Investing in a Sustainable Future: The Benefits of Refurbishing Office Furniture and Zero-Landfill Office Clearance

Sam Coggin • June 18, 2023

Embracing Sustainability: Uncovering the Economic and Environmental Advantages of Used Office Furniture, Refurbishment, and Zero-Landfill Strategies

In an era where businesses and individuals alike are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint, opting for reused office furniture, refurbishing existing furniture, and implementing zero-landfill office clearance can be a game-changer. WRAP's research has been pivotal in outlining the environmental and economic benefits associated with such practices, making the case for this sustainable shift stronger than ever.


The Green Magic of Reusing and Refurbishing Office Furniture


Each year, thousands of office desks and chairs reach the end of their lifespan in the UK. Astonishingly, only a small fraction of these are reused or refurbished; most end up in landfills, energy recovery, or are recycled. However, a closer look at the data uncovers a treasure trove of opportunities for businesses, environmentalists, and job seekers alike.


When we choose to reuse or refurbish office furniture, we directly impact three key areas: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decrease in energy demand, and lower resource depletion. This is because these strategies skip the resource-intensive manufacturing processes associated with new furniture, and instead extend the life of existing products.


An astonishing fact revealed in WRAP's research is that providing one tonne of office desks for direct reuse can result in a net greenhouse gas saving of 0.4 tonnes CO2-eq when compared to landfill disposal. And it's not just about desks. Reusing one tonne of office chairs can save 3 tonnes CO2-eq!


These are significant numbers that can add up quickly when we consider the scale of office furniture use across the UK.


The Financial Perks of Going Green


In addition to the environmental benefits, there are compelling financial reasons to invest in used office furniture and refurbish existing pieces. Businesses are estimated to spend an astonishing £9 million per annum disposing of desks to landfill. However, by choosing to invest in reused desks instead of new ones, businesses can save a whopping £8.2 million per year. Moreover, each desk or chair reused can yield significant revenue to businesses and households, making it a financially wise choice.


The Power of Zero-Landfill Office Clearance


Zero-landfill office clearance is the idea of clearing an office space without sending any waste to landfill. This can be achieved by reusing or refurbishing furniture, recycling waste, and if necessary, using waste to generate energy.


Not only does this contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but it also carries enormous potential in terms of cost savings and employment creation. A net employment benefit of approximately 220 jobs is generated from dealing with all office desks and chairs that reach the end of their life.


The Future is in Sustainability


The numerous benefits of reusing and refurbishing office furniture and implementing zero-landfill office clearance are hard to ignore. These practices create a win-win situation, providing immense environmental, financial, and social benefits.


While more work needs to be done to enhance the data quality related to these practices, the future is undoubtedly leaning towards more sustainable and eco-conscious choices. As businesses continue to evolve and adapt, we can expect to see an increase in the use of refurbished office furniture and greater efforts towards zero-landfill office clearances.


The message is clear: Investing in sustainability is not just good for the planet—it's also good for business. And the sooner we embrace this, the better off we'll be in the long run.

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Why Paying More Isn't Always Better: The Smart Choice of Refurbished Ergonomic Chairs

By Ida Gorecka • August 19, 2025
Refitting an office today means juggling a lot: tighter budgets, faster timelines, and pressure to deliver on ESG goals. And when it comes to ergonomic chairs, the one piece of furniture an office team relies on every day, many assume paying more for “new” automatically means better. But that’s no longer true. Refurbished ergonomic chairs offer the same comfort , durability , and support as new, backed by warranties , come with less cost and with far shorter lead times . For facilities and procurement teams, that means more budget freed up for other priorities, and fewer delays holding back your project. At Coggin SOS, we work with organisations that once assumed refurbished meant second-best. Until they saw the results. High-performance, fully warranted ergonomic chairs. Fast delivery. Circular outcomes they could actually report on. And savings of up to 80% compared to new (check out our case studies here ). In this article, you’ll learn what refurbished office chairs really offer in practice, why they’re becoming a preferred option for FM teams and procurement leads, and how your next fit-out or move could be both greener and smarter than you think. Thinking about your next office project? Contact our team and see how premium refurbished ergonomic chairs can give you comfort, savings, and sustainability in one.

Beyond Recycling: The Role of Office Furniture in a Truly Sustainable Economy

By Ida Gorecka • August 7, 2025
If you're here, you're probably managing a lot. A relocation, a refurbishment, or a growing ESG brief. Maybe you’re under pressure to meet sustainability targets, stay on budget, and deliver results your team and clients can actually see. And right now, office furniture might not be on your radar. But it should be. In most organisations, furniture is still treated as an afterthought. It’s functional, it’s bulky, and when it’s no longer needed, it’s often sent straight to landfill. But here’s the truth: when you start thinking of office furniture as a strategic asset within the circular economy , everything changes. For your budget . Your carbon reporting . Your project timelines . Your reputation . This article is for you if you’re tired of defaulting to skips. If you want smarter ways to meet ESG goals without blowing your budget. If you’re ready to make office sustainability a measurable advantage - not just a checkbox. We’ll show you just how much office furniture is wasted each year, what it’s really costing your business, and how the circular economy can apply directly to your projects. You’ll learn how organisations like yours are saving thousands, avoiding skips entirely, and turning unwanted furniture into reportable ESG wins - plus practical steps to get started today. Curious what your office clearance could be worth? Get in touch with our team for a free circular furniture audit.

Why Buying Cheap Costs More: The Long-Term Value of Quality Refurbished Furniture

By Ida Gorecka • July 30, 2025
You’re in the middle of planning an office space. Budgets are tight. Lead times are short. It’s tempting to type “cheap office chairs” into your browser and find something that fits the spreadsheet. But here’s the problem: cheap furniture is rarely cheap in the long run . The market is saturated with budget desks, chairs, and storage that look good online, but fall apart in practice. And when they do, they cost more - more to replace, more to dispose of, more to fix (if that’s even possible), and more in lost time and productivity. It’s a vicious cycle that undermines your budget, timeline, and any potential ESG goals. According to WRAP , the UK disposes of over 200,000 tonnes of office furniture every year - much of it barely used. When furniture fails quickly, so does your investment. In a commercial setting, that failure shows up in missed deadlines, spiralling budgets, and sustainability goals slipping out of reach. So before you hit "order" on another bulk buy of flat-packed furniture, take a moment. In this article, you'll learn the hidden costs of cheap office furniture and why refurbished premium office furniture is the smarter alternative. If you're looking to reduce hassle, save money, and build a workspace that actually lasts, keep on reading. Need help getting started? Get in touch with our team for advice, audits, or to browse our refurbished stock .