The Apteriors' Way: Sustainable Choices in Manufacturing

The Apteriors’ Way: Sustainable Choices in Manufacturing

Factories are notoriously wasteful, large production systems can prioritise speed and cost over environmental impact. Read on to hear how James Hough, Director of Manufacturing, has been seeking out the most sustainable choices in every process in the Apteriors’ factory.

“Every material we touch has potential. Our job is to find a use for it rather than throw it away.”

James Hough, Director of Manufacturing, Apteriors

Turning waste into value

Let’s start with off cuts and how we have beaten industry standards. Normally waste on boards is around 20 to 30%, that is a fifth to a third wastage. Not good enough.

So James worked on pattern design and details so that we are at between 7-11%.

How did we achieve this?

By not accepting the first, second or even third attempts. If we can get a cut out of the board then we will.

The result:

Lower costs, fewer materials lost, and a sharper carbon profile for every project.

There is always waste but we don’t want to add to landfill so James and the team ensures sawdust and offcuts go to biofuel production, not landfill. What once cost thousands in disposal now powers energy generation elsewhere.

“For clients, it means their sustainability claims are supported by real evidence, we can demonstrate exactly where the materials came from and why the decision was made.”

James Hough, Director of Manufacturing, Apteriors

Material sourcing: cost effective is not always the sustainable option

Apteriors chooses UK manufactured board from Edgar over cheaper imports, even though it costs more each month.

Why? Simple.

Lower transport emissions, shorter lead times and verified FSC certification.

Packaging that does more with less

Even the details of packaging and logistics are designed with sustainability in mind. Pallets are reused in a closed loop with contractors, cutting the need for new timber. On our returning empty trucks, we load up our used pallets and bring them back home to our factory for re-use.

We also wanted to reduce our plastic consumption by half. So we now use robotic pallet wrappers which double the stretch of film. Another incredible success on reducing our environmental impact – not to mention, our shrink wrap and strapping are selected for recyclability.

Each step we make reduces hidden waste and supports clients in achieving environmental targets such as BREEAM or LEED.

Built to last

Apteriors focuses on the long term view.

All hardware is premium grade, carrying guarantees of up to 25 years. Hinges, runners and drawer systems are built for longevity.

“Durability is sustainability,” says James. “When fittings last for decades, clients save on replacements, minimise disruption, and reduce environmental impact.”

The Apteriors Sustainability Advantage

– Board waste: 7–11% vs 20–30% industry standard
– Offcuts and sawdust: diverted to biofuel, not landfill
– Sourcing: UK-manufactured, FSC-certified boards reduce shipping emissions
– Packaging: pallet film stretched 200% by robotics, halving plastic use
– Pallets: closed-loop reuse system with contractors
– Hardware: premium fittings with 25-year guarantees
– Certifications: aligned with FSC and ISO 14001 standards

Clear Client value

For Apteriors’ clients, developers, contractors and operators, the value is direct and measurable:

– Reduced embodied carbon
– Reliable ESG reporting
– Cost efficiency through lower waste and longer product life
– Compliance and credibility with sustainability standards

Raising the bar

Fitted furniture can represent a significant portion of embodied carbon in a project, yet it is often overlooked. By integrating design, manufacturing, delivery and installation, Apteriors is setting a new benchmark. Clients get the benefits of a full consultancy service, underpinned by manufacturing that is both efficient and environmentally responsible.

James sums it up simply: “We have one chance to get this right. Every decision in the factory is made with sustainability in mind. That is how we deliver real value for our clients.”

Sustainability is no longer optional, it is essential. Apteriors’ factory turns that requirement into an advantage, giving clients confidence, cost efficiency and a supply chain they can be proud to stand behind.