PGT-Reclaimed wins gold at Green World Awards

The Green Organisation has announced sustainable furniture maker PGT-Reclaimed as the international gold winner of Sustainability at this year’s Green World Awards. The award recognises environmental best practice by companies, organisations and governments. The judging panel awarded PGT-Reclaimed for its innovation, measurable impact, and environmental, economic and social benefits.

PGT-Reclaimed, founded by Ian Burden, is the original designer and manufacturer of furniture made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified reclaimed wood. Since the company’s establishment in 1998, Burden has created furniture using old-world carpentry techniques, finished with 100% non-toxic water-based materials. All materials are sourced from pallets, buildings, shipping containers or shipwrecks.

“I could not have imagined 21 years ago that making furniture for myself would turn into a thriving business, and have the impact that it does today,” he said.

Burden said that trees are much more beneficial to the world’s community when they are living, so why cut one down when you can use what’s lying on the ground? One living pine tree will produce 2700 kg of oxygen annually; enough oxygen for two people to use in a year. If a mature tree of 30 years old is cut down, it will produce no oxygen and only provide enough timber to make one bed, two bedside tables and one dresser.

The Green Organisation, dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice, was impressed with PGT-Reclaimed’s holistic approach.

“The 12 judges were impressed with the ways in which PGT-Reclaimed have preserved the handmade techniques in both carpentry and finishing, and their ability to use materials so there is no wastage,” said The Green Organisation’s founder and Managing Director, Roger Wolens.

“This impact is not only on PGT-Reclaimed’s customers who enjoy their furniture around the world, but on the environment they operate in, through making green, clean choices.”

Since PGT-Reclaimed was founded 21 years ago, the company believes it has saved more than 550,000 trees from being felled, which equates to oxygen being preserved to benefit 1,100,000 people.

Image courtesy of PGT-Reclaimed