STORY

Circular design and sustainable materials

Because we constantly strive to reduce our environmental impact by using materials, resources and energy in the most climate-smart and efficient ways, we develop sustainable, recyclable products with well-chosen materials such as mesh, wood and recycled plastics.

Our products are developed for the circular economy and have smart, sustainable designs incorporating the layer-by-layer principle. This means components can be removed, repaired and updated over time to provide durable, long-lasting products. The ability to extend a product’s life is crucial for reducing its environmental impact.

The importance of recyclable materials

Because a major part of the emissions from furniture come from the materials used, recycling and reusing them helps us reduce our climate impact. Thus, an important part of Savo’s sustainability efforts involves developing products designed for the circular economy, which enables recycling and reuse of materials and components, and the choice of eco-friendly, recyclable materials in manufacturing. Products like Savo Soul and Savo Invite are made with mesh backs, and Savo 360 contains a high proportion of FSC® certified* wood and less plastic.

Mesh – Savo’s signature

Foam is one of the most eco-hostile materials used in furniture. Not only is less material required in the design of mesh-back chairs, but we also avoid polyurethane foam, which is one of the biggest eco-villains in today’s furniture industry. This makes mesh fabrics a more eco-friendly, sustainable alternative. With Savo Soul leading the charge, mesh has become a Savo signature. Mesh is not only eco-friendly, but also relieves strain and provides great comfort. The fabric’s elasticity, breathability and the extra dimension it adds to the design expression are additional advantages. Our mesh fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified and free from heavy metals. All of our mesh fabrics meet Möbelfakta requirements for quality and environmental and social responsibility.

The difference between plastic and plastic

We all know plastic is a material that is harmful to the environment, especially if it ends up in nature where it is broken down into microplastics. But there is a difference between plastic and plastic. When used correctly, plastic is a relatively good material for reducing our CO2 footprint when compared to e.g. metal. We also make good use of existing plastics by recycling them, which results in a lower climate impact from a life-cycle perspective. Even though plastic is mainly used in packaging and in the construction sector, the furniture industry must also shoulder its responsibilities. For us, this means avoiding unnecessary plastic during manufacture and making sure any plastic used in our products can be reused or recycled.

Savo Soul recycled

In addition to developing new sustainable products, we also upgrade existing ones. A good example is the upgrade of the black edition of our best-selling Savo Soul, where the switch from virgin to recycled plastic means a smaller carbon footprint from a life-cycle perspective. Recycled plastic provides 43% fewer CO2 emissions for an entire seat compared to the virgin plastic in its predecessor. Of the total amount of material used to produce Savo Soul in black, 48% is recycled.

More wood and less plastic in Savo 360

Savo 360, which is made with an unusually high proportion of wood and only 5% plastic, is a further example of how we work with sustainable materials. The large proportion of wood leads to a lower carbon footprint than materials such as plastic or aluminium. In all, Savo 360 uses 68% recycled and renewable materials. The seat also has a modular design, with easily replaceable and renewable components to further extend its service life. The cleverly engineered slimline design also mean less material is needed for manufacturing, and because parts are tool-based, they reduce production waste. Savo 360 bears Möbelfakta eco-labels.

*FSC-C009111