The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the global economy and has a significant impact on the environment. As the world shifts towards sustainability, this sector faces growing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. Furniture production is resource-intensive, requiring raw materials, energy consumption, and generating waste. VIRIATO is committed to minimising its environmental impact by using responsibly sourced materials, reducing waste through efficient manufacturing, and prioritising recyclable components.
Image credit: VIRIATO / Le Perchoir
In today’s market, the hospitality business that emphasise sustainability in furniture production can strengthen its brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers. This approach not only fosters brand loyalty but also aligns with broader corporate social responsibility goals. Moreover, many regulatory bodies and international standards now mandate adherence to sustainability benchmarks, making it essential for businesses to comply.
VIRIATO’s commitment to sustainability spans its entire value chain. The company focuses on innovative manufacturing processes, upcycling and recycling initiatives, and designing durable, long-lasting products. By adopting these practices, the company aims to achieve a zero-impact footprint.
Image credit: VIRIATO / Andaz Prague
While sustainably produced furniture may have a higher upfront cost, it often proves economically advantageous over time. High-quality, sustainable furniture is more durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs, which translates to long-term savings. Additionally, energy-efficient production processes and the use of recycled materials can lower operational costs, benefits that are passed on to hospitality businesses.
Wood, a key raw material for VIRIATO, is natural, renewable, biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable. The company extends the life cycle of wood-based products through recycling, enhancing their environmental benefits, especially in CO2 retention. The brand’s initiatives in wood waste management resulted in the collection and recycling of 79.94 tons of wood waste, equivalent to 4.27 tons of recycled wood per million euros of revenue. By focusing on the entire value chain, VIRIATO remains committed to creating durable, high-quality products designed for a sustainable end of life through reuse, recycling, or other recovery methods.
Image credit: VIRIATO / Andaz Prague
Technological advancements have enabled more sustainable production processes in the furniture industry. For instance, water-based adhesives and finishes are increasingly replacing solvent-based ones, reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, the adoption of lean manufacturing principles helps minimise waste and optimise resource use, contributing to a more sustainable production cycle.
VIRIATO’s primary raw material is wood sourced from sustainable forests. This wood comes in various forms, including melamine, superpan, particleboard, MDF, and edging, most of which can be reused through the circular economy. Its’s investment in wood and its derivatives amounts to around €1.8 million in supplier costs, with approximately 89 per cent of these materials purchased in Portugal. The company adheres to strict sustainability standards, avoiding materials from conflict zones, as guided by FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody Certificates.
Image credit: VIRIATO / Andaz Prague
Upcycling is a key initiative for VIRIATO, repurposing old or discarded materials into new products, reducing the need for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. In the hospitality sector, upcycled furniture not only supports sustainability but also adds unique design elements to spaces. Similarly, recycling used furniture or its components helps significantly reduce waste and resource consumption.
The company’s dedication to sustainability is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which will continue to amplify their positive social impact. As a global leader in joinery and FF&E, VIRIATO remains committed to sustainability – providing premium and eco-friendly processes and materials.
VIRIATO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: VIRIATO / Andaz Prague