A Positive Change

Corporate Social Responsibility

Working together, we can make a difference.

We need to be the change we want to see. Leading by example while learning from others is the best way to drive change.

Business as usual is no longer enough. Nor is merely complying with regulations. We must do more than is expected of us. We need to improve each day. We need to understand our whole impact on the world. And we need to work together to ensure that we learn from each other and drive change.

There is an onus on us not just as manufacturers and designers of products but as individuals. Sustainability can be designed into systems and products, but the real change we need to see is in our attitudes and behaviours. We are all in this together and we all have a role to play.

Squaring the Circle

Recycling Waste Programme

It’s no longer enough to use recycled and recyclable materials in products. People want to know that materials and waste are recycled.

Staverton works with you to ensure that the specification and whole life cycle of our products and services match your own demands for exceptional environmental performance.

As well as demanding raw materials come from sustainable sources, Staverton ensures that they are managed to have as little impact on the environment as possible. That includes the way we treat our own waste.

97%

Over the past five years, Staverton has achieved an impressive average recycling rate of 97%.

Carbon Neutral for Energy

Staverton Is Carbon Neutral for Energy

One of our ways to help our planet is to reduce our company’s carbon footprint. One extraordinary effort helped us achieve this.

Cordillera Azul National Park, Peru

We are contributing to the protection of a biodiverse region located at the junction of the Andes and Amazon, which is home to thousands of unique species and communities. Our conservation efforts extend to over 1.6 million hectares of forest and support 440 nearby communities with sustainable land use practices. This area is home to more than 6,000 plant species, 80 mammal species, 180 fish species, and 600 bird species.

A Message from Our Operations Director ‘Ian’

“Staverton holds a number of accreditations that demonstrate our commitment to the environment. These include the ISO14001 Environmental Management System, FSC® Certificate and we are members of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP)”

“We are also aware of our role in helping customers meet their environmental goals, whether that is earning accreditations such as WELL Building or BREEAM or achieving their own specific objectives”

Meeting Objectives

While our focus is often the day-to-day management of our environmental performance, our long-term vision is a better future.

Production

Staverton evaluates all suppliers for their ability to meet our demanding criteria for quality, service, environmental credentials and pricing. With regard to environmental performance, there are unique criteria for specific materials. For example:

Melamine faced chipboard from Kronospan UK is covered by their FSC chain of custody (TT-COC 1913). Waste disposal and recycling contractors are covered by Environmental Agency carrier licences. Suppliers of steel storage must provide details of the weight of packaging supplied with their products to ensure compliance with the Packaging Regulations. Upholstery fabric must be made from wool, which is not only a sustainable material but is also compostable at the end of its life cycle.

Integrated Environmental Procedures

Staverton uses an integrated computerised Quality and Environmental Control System that offers streamlined reporting of compliance issues. This means we can identify issues quickly and take any necessary action. All employees are encouraged to report non-compliance both internally and externally.

Reducing Environmental Impact During Manufacture

Materials are bought at an optimum size to minimise waste during the manufacturing process. Cutting patterns for MFC, steel and aluminium are optimised on CNC machines to minimise waste. Purchased board sizes are chosen to fit the size and shapes of desktops. Off-cuts are issued for unseen carcass components.

Emissions to Air

Manufacturing processes at the Rotherham site are not regulated, and the site has no permitted emissions. Materials used, apart from timber, do not have a high profile. The use of public transport is, principally rail, for business travel. Natural gas is used for heating in the factory.

Energy Consumption

Energy is conserved where possible on site. Machines and lights are switched off when not in use. The heating is switched off over the weekend. Orders processed through the factory are handled in the most energy-efficient way.

Packaging

Staverton only uses packaging when absolutely necessary. Our operations and logistics work on the basis of no packaging in nearly all cases. When packaging is used, in order to comply with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations, Staverton works to the very best standards of international best practice and monitors the use and management of packaging in real time. Packaging is removed from sites for recycling. All cardboard packaging is recycled.

