Why Sustainability Matters

Ida Gorecka • September 17, 2024

‘Did you know that choosing second-hand or refurbished office furniture can save around 50% of the carbon emissions that would be generated from creating new furniture?’


In today's world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a necessity. Every choice we make can either contribute to environmental degradation or help preserve the planet for future generations. One often overlooked area where businesses can make a significant impact is through the recycling and refurbishment of office furniture. By choosing to buy refurbished furniture, you’re doing more than clearing out old furniture. You’re actively reducing your carbon footprint and conserving valuable resources. 

The Impact of Recycling Office Furniture

Recycling or refurbishing office furniture goes far beyond simply reusing old chairs and desks. It directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Did you know that choosing second-hand or refurbished office furniture can save around 50% of the carbon emissions that would be generated from creating new furniture? This reduction not only helps combat climate change but also reduces the demand for raw materials. 


For example, by saving 22,645 kg of carbon emissions through recycling, you're reducing the equivalent of 250,000 miles driven by a car. This is also enough energy to power 26 homes for an entire year! These numbers clearly illustrate that small changes can have a large environmental impact.

How We Help You Measure Your Carbon Savings

Every time you recycle, buy refurbished furniture, or refurbish your own, we provide you with a certificate that outlines the carbon savings you’ve achieved. We also make these savings relatable by converting them into familiar terms, like the number of miles driven or the amount of energy saved. 


To make things even more transparent, we offer detailed reports comparing your carbon savings to the emissions that would have resulted from buying new furniture. These reports can be tailored to focus on what matters most to you and can be shared with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) managers or business teams to aid in emissions reporting and compliance.

The Benefits of a Zero-Landfill Policy

Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at recycling. We’re proud to maintain a zero-landfill policy, which means that as much furniture as possible is reused or refurbished. For items that can’t be reused, we break them down into component parts, recycling them back into the manufacturing process for new products.


Recent advancements in recycling technology have made it possible to process materials that were previously difficult to handle. For instance, polypropylene and nylon (polyamide) - materials commonly found in office chairs—can now be shredded and reused, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the need for new raw materials.


With your help, we’re committed to a zero-landfill policy. While not everything can be recycled, we strive to process every item possible. The recycling industry is continuously evolving, making it possible to handle materials that were previously difficult to recycle.

Transparency: See the Impact for Yourself

You deserve to see exactly how your choices are making a difference. That’s why we’re committed to complete transparency, openly sharing every step of our recycling process. Our sustainability experts carefully measure and report on the environmental impact of our recycling efforts, ensuring that you can trust the results. 


But we don’t want to just tell you about it—we want you to experience it firsthand. Partners are welcome to visit sites, tour our yard, and see our team in action. Ask questions, and witness the positive effects of your decisions, as and when you want to. 

Building a Greener Future Together

At Coggin SOS, sustainability is not just a business strategy - It’s a legacy. We are determined to grow while keeping our environmental values at the core of everything we do. Our commitment doesn’t stop with office furniture recycling. In the near future, we plan to extend our sustainability efforts to local causes, broadening the positive impact we have on both the environment and our communities. 


As we look to the future, we envision another fifty, even one hundred years of innovation and sustainability. Together, we can continue to build a greener, more responsible business landscape. Your choice to recycle with us is not just a contribution to environmental conservation, but also a step towards creating a more sustainable and socially responsible future. 


Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can lead the way to a better, more sustainable world. 

Reworking Workspaces: How Refurbished and Resized Office Desks Save Money and the Planet

By Ida Gorecka • June 2, 2025
Our approach to workspace design is evolving as organisations recognise the enormous waste and environmental impact of the traditional "buy new, dispose later" furniture cycle. Every year, organisations across the UK retire thousands of perfectly usable office desks-not because they’re damaged, but due to layout changes, branding updates, or relocations. These desks often end up in landfills , despite being made from valuable materials that require large amounts of energy and resources to produce. This disposable mentality is costing your business money AND damaging the planet by wasting valuable resources. But what if there was a solution that saved you money while reducing your carbon footprint ? By choosing refurbished and resized office desks, you can make smarter, more sustainable choices that help reduce waste , cut costs , and create premium-quality offices - all without the lengthy lead times that accompany new furniture purchases. If you've never considered refurbished desks before, you're in the right place to learn why they should be your obvious choice for your next project. But even if you have, keep reading for valuable insights into how refurbished and resized desks can improve sustainability initiatives, maximise cost savings, and support long-term business goals. Curious to see what’s available? Browse our current inventory of high-quality refurbished desks-updated daily and ready for fast delivery.

Finding the Balance: Quality Seating Without the Environmental Cost

By Ida Gorecka • May 25, 2025
Did you know that the average office worker spends around 1,700 hours a year sitting in their chair? That's a staggering 70% of your working life spent in a single piece of furniture. Yet many organisations overlook the importance of quality seating, either settling for cheap chairs that quickly deteriorate or spending a fortune on brand new premium options. Refurbished office chairs offer the perfect balance of comfort , quality , and sustainability that today's offices need. At Coggin SOS, we've helped hundreds of organisations discover that you don't need to compromise on quality to make environmentally conscious choices. In fact, opting for refurbished office chairs can provide high-quality seating at up to 80% less than the cost of buying new. In this article, we’ll explore why refurbished office chairs aren’t just a good option-they're often the smarter one. From environmental impact that can tick off your ESG targets to ergonomic design and cost savings, this is your guide to finding the perfect seat. Our warehouse is stocked with top-brand refurbished chairs - ready to deliver in days, not weeks. Get in touch to check availability.

Closing the Loop: How Office Furniture Can Drive the Circular Economy Forward

By Ida Gorecka • May 19, 2025
Ever thought about how your office furniture connects to sustainability ? Probably not. But perhaps you should. The circular economy isn't some distant concept only relevant to manufacturing giants or packaging companies. It's a practical model that directly impacts how you furnish, update, and clear your office. At its heart, the circular economy challenges you to keep materials in use. It's your chance to reject the standard "buy, use, discard" approach that has dominated the industry for decades. It's your opportunity to turn office furniture from a recurring cost into a lasting asset. At Coggin SOS, we partner with organisations like yours across the UK, helping you transition to a circular furnishing model: refurbishing , reusing , and responsibly recycling your office furniture. Our mission is straightforward: help you make your furniture last longer, cost less, and waste nothing. Explore our wide range of refurbished office furniture in our inventory . You'll find quality, sustainability, and value, all waiting for you in one place.