Sustainability scheme gives chairs a second life
Chief Financial Officer Natalie Foeng said the organisation looks at opportunities, both big and small, to fully embrace the circular economy.
“Once an office chair is thrown out, it’s a lost opportunity. By refurbishing office chairs instead of disposing of them, we’re saving money and reducing waste,” Ms Foeng said.
“This relatively simple action is one of many we’re taking as part of our commitment to waste reduction, reuse, and embracing the circular economy. Whether it’s recycling end-of-life uniforms, using recycled glass in construction, or diverting food waste from landfill to create renewable energy, we’re looking at every opportunity to lead the way in achieving better environmental outcomes,” she said.
In the first stage of this office waste reduction action, Yarra Valley Water has diverted 50 office chairs from landfill through the ‘Second Life’ program, with the potential for another 200 to be refurbished in the coming years.
Haworth Australia is excited that Yarra Valley Water is the first Australian business to join its innovative Second Life seat refurbishment program, Brendan Bruce, Haworth's Managing Director, expressed his delight.
“We are proud that Yarra Valley Water has chosen Haworth. This partnership showcases that refurbishing high-quality office furniture is not only commercially viable but also environmentally beneficial. Thanks to Haworth's full warranty, Yarra Valley Water's seating has truly been given a second life,” Mr Bruce said.
Yarra Valley Water Facilities Manager Adam Smith said the decision to sign up to the refurbishment program made economic and environmental sense.
“We expect to be able to refurbish all chairs out of warranty in coming years, saving around 20% compared to buying new. We don’t need to throw old chairs out and get the same warranty as a brand-new chair, which gives us security and peace of mind while reducing needless waste,” Mr Smith said.
According to the Commonwealth Government, in 2022 Australia discarded 30 million kilograms of commercial and office furniture, 95% of which ended up in landfill.[1]
[1] Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, National Product Stewardship Investment Fund Fact Sheet 2022 - Designing out waste for commercial furniture and furnishings - Furniture 360