Here, Aimee Fletcher, Product and Design Manager UK & Ireland at EGGER, shares her insight into shifting furniture production trends, and how sustainability has become a key factor both for customers and manufacturers ...
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s become a real driving force in the way furniture is made, sold, and even used. As we head further into 2025, furniture producers are being challenged to do more than just make beautiful pieces. Now, they’re expected to consider where their materials come from, how much waste they generate, and what happens to their products at the end of their life. It’s a big shift, but also an exciting one. From clever new materials to circular design thinking, let’s take a closer look at the sustainability trends shaping the furniture industry right now — and why businesses need to pay attention.
Materials
Modern furniture production has come to rely on materials like hardwood, plastic, and synthetic fabrics, many of which take a lot of energy to produce and aren’t particularly kind to the planet. But in 2025, there are more sustainable alternatives on the table than ever before.
Bamboo is a great example — it’s strong, grows incredibly fast and needs fewer chemicals to cultivate. Reclaimed wood is also hugely popular, bringing character and reducing demand for virgin timber. And it’s not just solid wood furniture that this applies to either. Wood-based panel products are now made using recycled wood fibres or by-products from other manufacturing processes, which helps reduce waste and make better use of natural resources. Eco-friendly laminates, low-formaldehyde resins, and improved energy efficiency during production are all helping laminates and veneers play a key role in sustainable furniture design.
Other eco-friendly options include recycled metals and plastics, cork, hemp, and even mycelium (a material grown from fungi!). Furniture makers are getting creative with these alternatives, showing that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or durability.
Circular economy
One of the most important shifts we’re seeing is towards a circular approach, where products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. It’s about reducing waste, reusing materials, and making sure nothing ends up in landfill unless it absolutely has to.
This mindset is influencing everything from how pieces are built to how they’re sold. Modular furniture is a great example — if something breaks, it can be easily replaced rather than thrown away. Some brands are even using offcuts and by-products to make new items or generate energy during production.
We’re also seeing more businesses offering take-back schemes or repair services, encouraging customers to extend the life of their furniture rather than replace it. It’s a win-win: less waste for the planet, and more brand loyalty from customers.
Sourcing
Another major trend is local sourcing. Shipping materials halfway around the world comes with a hefty carbon footprint, so many furniture producers are choosing to work with local suppliers wherever possible. This not only cuts down on emissions but also supports nearby communities and small businesses. Plus, shorter supply chains often mean fewer delays and more transparency about where materials are coming from.
Of course, being sustainable isn’t just about how far something travels. It’s also about how it’s made. That’s why many companies are looking for materials with certifications like FSC (for wood) or working with partners who follow ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
Transparency
Today’s customers and business partners want to know the full story behind the products they’re buying or stocking. Being open about your sustainability efforts — whether that’s your material choices, energy use, or waste reduction — is no longer optional. It’s expected.
Sharing your progress in sustainability reports, explaining your eco credentials on your website, and getting certified by third-party organisations can all help build trust. It shows you’re more than talking the talk — you’re actually walking the walk.
And it’s not just good for your public image. More retailers and procurement teams are making sustainability part of their decision-making. If you’re transparent about your efforts, you’re far more likely to stand out and win new business.
Customer values
Let’s not forget the end customer. Buyers in 2025 are more environmentally aware than ever, and they want to feel good about the furniture they’re bringing into their homes.
That means choosing products that are responsibly made, safe to use, and built to last. Things like low-VOC finishes, responsibly sourced materials, and clear repair instructions go a long way in reassuring customers they’re making a sustainable choice.
People are also looking for brands that align with their values. So if your company is genuinely committed to reducing its environmental impact, don’t be shy — shout about it! Highlight your efforts in your marketing, show off your certifications, and tell the stories behind your products.
Sustainability is shaping the future of furniture — and for good reason. It’s better for the environment, better for customers, and, in many cases, better for business too. Brands that embrace eco-friendly practices are finding new ways to stand out, build stronger customer relationships, and create long-term value.
The most successful companies won’t just be the ones with the best-looking products — they’ll be the ones with the clearest values, the smartest materials, and the most forward-thinking ideas. In short: it’s time to build furniture that doesn’t just look good, but does good too.
