In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a look at the latest updates from independent beds retailer Linthorpe Beds and upholstered furniture retailer DFS.
Linthorpe Beds
At Linthorpe Beds, the retailer is not just in the business of providing quality mattresses and beds; the company is also dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for generations to come and has cemented its commitment to a greener future. “Recognising the urgent need to mitigate our environmental footprint, we have implemented various measures to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” the company said.
“One significant initiative we’ve undertaken is the introduction of sustainable mattress ranges in our stores. Brands like Silentnight’s Plant Natural range and Harrison Spinks exemplify our commitment to offering products that prioritise both comfort and environmental consciousness. These mattresses are crafted with eco-friendly materials, ensuring a restful night’s sleep without compromising the health of our planet.”
In addition to offering sustainable products, Linthorpe Beds are also actively reducing its paper consumption. “By transitioning to digital confirmations for customer receipts, we significantly minimise paper usage throughout our stores,” the retailer added. “This simple yet impactful change not only reduces waste but also streamlines our operations, providing a seamless experience for our customers.
“Furthermore, we understand the importance of responsible disposal and recycling. As part of our service offerings, we facilitate the collection of old mattresses and bases from our customers. Instead of ending up in landfills, these items are sent for recycling, where they can be repurposed into new materials or products. By diverting waste from landfills, we contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of environmental pollution.”
Internally, Linthorpe Beds is also diligent about managing its waste streams, continuing: “We actively collect and bail plastics and cardboard from deliveries, ensuring that these materials are properly sorted and prepared for recycling. By implementing efficient waste management practices, we minimise our ecological footprint and contribute to the circular economy.
“Moreover, our commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging of our products. The plastic packaging used for recycled mattresses is made from recycled materials, closing the loop on recycling, and reducing the demand for virgin plastic. Through this approach, we strive to minimise our environmental impact while providing our customers with sustainable solutions.
“Also, we have taken steps to optimise our energy usage by updating all our stores and warehouses to LED lighting. LED lighting is not only more energy-efficient but also has a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste. By making this switch, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also cutting down on operational costs, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and our business.”
Linthorpe Beds says that sustainability “isn’t just a buzzword”; it’s a “guiding principle that informs everything we do”, adding: “From offering sustainable mattress options to reducing paper usage and promoting recycling, we are dedicated to making a positive difference for the planet and future generations.”
DFS
Detailed in the DFS’ most recent interim results for the 26-week period ended 24 December 2023, the retailer shared its ongoing progress with its own sustainable initiatives. “The Group is guided by our purpose to bring great design and comfort into every home in an affordable, responsible and sustainable manner,” DFS said. “We have developed policies and targets to help reduce our impact on the environment covering key elements of the materials that make up the sofas we sell, for example leather, textiles and timber along with targets covering inclusivity & diversity and our impact on local communities.”
Highlights from the first half of FY24 include meeting its 10% target of an absolute reduction in Scope 1 emissions measured against its 2018/19 baseline. “This has been achieved in part due to lower delivered volumes but also through various initiatives, such as moving to gas alternatives across our real estate and the consolidation of our delivery fleets into The Sofa Delivery Company,” the retailer said. “AI route planning tools as well as the investment in our teams with driver efficiency training have delivered great results and we are incrementally shifting our company cars and service vehicles to hybrid and electric models.
“We have also made a significant amount of progress in developing our carbon reduction roadmap and remain on track to submit our net zero strategy to the Science Based Targets Initiative for approval in June. Over the past six months, we have engaged our manufacturing partners and raw material suppliers in our roadmap planning and many have shared their commitment to our net zero ambition.”
DFS added that its colleagues remain “highly engaged”, and it has seen positive results from its colleague engagement survey, with the overall NPS engagement score increasing 14 points from March to September 2023. “We’ve also made good progress in developing our inclusive culture where everyone is welcome, adding further Colleague Networks, bringing our total to five across Gender, Sexuality, Religion, Race and Disability. Finally, our Workforce Disclosure Initiative score has also increased from 73% to 80%, well above the UK average of 71% and the consumer discretionary sector of 60%.”
