In the world of furniture production, waste is an all-too-common challenge. One notable example of this is the accumulation of fabric offcuts—remnants often too small to use for large-scale production but significant enough that their disposal contributes to the growing issue of landfill waste. At Valiant, we believe that every piece of material, no matter how small, can serve a purpose. This belief has driven our procurement team to embark on an ambitious project aimed at developing a zero-waste commitment, transforming potential waste into sustainable, functional products.
Turning Byproducts Into Assets: The Story Behind Our Zero Waste Initiative
Fabric offcuts are typically a byproduct of manufacturing larger items such as sofas, chairs, and other key pieces. These offcuts, if not reused, risk becoming part of the staggering amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills each year. Recognising this, our procurement team set out to rethink how these materials could be repurposed effectively. The result? A line of stylish and functional cushions made from these very remnants—adding both sustainability and uniqueness to our offerings.
By repurposing materials left over from the production of our eco-friendly furniture ranges such as our Chloe, Clover, Miami, Monty, Pedro, Selena, Sierra, Tottie collections we've proven that creative, thoughtful solutions can transform would-be waste into valuable assets. Not only do these sustainable products align with our company’s core values, but they also add a distinctive touch to our product range, combining innovation with environmental responsibility.
"Every piece of material, no matter how small, has the potential to serve a purpose."
Expanding the Life of Materials: Our Zero Waste Philosophy
As a company that specialises in furniture hire, we are well-versed in principles that prioritise resourcefulness and renewal. Hire furniture, by its very nature, reduces landfill by providing an alternative to purchasing furniture for temporary use.
Additionally, our in-house teams have mastered techniques to restore and renew furniture, ensuring maximum lifecycle use. Now, we’re expanding this commitment beyond our domestic operations to our procurement strategies. Sustainable material alternatives are subject to rigorous research and testing to ensure that they meet our high standards of style, form and function. We look at a materials origin, the process and energy required to create it, and it’s durability, recyclability and suitability for context of use.
Implementing a zero waste program requires flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, taking the first step is vital. As part of our ongoing efforts, we’ve begun working with suppliers to explore the use of deadstock fabrics—materials that would otherwise be discarded. This has allowed us to craft new, waste-reducing products like our cushions, reupholster bedheads and other furniture items for local re-upholstery projects, demonstrating the power of utilising existing resources effectively and creatively.
"Our zero-waste journey redefines waste as an opportunity for innovation and sustainability."
Designing for Low Waste: A Holistic Approach
The key to reducing waste lies in understanding how and why waste is generated, enabling us to design products with minimal waste in mind. From responsible sourcing to end-of-life disposal, we prioritise sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.
Our zero-waste journey emphasises a full lifecycle approach, rethinking production to uncover new waste-reduction opportunities. This includes working closely with suppliers to adopt sustainable practices, using 100% recycled materials for packaging, and selecting options like recycled cardboard, paper, and cardstock. We focus on efficient, well-fitted packaging that minimises excess, opt for reusable and recyclable materials, and prioritise renewable resources such as bamboo and sustainable wood over virgin plastics.
By involving our suppliers in this conversation and encouraging them to adopt these practices, we aim to extend our zero-waste commitment beyond our operations and into our entire supply chain.
Our Vision for the Future
At Valiant, we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to create sustainable products that have a positive impact on the environment. We are driven not only by our own zero waste goals but also by the potential to inspire others in the industry to adopt similar practices.
We invite our clients, partners, and the wider community to support these initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Join us on this journey and be part of the solution. Learn more about our sustainability product and procurement initiatives here >>