. Many remanufactured products even come with warranties and can cost 30–50% less than buying new.
Why Choose Remanufactured or Refurbished?
Incorporating refurbished or remanufactured furniture into your office isn’t just about saving money—it’s a commitment to sustainability.
Benefits include:
Diverting high-quality furniture from landfills
Lowering your carbon footprint compared to new production
Gaining access to premium products from major brands at reduced cost
Supporting building certifications like LEED and WELL
Customizing finishes, fabrics, and layouts without the high cost of new
Many companies also take advantage of dealer-led programs that help with recycling, trade-ins, or take-back services—making sustainable choices easier than ever.
Other Ways the Industry Is Going Green
Beyond reuse, the commercial furniture industry is prioritizing sustainability through better materials, healthier products, and long-term design thinking.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
Manufacturers are reducing their environmental impact by using FSC-certified wood, recycled content (metals, plastics, and textiles), and rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo or wool.
Healthier Indoor Air Quality
More furniture lines now feature low-VOC or no-VOC finishes, adhesives, and textiles. GREENGUARD® and SCS Indoor Advantage certifications help identify products that meet rigorous indoor air standards.
Built to Last
Sustainability also means creating furniture that holds up over time. Modular construction, replaceable components, and extended warranties are now common features—helping customers repair, reconfigure, and extend the life of their furniture instead of replacing it entirely.
How to Make More Sustainable Furniture Decisions
You don’t need to be a sustainability expert to make smart choices. Here are a few ways to get started:
Ask about materials, recyclability, and end-of-life plans when sourcing new furniture.
Look for third-party certifications such as LEVEL®, GREENGUARD®, FSC®, and Declare® labels.
Partner with dealers who offer high-quality refurbished or remanufactured options.
Choose modular systems that can evolve with your needs.
Invest in durable, high-performing furniture over disposable trends.
A Smarter, Circular Future
Sustainability in commercial furniture is about more than trendy design—it’s about building a responsible, future-ready workplace. Whether you're outfitting a new office or refreshing an existing one, consider the full lifecycle of the furniture you choose.
Refurbished and remanufactured options offer an environmentally sound, cost-effective alternative to buying new—and with today’s customization and performance standards, they deliver the same great results.
Making thoughtful choices today means contributing to a more sustainable tomorrow—for your company, your employees, and the planet.