Transport

Furniture is assembled on-site to reduce volumes transported. Deliveries of the product are direct for larger orders. Staverton coordinates the removal of old furniture with the delivery of new furniture to avoid the use of empty vehicles. Employees are encouraged to travel by rail between sites where possible. Customer orders are collated for deliveries. Orders being delivered in nearby areas are also collated. Vehicles are booked specifically for each delivery i.e. small van to an articulated lorry etc.

Managing Suppliers

The environmental impact of any product is determined by its supply chain. So Staverton works only with suppliers who align with our stringent environmental standards.

We’re aware that the materials we use have an impact on the environment, especially when their production uses natural raw materials. When we design new products, we assess the impact it will have, including throughout our supply chain and at the end of the product’s useful life. We design to minimise the use of raw material, choose materials carefully, and make products that last.

We regularly review our material use through monthly product reports and evaluated by our Sustainability Team. These reports help us complete LCAs for products and help guide product development, allowing us to regularly refine designs to use materials that have less of an environmental impact. Each year, we re-evaluate this process, ensuring its ongoing effectiveness and determining where we need to gather data.

We conduct an annual environmental and social assessment of our suppliers based on the ISO14001 Environmental Management System framework. Wherever possible, we choose local suppliers. In 2020, 93.4% of purchases were from local suppliers.

Healthy Workplaces

Staverton is committed to a range of socially aware goals. From addressing individual wellbeing to ensuring we have a minimal impact on the environment.

Use of Raw Materials

Use of FSC certified MFC. Use of water-based glues. Use of solvent-free epoxy-polyester paint for metalwork. Use of screen/chair fabrics made from recycled material.

End of Useful Life – Recyclable and Recycled Content

Staverton’s furniture is designed for adaptability. This allows the furniture to be reconfigured to reflect clients’ changing requirements without the need to buy new furniture.

Re-Use

If end-of-life furniture can be re-used, it is collected and passed on to second-hand furniture dealers.

Refurbish

If the furniture cannot be re-used/re-sold as it is, it can be refurbished. This includes cleaning, repairing defects, replacing worn fabric, and repainting over scratches etc.

Recycle

If the furniture is not suitable for re-use at all or damaged beyond repair, it is disassembled and separated into various materials. The main components of Staverton’s office furniture can be quickly disassembled into basic material types for recycling, for example: Steel, aluminium, cardboard, MFC (wood).

Using Materials Better

Respect for the environment is in Staverton’s DNA. We care for our setting by creating sustainable, environmentally friendly products.

Mild Steel

Environmentally-friendly-sustainable-office-furniture

Legs, Brackets, Frames

Conforms to BS EN 10305-03/05 E220.
Steel is only purchased from mills with environmental accreditations.
Conforms to the BS1449 steel plate, sheet and strip.

MFC (Wood)

Tops

FSC certified board.
Conforms with the EN312 meeting E1 formaldehyde emissions.

ABS

Edging

Thermo disposable.
Use VOC free UV paint technology.
Conforms with requirements of the European directive. IS Reach Compliant.

PVC Anchor

Screen Trim

Made from 100% virgin PVC.

Polyester

Screen Upholstery Fabric

For example, Camira Lucia and Gabriel Just fabrics are made from 100% recycled polyester, meeting the environmental standards of both EU Ecolabel and OEKOTex.

Cardboard

Packaging

Boxes are manufactured from 100% recycled material. The corrugated board is, paper-based, FSC M00ix, environmentally friendly, fully recyclable and fully biodegradable.

Electrics

Powerbar

Enclosure, polycarbonate.
Internal contacts, phosphor bronze.
Shutters, glass-reinforced nylon.
Internal wiring, copper and PVC.
Connector pins, silver-plated brass.
Connector body, nylon.

Electrics

Power Unit (Pixel)

Enclosure and grommet, polycarbonate,
nut, nylon.
Socket facia and body, polycarbonate.
Socket contacts, phosphor bronze.
Shutter, glass-reinforced nylon.

Electrics

Interconnector Lead

Cable, copper conductors with PVC insulation.
Connector pins, silver-plated brass.
Connector body, nylon.

Height Adjustable Actuators Column Motor Drive

Actuator

Mild steel ERW tube is 100% recyclable.
Spindle and motor contain 96.5% recycled metal scrap.
Plastic housing contains 3.4% recycled Polylac 765A plastic recycling or combustion.
Cables contain 0.5% recycled cable scrap or combustion.
PCB board, electronic scrap.

Height Adjustable Actuators Column Motor Drive

Control Box

PCB board, electronics scrap.
Plastic housing, Polylac 765A plastic recycling or combustion.
Cables, scrap or combustion.

Height Adjustable Actuators Column Motor Drive

Control

Transformer plastic housing contains 38% recycled Polylac 765A plastic, recycling or combustion.
Cables contain 45.5% recycled cable scrap or combustion.
PCB board contains 16.7% recycled electronics scrap.

Our processes and materials do not create VOCs. Products are degreased before painting with a water/phosphate-based material. The powders used in the painting process generate no VOCs.

Going Beyond

There are no simple answers to complex environmental issues. That is why we take an holistic approach to sustainability and environmental performance.

Wellbeing

High environmental standards go hand in hand with high ethical standards. And people know it. This broad approach to corporate social responsibility helps to attract and retain talent, engages people and gives their day-to-day working lives a greater sense of meaning. This demands a holistic approach that covers every aspect of our operations and culture.

The latest generation of environmental standards and accreditations are as much about wellbeing as they are traditional environmental issues. They create a positive feedback loop that ensures people’s experience of work keeps getting better. Staverton is committed to meeting these standards and advocates a wide range of wellbeing initiatives that extend into its local community and the rest of the world.

Design

The environmental impact of a product is first determined on the drawing board. The design of products must comply with appropriate standards and take into account their whole life cycle. They must be designed for durability and use the most environmentally friendly materials.

They must be designed so they can be manufactured and transported in the most sustainable ways. And they must be designed in a way that allows them and their components to be reused or recycled at the end of their active life.

Materials

The management of materials is as important an issue as their environmental performance. Organisations are increasingly aware of the impact of supply chains and the way materials are created, packaged and transported.

Staverton works closely with suppliers to ensure that they aligned with our positive approach to manufacturing and logistics. We demand that raw materials come from sustainable sources. And we ensure they fit with our integrated approach to the whole life cycle of products.

Operations

Processes, management systems and technology can minimise the environmental impact of any product or business. This can range from investment in state-of-the-art, low-emissions equipment to changes in personal behaviour. At Staverton we use the most up to date planning and manufacturing technology to ensure that waste is kept to an absolute minimum. We work on the basis that our operations and deliveries should not use packaging at all. When it is absolutely necessary to use packaging, it is minimised and recycled in line with global best practices.

All products are assembled on site and special attention is paid to logistics planning to ensure the transport of goods and removal of old products for reuse or recycling is managed in the most efficient way. Everybody at Staverton is also committed to those daily changes of behaviour that can make such a difference, such as turning off equipment when not in use and using public transport for travel between sites.

Customers

Staverton believes in working with customers to ensure we understand their environmental ambitions and their role in the whole life cycle of products. We listen and share with them information about Staverton products and our philosophy so we can work in this most important partnership.

We help them maintain products to extend their active life and make the right choices of whether to reuse, refurbish or recycle them at the end of it. Staverton provides them with the right products to help make those decisions and offers a range of appropriate services to put them into action.

It Starts With Individuals

By focusing on the safety, development and wellbeing of individuals, Staverton embeds a positive working culture that has implications for our customers and the wider world.

Our Team

The way we treat our employees and the way we choose our business partners drive the way we make a positive impact in the world. That positive change starts with us, as a business and as individuals. We embrace diversity in our workforce.

