Sofa retailer DFS revealed significant sustainability progress through its ‘Sofa cycle’ initiative that has been running for two years.

DFS’ ‘Sofa cycle’, which was first launched in September 2020, is based on the circular economy concept meaning that sustainability is increasingly embedded across the Group.

Tim Stacey, Group Chief Executive Officer at DFS, shares more detail into this concept as it continues on its sustainable journey: “Critical to the long-term success of our sustainability goals is the creation of a credible roadmap. The first step on this journey is to fully understand our carbon footprint and we have made significant progress during the year, and are now able to report our total carbon footprint including Scope 3 emissions for the last four years. Although there are clearly specific challenges to the Group to overcome in order to become Net-Zero by 2040, we now have the data and foundations on which to build a credible plan.

“Across the Group we are developing innovative products to support our sustainable strategy. During the year, DFS launched its Grand Designs beds collection using only the most innovative and sustainable materials. Sofology introduced the ‘Sustainability Edit’ collection which includes a full recycled foam alternative, recycled fabrics and wooden frames from sustainable sources.

“We continue to invest in testing new materials and developing new innovative ranges with our key suppliers. This includes a partnership with Imperial College and the Royal Institute called the ‘Centre for Climate Change Innovation’, to address specific material challenges.

“During the year we incorporated sustainability KPIs into our revolving credit facility with a group of our relationship banks, ensuring coverage across both environmental and social areas. Our first measurement period was December 2021 and I’m pleased to report that all of our externally assured sustainability targets were achieved.”