Symphony Group, the UK’s largest privately-owned fitted furniture manufacturer, has unveiled its most ambitious sustainability strategy to date. The new framework formalises the business’s long-standing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and sets a clear path towards a net zero future.
With sustainability at the heart of its operations, Symphony’s 2025 strategy introduces a raft of new initiatives and measurable targets – from joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to pioneering circular economy product design, and continuing its leadership in ethical sourcing.
A three-pillar ESG approach
The strategy is structured around three key ESG pillars:
Environment
Committing to REGO-backed electricity by the end of 2025, reducing carbon emissions, and sourcing responsibly. Highlights include using 100% recycled chipboard in selected ranges, zero manufacturing waste to landfill, and exclusive use of water-based paints on paint-to-order ranges.
Social
Prioritising the well-being of employees, responsible sourcing, and community engagement. This includes partnerships with organisations like The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and local education initiatives to support future skills.
Governance
Driving long-term competitiveness and transparency. Symphony has formed a new ESG Committee, heat-mapped its timber supply chain country of origins for risk, and will strengthen supplier agreements in line with the Ethical Trading Initiative.
Symphony Group’s Sustainability Analyst, George Burtoft says, “We’ve always believed that doing the right thing for the environment and for people is just good business, but this new strategy takes things up a level. It’s about being even more transparent, more ambitious and making sure sustainability runs through every part of our operation – from the way we build kitchens to the way we partner with suppliers.
Signing up to the SBTi is a big step forward – it means we’ll be measuring ourselves against science-based targets, not just good intentions. We know we can’t tackle the climate challenge alone, but by working closely with our customers, housebuilders and supply chain, we can keep moving the industry in the right direction, together.”
Sustainable manufacturing, responsible design
Symphony continues to lead the industry in product-level carbon reporting and circular economy design. Furniture is built using a ‘repair, not replace’ philosophy, and packaging includes 100% recycled cardboard and plastic, with 4.5 million plastic protectors saved in 2024 alone.
The business has also invested in green infrastructure. Covering over 800,000 sq.ft, both factories and offices at its Barnsley headquarters incorporate BREEAM standards, LED lighting, and have biomass boiler systems which eliminate the need for gas across the site.
Cleaner transport, smarter logistics
Transport plays a major role in Symphony’s sustainability strategy. The business hit its target of converting 75% of its company car fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles in early 2024 – a shift that has improved fleet efficiency, with an additional 210 miles now driven per carbon tonne emitted.
Symphony’s delivery fleet is also one of the most fuel-efficient on Britain’s roads, featuring Bluetec Euro 6 Mercedes Actros vehicles and advanced route planning systems. Between 2018 and 2024, average miles per gallon improved by 4.3%, while digital vehicle scanning ensures deliveries are accurate, avoiding unnecessary trips. The business is already exploring alternative low-carbon fuels and will adopt new technologies when they become commercially viable.
Supporting the next generation of homes
As a proud member of the Future Homes Hub, Symphony is working closely with housebuilders to meet Government net zero targets. The business also provides customers with on-demand product-specific carbon calculations – an industry first – to help inform more sustainable choices.
The full Sustainability Strategy document is now available to view at: www.symphony-group.co.uk/sustainability
