Member Article

North East furniture company takes the sting out of carbon footprint

A North East office furniture supplies firm has launched a range of environmentally-friendly seating, made from nettles.

Albany Office Furniture, based in Gateshead, have developed the range that does not use oil-based fabrics, and will showcase them at the Green 4 Go exhibition, which is being held at Nissan Sports and Conference Centre.

The chair fabric is manufactured in seating solutions for Albany by Camira Fabrics, and is made from fibres of nettle stems, blended with wool.

Sales Executive Paul Humes, said: “Conventional seating fabric is made from polyester, which is manufactured using an oil base.

“With the world’s resources dwindling, it is important that Albany endorse the Campaign for Wool, which is part of a sustainable solution to ensure we do all we can to offer products that reduce the impact of carbon output.

“Nettles grow quickly, so there is an endless supply of fibre from the nettle plant, and wool is an excellent natural resource that produces quality fabric. so the fabric in the range is very friendly to the environment.”

The company has been in existence for 31 years, and are one of 30 exhibitors taking part in the Green 4 Go exhibition, which is being organised by the FSB.

A Nissan Leaf will also be on show along with the world’s first antibacterial toothbrush and health products made from green algae.

Chairman of the South Tyne and Wear FSB branch, Jim Storey, said: “Albany is the perfect example of a SME in the region that has recognised the need for reducing carbon output, and their seating, which uses the nettle-based fabric is a brilliant addition to the company’s strategy.

“The FSB wants to encourage businesses more about how they can reduce their carbon footprint, so we decided to organise the exhibition.

“It will also give low carbon businesses are already striving hard in that sector.”

Green 4 Go exhibition takes place at Nissan Sports and Social Club and Conference Centre from 2pm-7pm on Thursday, November 17. Admission is free and workshops will take place at 3pm and 4pm.

To register for the workshops or to find out more about a special dinner taking place after Green 4 Go from 7.30pm, where Fiona Cruickshank from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership will be guest speaker, contact 0191 5166311 or email southtynewear.secretary@fsb.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .