Martela’s responsibility impact extends far beyond the business.
Our role in defining workplaces and learning environments gives us an exceptionally good opportunity to have an impact on our customers’ efficient and ecological use of space.

Our Martela Lifecycle model guarantees sustainability in all the stages of our workplaces’ and learning environments’ lifecycles. In terms of both environmental impact and particularly energy, it is vital that the facilities are the correct kind and size. Through good planning we can create facilities that are up to 20–30 per cent smaller than estimated. The most important thing is, however, that the space is suited for its purpose. The environmental impact of unused facilities and furniture is completely unnecessary.

The concept Waste Nothing is at the heart of our work. Martela’s durable and timeless furniture are built to last from user to user. When certain pieces are no longer required, we will find them new owners, and if they can no longer be repaired, we will reuse the materials in our production.

Sola chair with wooden legs
Sewing machine

Actively creating a brighter future

Caring is one of Martela’s values.
We are committed to sustainable ways of operating, we support ecological choices and the circular economy, and we are actively creating a brighter future.

For us, collective responsibility means transparency, sustainable operating models, respecting the environment, and lifecycle thinking, among other things. Responsibility for people’s wellbeing shows in our user-driven designs and products, and how we look after our employees.

In addition to our Annual Report, since 2011 we have also been publishing a separate annual Responsibility Report which adheres to the international GRI model (Global Reporting Initiative). We have outlined responsibility principles for both ourselves and our supply chain.

Renewing a chair seat
Metal waste

Reducing energy consumption and environmental impact as much as possible

Martela’s manufacturing processes and operating models have been designed to minimise our energy consumption and environmental impact. Our furniture is long-lasting, and at the end of their lifecycle the materials can be reused safely.

All Martela’s products are manufactured from carefully chosen, environmentally friendly materials. The wood is procured from sustainably grown forests. For the upholstery, customers can choose from a large range of eco-labelled wool and wool mix materials, as well as an increasing selection of recycled materials. Production always starts when an order is placed: we do not manufacture new furniture without knowing where they will be used.

Our production and delivery accuracy and optimised logistics chain are based on the best production technology and equipment on the market. Our advanced information systems allow us to monitor and predict raw material and maintenance requirements.

Sewing machine at Nummela Martela
A person working at Nummela Martela
Machinery at Nummela Martela

High-quality furniture has many lives

Here at Martela, we think that a high-quality piece of furniture has many lives. The purpose of our repair and maintenance service is to extend the lifecycle of our furniture: the cleaned and refurbished pieces are sold on for a new life through our Martela Outlet shops. Recycling the furniture reduces its environmental impact, as it reduces the production of new furniture.

In 2019 we received about 3,200 tonnes of used furniture from our customers. Approximately 20,000 pieces of furniture found a new owner after being cleaned, repaired and re-upholstered. The rest was used for parts, material and energy. 
Black chairs Martela
Wooden chairs Martela

High quality translates into high satisfaction

For Martela, quality means fulfilling and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
We measure quality based on reliability of supply, customer feedback and customer satisfaction. The quality and environmental certifications ISO9001 and ISO14001, granted by third parties, are also proof of how we continue to improve our operations.

Our test laboratory based in Nummela, Finland, tests the stability, durability and quality of our furniture. These tests help us ensure that all products meet the high quality and safety requirements defined by the EN standards. We use measurements to ensure that our products meet all ergonomic requirements.

Martela is a family business founded in 1945. We design and manufacture user-driven workplaces and learning environments where different kinds of spaces support individual ways of working and learning. We believe that an inspiring environment increases the joy of work, comfort, wellbeing and productivity.
Read more about our corporate responsibility