Gispen Blog || Lisanne Huizing: 'We become sustainable together'

Gispen government project interior view of FMHaaglanden Resident in The Hague CTH06

Lisanne Huizing, Sustainability Manager Gispen

Net Zero by 2050

'In 2024 we calculated our emissions, because you can only set goals if you know where you stand. We have already managed to halve scope 1 and 2 in recent years, but scope 3 contains the largest emissions: 94%. That is substantial, and it is precisely there that there is a lot to be gained. Our targets have now been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, an international initiative that assesses whether climate targets are in line with science and the Paris Climate Agreement. So it doesn't stop at ambition alone.'

Colour portrait of Lisanne Huizing seated on WIZZ chair

Colour portrait of Lisanne Huizing seated in SETT sofa variant 2

Every choice counts

'Targets include purchasing steel that is not produced with coal, but with renewable energy. Or see where you can use less material , such as a thin plate instead of a thicker one. Choosing recycled or bio-based materials also helps. All these choices together bring us closer to Net Zero step by step.'

Sustainability is not a straight line

'Unfortunately, it is not always technically possible to use only recycled material, and that is not always better for the environment. For example, if recycling costs a lot of energy or is done in a coal factory. Then the total environmental impact can even be higher than with a higher percentage of new materials from efficient, clean production. So we try to carefully weigh up every choice in the chain, from raw material to end product. That is challenging, it can only be done together with suppliers and producers.'

Gispen government project interior view of FMHaaglanden Beatrixpark in The Hague CTH11

Collaboration

'Another challenge: suppose you want to switch from new to recycled plastic. Then you have to temporarily stop production to free pipes and machines from the old material. For a small party, this not only costs time and money, but it can also be less sustainable, due to extra energy consumption and waste. That is why we are looking for cooperation with other parties.'

VISIT THE CIRCULAR EXPERTISE CENTRE

We are happy to receive relations in the Circular Hub . In an interactive session, visitors will get an insight into the practice of circular design. With explanations of sustainable customer cases and concrete practical examples of revitalization. And of course a tour of the Circular Hub. Our circular consultants advise on site on the revitalization of our own furniture and the reduction of CO2.