SOFAR seat

Are you looking for a new seat?

Then first check if there isn't a seat on sale in your circle of acquaintances or the thrift store/hand market.

If you can't find a suitable seat here and still want a new one, a seat like this one from Sofar can be a sustainable alternative.

Sofar seats score well on sustainability thanks to local production, high-quality materials and their modular design. Recommendations for improvement include more reliance on reuse or natural materials and more transparency on the use of toxins and water use during production. Publishing certifications and detailed sustainability reports can help to further substantiate and improve sustainability.

Materials

Sofar seats use high-quality materials and are made locally which reduces CO2 emissions from transportation and reduces environmental impact. For example, they use aluminium frames, so 1 frame can be used for indoor and outdoor seats. You can also choose between natural fibres and recycled polyester, both sustainable options. The aim is to minimise harmful substances, although specific information on this is lacking. The materials are pure and suitable for reuse and recycling, for example, the aluminium frames and cushion padding, thanks to the modular design. This makes repair and maintenance easy, while wear resistance contributes to a longer lifespan.

They are currently experimenting with waste streams through their 'REST' collection. Here, they make decorative cushions made exclusively from residual materials, both fabric and filling.

There is still little commitment to material reuse or residual streams or bio-based materials and it is not clear how all parts are processed. The proportion of virgin material is considerable, such as the natural foam in the cushions.

Energy

The energy requirement for the manufacture of Sofar seats is reduced by production in Belgium. A significant proportion of the raw materials are also sourced from Belgium or Europe. This reduces the transport energy required.

Water

Although there is no specific information on water requirements during production, water consumption during the use phase is minimal and limited to the maintenance of the seats.

Take-back service

You can also return your old seat at SOFAR. In this way, they aim to encourage recycling and reuse. This way, the life cycle of the seat or materials can be extended, contributing to a more regenerative economy.

Recovery service

SOFAR wants to work with a DPD, a digital product passport, giving you as a customer access to a repair guide. This gives you the opportunity to repair the seat yourself, this obviously lowers costs but it also increases your own repair skills. If the damage is still too big for you to repair it yourself, they also offer a repair service.