Sustainability is not a goal in itself; it’s an ongoing process

‘Sustainability is not a goal in itself; it’s an ongoing process that is constantly finetuned, step by step. In 2022, we summarised everything that is involved in this process in the so-called Gispen Circulaire Rotonde (Gispen Circular Roundabout). There are multiple product flows: used furniture is reused wherever possible. Direct reuse of products is the most sustainable solution, after inspection and cleaning, of course. If necessary, we refurbish used furniture so that it functions as new again.

We design new products in a modular way, but as simply as possible to allow for easy disassembly and replacement of parts. We use as few raw materials as possible – because their extraction often produces the most CO2 emissions. And we use recycled or other sustainable innovative materials. We strive for furniture to retain its value and purpose for as long as possible. In other words: a chair remains a chair, a cupboard a cupboard. Only when this is no longer possible, we will use the components or materials for a new product.’

'The planet belongs to the future generations. Together with our clients in education, healthcare and business, we cover all the stages of people's lives. So that is where we can make an impact. With circularly designed classrooms, workspaces and hospitals, for example. We have been doing so from the outset. But we can keep structuring, streamlining, recording and propagating it more and more.’