A sizeable majority of Black Pear Bespoke clients come to us looking for both beautiful and sustainable furniture from the UK. So, we thought it was about time we explained our ethical credentials. When you buy from a large, mass-manufacturer their focus tends to sit firmly on their bottom line. Here at Black Pear Bespoke, we do things differently. As we design everything ourselves and hand-make all our furniture, we can afford to be a bit more picky. This blog post explores everything from our materials to our processes and we take a look at the future of sustainable furniture in the UK.
Sustainably sourced materials
Truly ethical furniture brands here in the UK will all work with natural materials that are sustainably sourced. This includes sustainably sourced wood, reclaimed items and metals that are both sustainable and commonly recycled.
Whether you’re creating your dream kitchen, fitting a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe or purchasing a coffee table, there are certain things to look out for in terms of the raw materials that the item is made from. If you’re a Black Pear Bespoke client, please feel free to ask us about the materials we use. We’re always happy to discuss your requirements and ensure that we’re creating your project in a way that will minimise waste and environmental damage.
Materials to avoid
Off the shelf furniture is often made from chipboard or plastic laminate. Each of these has its own issues, so we’ll take a look at why we avoid using them here at Black Pear Bespoke.
The environmental impact of chipboard is significant due to the high levels of formaldehyde emissions released during production and use. These emissions contribute to indoor air pollution and can have negative health effects on individuals exposed to them over time. Additionally, the deforestation required to produce chipboard contributes to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Plastic laminate isn’t a sustainable raw material for building furniture because it is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and does not biodegrade easily, leading to long-term environmental harm. Furthermore, the production process of plastic laminate releases harmful chemicals into the environment, further contributing to pollution and ecosystem degradation.
Let’s take a look at the alternative raw materials that we use, ensuring your handmade bespoke furniture isn’t damaging the environment.
Black Pear Bespoke Sustainable Furniture (UK) Raw Materials
Our furniture carcases are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved 18mm birch plywood. For the past 30 years, the FSC has been looking after forests around the world with the aim of keeping them healthy and resilient. This helps in the fight against climate change, protects biodiversity and supports the communities that rely on the forests. The FSC set the standards of responsible forestry around the globe. Their certification is the best way to ensure that raw materials are eco-friendly and sustainable.
Hardwax Oil
Doors to our units, wardrobes and cupboards all have a real oak veneer and are finished with a hardwax oil. This ensures that they’re very durable, waterproof and contain no harmful VOCs. When considering ethical furniture production, durability is a factor that is sadly overlooked. Whilst incorporating sustainable materials into a design is a great start, it’s essential to ensure that whatever you use is going to endure through whatever wear and tear it is likely to be subjected to.
The use of hardwax oil as a finish creates longer-lasting furniture because it penetrates the wood to provide protection from moisture and wear, extending the lifespan of the piece. Additionally, hardwax oil is a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional lacquers or varnishes, as it is made from natural oils and waxes that are biodegradable.
Sustainable metals
For both essential metal parts and the bespoke metal features used in our unique designs, we make use of both brass and steel.
Brass and steel are very sustainable metals, easily and commonly recycled. Brass is highly durable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. This makes it a more eco-friendly choice compared to other metals that require extensive mining and processing, contributing to environmental degradation. Additionally, brass has antimicrobial properties, making it a hygienic option for furniture and fixtures.
Likewise, steel’s sustainability credentials are equally impressive. It’s one of the most recycled materials in the world, with a recycling rate of over 88%. This helps reduce the demand for new raw materials and decreases energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with steel production. Additionally, steel is highly durable and long-lasting, making it a sustainable choice.
The future of sustainable furniture (UK)
Whilst our ethical credentials set Black Pear Bespoke apart as a sustainable furniture brand for now, we hope it won’t always be that way.
We hope that our beautiful, high-quality, durable and sustainable furniture will inspire other designers to follow suit. If all furniture was made using ethical manufacturing processes and materials, it would significantly reduce the environmental impact of the industry and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. This shift towards sustainability could also lead to increased consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products in the furniture market.
