At least 40% of customers are including accreditations for sustainability and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) in their decision-making, the latest Trade and Price Trends Survey by British Furniture Association (BFA) reveals.
For the first time in October 2025, the survey included the question ‘Are your customers asking for any ESG/sustainability accreditation as part of their buying terms, contracts or decisions?’
A definite ‘yes’ was given by 40% of respondents, with 33.3% saying some clients had asked for this. Just over a quarter (26.7%) said customers did not request ESG or sustainability accreditation.
Respondents also revealed the accreditations and processes used to help monitor and manage ESG within their businesses, with over 30% relying on internal assessment.
Just over 25% utilised ISO14001, while around 6% used Planet Mark.
BFA MD Phil Spademan says: “The initial response to the ESG questions within the survey show the impact that sustainability expectations are having on client decision-making.
“By adding the ESG and sustainability questions we can start building a view of what customer requirements are, and how they are likely to shape the business landscape going forward.
“The survey shows that already, ESG is shifting away from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to, increasingly, becoming a commercial reality.”
BFA’s ESG consultant, Richard Naylor, is a specialist in circular design and circular materials and is passionate about helping the UK furniture industry become more sustainable. He says: “BFA’s ESG agenda is structured around reducing confusion, building capability and moving from compliance towards leadership.
“The BFA has dedicated online resources which include an evaluation tool designed to help members assess their current progress and identify the next steps in their ESG journey.”
The BFA shines a spotlight on member businesses that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, education and ESG reporting, as well as an individual ‘Sustainability Champion’ via its Future of Furniture Awards, which are presented at the association’s Furniture Component Expo.
