Bed companies can gain commercial advantages, appeal to more shoppers and save money If they take action on sustainability.
The bed industry has been urged to ‘change those sustainability meetings in rooms full of self-congratulatory back pats and move to substantive action’.
‘The challenges of today should not deter progress: rather, they should reinforce the importance of sustainability as a business necessity,’ says Tom Williams, National Bed Federation sustainability and circular economy lead.
‘Companies should view sustainability as an opportunity to gain an advantage over rivals, increase consumer appeal and cut costs, rather than see it as a burden on business.
‘The bed industry, like many others, is trying to navigate an increasingly complex operating landscape including economic uncertainty, political instability, an evolving regulatory landscape and changes in consumer expectations and habits. The NBF believes sustainability should remain a crucial business focus, regardless of any headwinds.’
Sustainability is not only about appeasing legal requirements and Just Stop Oil alike, it is crucial for business resilience, futureproofing and maintaining consumer trust, says Williams.
‘It might be a point that seems simple to make, but adopting a more sustainable approach could be a catalyst for cost saving and increased efficiency within any business. Introducing basic measures such as improving energy efficiency and better segregation and management of waste can significantly reduce running costs, but when was the last time you looked at the measures you previously introduced? The pace of progress in many areas is faster than you may think, so new technologies and new strategies and ways of thinking may now be relevant in ways that can push you into the next level of sustainability, and crucially, cost saving.’
The NBF is spending a significant amount of time and effort in working with its members to improve the circularity of mattresses. Its EcoDesign Principles and associated toolkit provide members with a reference with which they can start to look at a path towards a more circular operating model.
‘We recognise that we need to move away from the take/make/recycle/waste way of operating and towards keeping the materials used in mattresses in use – ideally within mattresses. Whilst it might seem the main benefits of circularity would be in becoming more environmentally sustainable, a closed loop system could have more benefits than that,’ says Williams. ‘Recent global events have brought into stark focus the potential for volatility in markets and supply chains, but by adopting a more circular approach, manufacturers are better able to ride the unpredictability that global uncertainty brings. Putting all of that together, circularity seems like a no-brainer.’
Williams urges companies not the current economic situation may lead you to believe, there are still a significant number of consumers who expect more from the brands they buy from. In a mattress, they are looking beyond comfort and price, with a not insignificant number of customers scrutinising the materials, production methods and end-of-life options of their new mattress.
‘Sustainability remains a key purchasing factor, even as financial pressures increase. Transparency, ethical sourcing and recyclability are now competitive advantages rather than optional extras. Companies that fail to address these concerns risk losing market share to those that do.’
Even if you are still not sold on the numerous benefits of a sustainable and circular approach to operating, sustainability-related regulations are becoming more prominent across the UK and EU. The introduction of digital product passports, stricter Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, and upcoming eco-design requirements will place increasing pressure on manufacturers and retailers to account for the full lifecycle of products.
‘Companies that take proactive steps now – investing in better material choices, improving recyclability, and reducing carbon footprints – will be better positioned to meet future legislative requirements without disruption,’ says Williams.
While individual businesses can make meaningful strides, industry and cross industry collaboration is crucial. Products like mattresses need that collaborative approach and collective effort.
‘The NBF is working with its members to ensure that any approach taken is coherent, consistent and relevant. Real circularity and sustainability rely on changing systems, and that is not something that can really be done in isolation for a product as bulky and ubiquitous as a mattress. Now is as good a time as any to get together as an industry and change those sustainability meetings in rooms full of self-congratulatory back pats and move to substantive action.
‘The challenges of today should not deter progress: rather, they should reinforce the importance of sustainability as a business necessity.
‘The NBF wants to support its members in striking that balance between financial sustainability and sustainability in its more holistic sense. Ultimately, it is for each business to determine the importance of keeping sustainability as a key business strategy and prioritise when business demands allow.’
