From chairs to change: How Orangebox is designing a sustainable future

We are thrilled to highlight Orangebox’s success on its journey to Net Zero and how they have combined product design with sustainability. Fiona Douglas, one of our Lead Net Zero Consultants, and Gareth Banks, Head of Sustainability at Orangebox, recently got together to tour their head office and reflect on our journey together so far.

Designing with sustainability at the core

For over two decades, Orangebox has been crafting office furniture for corporate clients. In recent years, with their even sharper focus on sustainability, they’ve been working closely with Amber to actively reduce their impact and make progress on their Net Zero journey.

Partnering with Amber for energy and carbon solutions

Orangebox began working with Amber in 2021 were we helped to stabilise energy costs, delivering savings and support at a time when the energy market was at its most turbulent. Amber has also helped Orangebox tackle Scope 3 emissions, particularly purchased goods and business travel. Gareth acknowledges that these are the areas with the biggest potential for impact but require significant data collection and collaboration. Gareth says:

“It’s about how can we adapt the internal processes that help us ensure that we’re in a better place to report more accurately, and how that leads you into a crucial conversation with your supply chain.”

With Amber’s guidance, Orangebox has made impressive progress, laying the groundwork for long-term reductions.

Sustainability is in the detail

Gareth describes Orangebox’s approach as a supplier, explaining how they are committed to energy efficiency and material reclamation through-out their supply process. From reusing packaging materials to creating closed-loop systems, they’re constantly finding ways to reduce waste. The Net Zero journey is important at Orangebox, both in the near and long term. Gareth explains their approach:

“We’ve got near term targets in place that focus on getting our own house in order first, reducing our Scope 1 and 2 impacts by 50% by 2030. But we also have a full Net Zero commitment too, so a 90% reduction across all three scopes by 2050, or as soon as we can before this of course.”

Working with Amber offered fresh insights into operations through audits and Gareth describes it as “fascinating”, praising the critical perspective Amber brings. We are thrilled to add insights and value to our clients, working towards goals that help the planet, with values that align with our own.  

With five years of Scope 3 data already collected, Orangebox are now focusing on strengthening supplier relationships to reduce emissions further.

Advice for other businesses

When asked about what advice he would recommend to businesses looking to boost their Net Zero agenda, Gareth explains the importance of governance as a key driver. He says:

“I think it’s really important that the senior team of any business is leading the charge.”

Watch the full interview

Watch the full interview video with Gareth and Fiona to get a deeper look at Orangebox’s progress, challenges, and advice for others on the path to Net Zero.