Delivering A Greener Tomorrow
Our sustainable practices in furniture design
We are committed to fostering a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into every facet of our operations as a furniture importer of quality and durable products manufactured to the highest environmental standards.
Fast furniture is not designed or manufactured to last and is made from cheap materials sourced from tropical areas, disrupting ecosystems. It is one of the major contributors to deforestation and one of the leading contributors to climate change.
KE-ZU is dedicated to sustainable practices, and this is deeply rooted in our values, guiding us to make responsible choices that positively impact our planet, communities, and stakeholders.
Environmental Responsibility
We prioritise the selection of furniture manufacturers who share our commitment to environmental stewardship and work with strong durability principles.
Without durability,
there is no sustainability.
By sourcing products made from responsibly harvested and renewable materials, we aim to minimise our ecological footprint.
Our goal is offer long lasting products, reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and mitigate environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of our furniture offering.
See our brands’ ecolabels here.
Design for Durability and Longevity
Sustainable furniture begins with design.
We work closely with manufacturers to promote the creation of high-quality, durable, and timeless pieces built to last. Our focus on longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a more sustainable consumption pattern.
We have products in continuous production since 1960 with the design classics from Pierre Paulin.
Many of our products have a life cycle of 15-20 years.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint associated with our operations.
By optimising transportation and logistics, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring innovative packaging solutions, we strive to minimise greenhouse gas emissions related to the importation of furniture.
We offer Australian-designed and manufactured products and have secured the right to manufacture under license products from our International suppliers.
See our Australian-made products
Recycling and Circular Economy
We are dedicated to promoting the principles of the circular economy.
We encourage responsible product disposal and provide guidance to our customers on recycling and repurposing furniture items at the end of their life cycle. By supporting circular practices, we aim to minimise waste and contribute to a more resource-efficient society.
Modern Slavery
Product Stewardship Programme
We are committed to undertaking a product stewardship program - under which all products supplied by KE-ZU can be returned through the selected distributor for recycling at the end of product life.
No other costs are chargeable to the consumer apart from the transport cost to the KE-ZU warehouse.
KE-ZU ensures that all GECA-certified furniture returned at the end of life will be recycled through relevant resource recovery networks and not sent to landfills or incineration.
Community
We understand that sustainability is a collective effort. We actively engage with our local communities, clients and industry partners to raise attention about sustainable practices, share knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change.
To connect and bring awareness to the Interior Design and Architects community, we design and create bags using off-cuts and repurposed fabrics and textiles to reduce waste and create a positive effect. These bags are then presented to our customers for use in their work.
A World of Innovation in Design
and Sustainable Practices
In our mission to craft better environments to live, work, and relax in, we provide a gateway to a world of originality, innovation, and sustainability furniture solutions for various markets.
Workplace
Adaptable and energy-efficient furniture that supports productivity and reduces resource consumption.
Education
Learning environments with renewable materials and ergonomic designs.
Hospitality
Multifunctional spaces and recycled materials to inspire sustainable examples and experiences.
Healthcare
Patient comfort and safety while reducing waste and chemical exposure.
Residential
Aesthetic appeal and comfort while minimising carbon footprints to build healthier living spaces.
We are committed to an ongoing journey
of improvement in our sustainability efforts.
We regularly assess and refine our practices, seeking innovative solutions and staying informed about the latest sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution developments.
By integrating sustainability into the core of our business, we aim to inspire positive change in the furniture industry and beyond.
We invite our customers, partners, and stakeholders to join us on this journey toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Environmental Certifications
GECA
GECA ecolabel - is an Australian not of profit company that certifies products to be healthier, safer, and better for the environment. They have developed their own rigorous standards, following ISO 14024 principles for global best practice in ecolabelling. GECA certified products align with the following bodies: GBCA (Green Star), ISC, Well, Nabers and LEED allowing for the reduction in the workload during any environmental building assessment. KE-ZU has over 68 different product collections certified - see here.
FSC® 100%
Andreu World was the first design furniture company in the world to have a complete FSC certified offering. They only use sustainable wood obtained from reforested forests (their own forest) with a complete chain of custody. This starts with the controlled felling, the arrival of the logs at the sawmill and finally the planks that are sent to the AW factories to be transformed to components.
FSC® Mixed
FSC mixed product is made with a mixture of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood. While controlled wood doesn't come from FSC-certified forests, it mitigates the risk of the material originating from unacceptable sources.
ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management. It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is a set of standards put forward by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its purpose is to clarify the best practices for organizations that wish to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting an effective environmental management system (EMS).
ISO 14006 Eco-Design
ISO 14006 is an integrated process that aims to reduce environmental impacts and improve environmental performance of products systematically throughout their lifecycle from raw material extraction to end of life.
AFRDI Green Tick
AFRDI Green Tick scheme focuses on commercial furniture products and rates products against the AFRDI 150 sustainability standard.
AFRDI Blue Tick
The AFRDI Blue Tick certification focuses on the durability and safety of furniture products. It ensures products meet strict performance standards based on AFRDI 142, assessing strength, durability, and ergonomic factors. Ideal for environments where heavy use is expected.
Greenguard
Demonstrates product sustainability and commitment to increased health through certifying that products have low chemical emissions.
BIFMA
BIFMA environmental accreditation can award a LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2 or LEVEL 3 compliance mark based on the number of points achieved in various environmental and social impact areas. LEVEL 3 is the highest threshold a product can reach and is similar to a platinum ranking in the LEED rating system.
Indoor Air Quality
Certification for interior products with low VOC emissions with the most transparent indoor air quality (IAQ) standard for furniture and building materials.
Cradle to Cradle
Cradle to Cradle is a global system of scoring brands for their commitment to the circular economy—the reduction of waste and hazardous chemicals, more efficient uses of resources and the reuse of materials, energy efficiency, and social responsibility.
Greenhealth
The Greenhealth Approved seal indicates a product has been reviewed against a set of sustainability criteria aligned with eligible product categories. The seal was developed to help health care providers make purchasing decisions that further sustainability goals.
LEED®
The Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the US Green Building Council, is a third-party certification program designed to support the worldwide adoption of sustainable green building.
PEFC
PEFC takes into account every link in the supply chain to promote good practices in the woodlands and ensure all forest materials are produced in compliance with the highest environmental, social and ethical standards.
SGS
100% Pure Eco certified by SGS guarantees products are made from eco-friendly materials and meet strict sustainability standards, offering assurance to environmentally conscious consumers.
TÜV Austria OK Biobased
TÜV Austria OK Biobased certification guarantees a product is made from renewable resources, verifying its biobased content. It offers a clear measure of environmental impact, assuring consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
Global Reporting Initiative
The GRI ecolabel signifies a brand's commitment to sustainability by following Global Reporting Initiative standards. It ensures transparent reporting of ESG practices, emphasizing accountability, sustainable growth, and ethical operations.
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporation recognises businesses that meet high standards of social, environmental performance, transparency, while focusing on sustainability and positive community impact. This certification reflects a commitment to ethical operations.
OHSAS 18001:2007
OHSAS 18001:2007 is a certification standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It ensures that organizations have effective processes in place to manage workplace safety, reduce risks, and comply with regulations, promoting a safer work environment.
Green Key Eco-Rating Program
The Green Key Eco-Rating Program certifies hotels and accommodations for their commitment to sustainable practices. It evaluates energy and water conservation, waste management, and environmental impact, promoting eco-friendly operations in the hospitality industry.