The event was well run with lots of interesting speakers, highlighting some of the many challenges we face.

One of the best presentations came from Jessica Alexander who talked about a number of core issues – product design (NBF has already established eco design principles for mattresses), waste prevention (EPR may be delayed beyond 2025 as Therese Coffey has stated that the packaging EPR needs to be bedded in first), risk that Government will apply a one size fits all EPR scheme for all bulky household waste, chemical management (POPs, for example), data collection and labelling (Digital Product Passport).

She stressed that joined-up thinking will be required from all people in the full process from start to finish if we are to achieve real progress on sustainability.

With regard to ESG and pressure from activists, she highlighted that, for most companies, over 90% of carbon production can be found in indirect, supply chain emissions.  She talked about the Scopes 1, 2 and 3 type emissions and how most companies remain blissfully unaware of the differences and the need for them to capture and report in the very near future.  Legislation is likely to be introduced shortly to help the Government achieve its target of Net Zero by 2050.

Martin West said “I spent a very interesting day with Mike Dobson learning about the actions being taken by the furnishings industry towards greater sustainability.
There was a real sense of collaboration amongst competing businesses in recognition of the need to ensure that when legislation comes, as it surely will , it provides workable outcomes.
Congratulations to Joanna Knight and the team at The Furniture Makers’​ Company for a successful event and to Carpet Recycling UK for representing our industry”.

The master presentation deck is available to view and download here.

View all videos here
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmAQeCKwox23DVkcVIhnYDz-WxpoebRt9

For more information contact
George Cooper
Marketing and Communications Manager
020 7562 8522
marketing@furnituremakers.org.uk
furnituremakers.org.uk