Sustainability

At Arlo & Jacob, we believe it’s our responsibility to hold ourselves accountable for the impact we have on the environment. That’s why we’re continually taking thoughtful steps toward a greener future—one that respects and protects the earth and all who live on it. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s woven into the fabric of how we work every day.

We’re proud to be a British business through and through. All of our furniture is made to order and crafted right here in the UK, with our workshop based in the heart of the East Midlands. By producing locally, we reduce our environmental footprint and support our regional economy.

When it comes to outsourcing, we keep it as close to home as possible. For instance, the hardwood legs of our sofas and chairs are turned by a skilled craftsman named Steve—he’s based just down the road from our workshop. It’s these kinds of close-knit relationships that help us maintain high quality while minimizing transportation emissions.

Our seat interiors are also supplied by nearby manufacturers, and we’re proud to employ local teams, ensuring our staff don’t have far to travel to work. This not only supports the community but helps reduce carbon emissions from commuting.

We strive to strike the right balance in sourcing our fabrics. We work with renowned fabric houses across Britain and Europe, while also partnering with trusted suppliers from the Far East. This balanced approach helps us offer a wide variety of high-quality materials while remaining mindful of environmental and ethical considerations.

Every decision we make is with care—about people, the planet, and future generations.

The Birch timber from which we craft our lifetime guaranteed frames comes from European FSC-certified forests so we can be sure it’s sustainable. Our Tailor Table Collection is our first ever foray into wood focused furniture, for which we only use natural, solid Oak and Beech, which is FSC certified.

Every piece of Arlo furniture is made with two key factors in mind: quality and conscience. When it comes to our cushion fills, this couldn’t be more true. We like to offer an array of options to suit different preferences, but the inclusion of feather down makes up the lion’s share of our cushions. It’s a classic choice that, when revisited through a contemporary lens and with sustainability in mind, holds up exceptionally well to scrutiny. It’s an all-natural material that is truly best-in-class when it comes to comfort and performance. Beyond that, it treads lightly on the environment, as it’s purely a byproduct of the food industry. The down used in upholstered furniture is simply a recycled material which, instead of being discarded, is put to work to a productive end. 

The down itself comes primarily from ducks and geese, and there are no existing farms which raise either for the purpose of producing down. Further, the harvest of feathers takes place down the line and never while the animals are living, ensuring a humane approach. We can be sure of this as the quality and suitability of the feathers would suffer if it were done the other way round. 

With an eye to taking a closer look at the sustainability of down production in the UK, the International Down and Feather Bureau commissioned a Life Cycle Assessment. The study concluded that down is preferable to synthetic fills like those made with polyester as feathers are an extant material, rather than one that’s
man-made for consumption.

There’s drastically less energy required for production and a considerably lower carbon footprint associated with down. Furthermore, it’s natural and entirely biodegradable!

Down is a truly luxurious material, with lightweight and breathable properties which bely its capacity to keep us warm and toasty. It’s also the sustainable option, with laws ensuring the humane treatment of all animals concerned. That’s why we feel pretty good about incorporating it into our creations, offering you the best option on the market.

Our returns policy is practically non-existent, with good reason! We want our sofas to be a carefully considered choice, which is why every piece is tailored, bespoke to you, your family and your home.

We’re big believers in pushing ourselves to build on success. So, we’re always probing for ways we can up our game and do better for the environment. That’s part of the reason we love working with like-minded brands to learn from others and do better for the planet together. 

The journey of our linen begins in the springtime, when flax seeds are carefully sown across the fertile fields of Northern France, Belgium, and Eastern Europe. These regions are renowned for their rich soil and ideal growing conditions, making them the perfect home for one of the world’s most sustainable natural fibres. By sourcing from these relatively nearby locations, we help keep transportation emissions to a minimum, ensuring the finished goods haven’t got far to travel before reaching our workshop.

Flax is a remarkable crop that thrives with very little human intervention. Unlike many other textiles that require intensive irrigation, synthetic fertilisers, and harmful pesticides, flax is happy to grow with just the basics—sunlight and natural rainfall. This means it places far less strain on natural resources, making linen a frontrunner in the race toward more environmentally responsible materials.

It’s a low-impact crop that’s naturally resilient and biodegradable, which is why it’s become a firm favourite in our sustainability journey.

But the benefits of flax don’t stop at water conservation. As the plant grows, it actively draws carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere, helping to purify the air and contribute to a more stable climate. In fact, just one hectare of flax has the power to absorb a remarkable 3.7 tonnes of CO₂ every single year. That’s not just impressive—it’s something we genuinely feel proud to be part of.

Choosing linen is more than just an aesthetic or tactile decision—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future. We think it’s pretty special that something so naturally beautiful can also do so much good for the planet. From field to fabric, the story of linen is one of balance, renewal, and responsibility—and that aligns perfectly with our values at Arlo & Jacob.