6 sustainable outdoor furniture brands to bring your outdoor areas to life

Whether you’re looking to relax on a reclaimed timber armchair or hosting an outdoor dinner party around a 100% recyclable outdoor dining table – there’s a sustainable outdoor furniture brand for everyone.

So how do we choose the right sustainable outdoor furniture and avoid greenwashing? Let’s look at some areas to consider.

WHAT MAKES AN OUTDOOR FURNITURE COMPANY SUSTAINABLE?

> 100% recyclable products or products that you can return to them to recycle

> Sustainably run manufacturing and production facilities

> Transparency in their manufacturing processes

> Corporate responsibility

WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD I BUY?

> Locally manufactured furniture where possible

> Natural or recycled materials

> Post-consumer recycled materials

> Easily recyclable at its end of life

> FSC certified timbers

> Locally sourced timbers

> Highly durable. You should invest in something which will last for many years to come

I’ve compiled a whole swag of sustainable brands using reclaimed, recycled or responsibly sourced materials which not only look good but are good for the environment.

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVOURITE FURNITURE OPTIONS

1. MARK TUCKEY

Using recycled and sustainably managed timbers, all of their furniture is crafted with integrity, simplicity and strength. Made in Australia, Mark Tuckey create both indoor and outdoor furniture, with all pieces celebrating their love of timber. Designed to stand the test of time, their furniture will become a highly coveted heirloom piece within your home.

Shop Mark Tuckey

2. KOSKELA

Koskela are a certified B Corporation whose products are designed and made in Australia. Many of their pieces are GECA certified and they have a 10 year partnership with Rainforest Rescue which has led to the protection of a hectare of the Daintree Rainforest and the planting of thousands of native Australian trees. Their entire outdoor range is gorgeous but I couldn’t resist their bestselling bean bags because they can be used both indoors and out.

Shop Koskela

3. JARDAN

Jardan use FSC and PEFC certified timbers plus the textiles they use are OEKO-TEX  and GOTS certified, so you can be assured that you’re buying something which is both stunning and sustainable. This Australian company is also carbon neutral, which means they’ve reduced their net greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

Shop Jardan

4. LOLL DESIGNS

All of Loll Designs outdoor furniture is made in the US with recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), one of the most commonly used plastics. Loll’s recycled material is sourced primarily from single-use milk jug containers. With over 85% of their product line achieving Cradle to Cradle certification, they aim to play a role in a circular economy where plastics made will be recycled continuously, thus reducing waste. All Loll products can be recycled at the end of its life.

Shop Loll Designs

5. MADE TRADE

Made Trade’s outdoor furniture covers everything from sustainably harvested hardwoods, to stackable heavy duty eco-friendly deck chairs made from recycled plastic bottles to ethically made pieces crafted by artisans. Based in the US, every Made Trade order is 100% carbon neutral and they donate 1% of every purchase to 1% For The Planet.

Shop Made Trade

6. VIVA TERRA

Based in the US, Viva Terra works with artisans and fair trade organisations all over the world to curate a collection of eco friendly products for every area of your home and garden. Their timber pieces are hand crafted using FSC certified and reclaimed timber. Loved for their unique appeal, they also have products made from recycled glass, vintage fabrics or salvaged metal.

Shop Viva Terra

Related: Click here to check out some more sustainable furniture and homeware brands.