Employee Benefits

Pension, health insurance, paid holiday, parental leave, safety training, accident insurance, flexible working.

Occupational Health and Safety

By its very nature, a factory can be a high-risk location for injury. It’s important for us to understand where injuries may occur and ensure we have policies in place to mitigate those, as well as provide employees with the proper protective equipment.

Risk assessments are carried out for all areas – these are revisited on an annual basis. SSOW for machinery on site – these are revisited on an annual basis. Only trained/authorised personnel work on machinery. Training matrix for all personnel. Any changes to personnel – H&S covered during induction (as well as on the job training). Any changes to plant and machinery – Risk assessment carried out, individual training undertaken, SSOW written. Any changes to materials used, data sheets obtained and COSHH assessments carried out – these are revisited on an annual basis.

Personnel have undertaken IOSH managing safely training (1 x director, 1 x office staff, 1 x production operative and 1 x machine shop operative). H&S Committee. Regular H&S meetings. An appointed person to deal with any day-to-day issues. Also responsible for collating all info from each department. Copies of all documents etc are located on the company ‘H’ drive which can be accessed by all personnel. Annual review of H&S system undertaken. Make UK (formerly EEF) a recognised body that provides H&S knowledge and support for Staverton which includes compliance.

Our factory Health and Safety Committee ensures all employees have an active role in their personal safety and that of colleagues. The committee is responsible for identifying hazards and risks and implementing safety policies and carrying out regular safety assessments. HR reviews injury data quarterly and conducts a larger review each year, which also sets out a strategy for reducing the risk of injury and improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

Injury Rates for 2020

No high-consequence injuries or fatalities at any of our locations. Showroom: 0 injuries. Factory: 6 minor work-related injuries (cuts and scratches). Our total lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) was zero.

Work-Related Ill-Health

There were no incidents of work-related ill health at any of our locations.

Human Rights Assessments and Training

Staverton upholds human rights and international norms of behaviour in all operations and activities. No human rights risks have been identified at our facilities, so no reviews or assessments were completed. Staverton does not currently have a human rights training program for employees at this time, but we will endeavour to provide training and track participation data next year.

Employee Satisfaction

Each year we conduct an employee satisfaction survey. We use the feedback and findings to directly inform policies, processes, and major decisions.

Membership and Certifications

Staverton’s numerous accreditations and associations demonstrate our commitment to a wide range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

office-furniture-manufacturer-uk-certifications

FSC® (The Forest Stewardship Council)

The Forest Stewardship Council ® certifies that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. All our wood tables are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System)

ISO 9001 is defined as the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is the most widely used QMS standard in the world. ISO 9001 provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to the management of an organisation to consistently satisfy customers and other stakeholders.

ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System)

ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world. ISO14001 is the principal management system standard that specifies the requirements for the formulation and maintenance of an EMS. This helps to control your environmental aspects, reduce impacts and ensure legal compliance.

FISP (Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme)

The Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme is an independently certified sustainability programme tailored to the needs of the Furniture Industry supply chain. FISP promotes best practise to drive social, economic and environmental change, via continual improvement of member’s business operations.

FIRA Gold (The Furniture Industry Research Association)

FIRA International Gold Certification is the independent validation scheme for the furniture industry which means that the furniture produced by Staverton has been tested and is completely fit for purpose and ensures that you receive the highest quality products.

SafeContractor (Alcumus SafeContractor)

SafeContractor accreditation has been achieved following an assessment of the contractor’s health & safety documentation, and compared against the SafeContractor Charter Standards, which set out the health & safety standards required to achieve accreditation.

BSI (The British Standards Institute)

As the official UK national standards body, BSI is charged under its Royal Charter with developing a full spectrum of services to help organizations work better, from creating standards of excellence to training people to work in more effective ways.

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Staverton is a British designer & manufacturer of contemporary office furniture.
Call us today: +44 (0)20 3794 1200