How We Craft Sustainable Furniture
When furniture is not designed for longevity or recyclability, it’s most likely to end up in landfill. According to a 2022 report by the New York Times, 12 million tonnes of furniture are discarded each year in the US alone, and as much as 80% of it will go to landfill.
Like fast fashion, fast furniture production prioritises output over material quality. The result - furniture that's easily susceptible to wear and tear. These pieces have a short lifespan, and due to their low retail cost, they’re much easier for us to replace than to repair.
Our Mission
At the heart of our work is a simple yet profound goal: to design and craft furniture that not only stands the test of time but also embodies timeless beauty and quality. We draw inspiration from antiques, whose enduring appeal and resilience inform our approach to furniture making. By combining high-quality materials with timeless designs, we aim to create pieces that will last for generations.
Balancing Quality and Affordability
We believe that high-quality furniture should be accessible to everyone. To achieve this, we strategically use hardwoods where they are most needed and incorporate softwoods like pine in areas less prone to wear and tear.
For example, the frame of a dining table can be made from pine, while the tabletop, which endures more use, is crafted from robust oak. This approach allows us to manage material costs effectively and offer our customers better value without compromising on quality.
Commitment to Sustainability
Environmental responsibility is a core value for us. Our wood comes from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) accredited sources, ensuring it is sustainably managed and 100% traceable. This commitment not only supports global forestry efforts but also aligns with our staff's values.
By partnering with suppliers who hold these types of accreditation, we ensure that the wood we use in production is:
- 100% traceable - all of our wood comes from France, Italy, Finland, and Slovenia
- Sourced from sustainably managed forests
- Helping us become a more environmentally conscious business
Handcrafted in the UK
Our furniture is crafted in the UK and across Europe, with a significant portion made at a workshop in Somerset, England. Our dedicated team of expert craftsmen pour their passion and skill into every piece, ensuring each item reflects our high standards of quality and design.
Partnering with Andrew Wainhouse, a visionary committed to preserving the art of carpentry in the UK, who leads efforts to employ local talent in the UK to craft these quality and sustainable English oak furniture.
The Stanwick & Co Team
Our dedicated team of professionals forms the heart and soul of our business. Their tireless efforts, creativity, and commitment have shaped the foundation of our company and pushed us towards our mission. That mission is to revolutionise the way we perceive and approach interior design.
Comprising a diverse range of talents and skill sets, our compact yet formidable team handles a broad spectrum of roles. This includes web design, marketing, furniture design, carpentry, customer service, finance, distribution, and administration. With such an extensive range of responsibilities, each member plays a crucial role in the smooth running and success of our business.
We firmly believe in promoting a work environment that fosters growth and opportunities. Therefore, we ensure flexible working hours and fair pay while maintaining high standards of working conditions. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where our staff can thrive, not just in their current roles, but also in their long-term career growth.
The opportunities for professional development within our team are vast. We encourage our team members to hone their skills and broaden their knowledge in their respective professions. More than that, we value their input in the strategic direction of the business and in our various projects. We believe that each voice can contribute to our collective growth and success.
Future Steps
We're excited to see what the future has in store for us all. As we expand our team, we hope to participate in more projects that give back, such as volunteering in our local community and funding charities whose missions align with our core values and beliefs.
When it comes to sustainability, we're by no means experts, but we're still learning and doing our best to become a more sustainable business that prioritises our community and planet above all else.
“The good of the world is at the centre of our business model. Through leadership and our framework, we hope that Stanwick & Co and its workforce continually self-evaluate and come up with new ideas on how we can improve.” - Brad Stanwick
If you’d like to decorate your home sustainably then take a look at our full furniture range or check out our blog for tips and inspiration.
Above: In this project, we collaborated with Design & Media students at Strode College, to create a short movie for our website.