Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, urges specifiers to adopt accredited wood products to provide a genuinely sustainable bathroom solution for customers and the environment
British consumers are increasingly attuned to the environmental impact of their choices, from packaging and renewable energy to fashion preferences. The spotlight is also firmly on interior design, particularly within the domain of bathroom projects. With the mounting global concern over deforestation, climate change, biodiversity loss and water supply, architects and designers in the UK should be exploring avenues to create sustainable bathroom sanctuaries, without compromising style and functionality.
Regarding bathroom furnishings and decor, the conscientious choice of materials can significantly mitigate environmental impact. For products made from wood
or board, such as vanity units, fitted furniture, and the increasingly popular wall panels, designers or architects are advised to opt for products crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber and board.
Deforestation principles in the supply chain
At the recent COP28, the European Commission continued to work with partner countries to ensure a successful transition to deforestation-free supply chains, introducing a new deforestation
law, starting in December 2024.
Their global ‘Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-Free Value Chains’ aims to support partner countries in transitioning to sustainable, deforestation-free, and legal agricultural value chains. Here in the UK, the Government has confirmed ‘supermarket essentials’ will no longer be linked to illegal deforestation. It’s a welcome move; however, it is modest compared to the EU’s efforts to mitigate our use of questionable timber resources and products such as palm oil and soy.
The illegal timber trade paints a horrifying picture. An area of forest equivalent to a football field is cut down every two seconds worldwide, and generates around $7bn for organised criminal groups. The timber can be sold, and the land is turned over for agriculture. Primarily driven by land-use change, the scale of this loss is immense, with the planet losing around two-thirds of its wildlife over the past four decades.
By sourcing FSC-certified products, specifiers can be assured of an independent seal of approval, signifying ethical and sustainable sourcing practices for forest-based products, including paper, timber, cork, bamboo and natural rubber. This certification ensures consumers’ purchases align with responsible and ethical production practices, demonstrating consideration for people, wildlife, and the environment.
Why FSC-certified products for bathrooms?
Without FSC certification, verifying timber’s ethical and sustainable origins becomes nearly impossible. Documented poor logging practices in South America and Southeast Asia and rampant deforestation contribute to
climate change, devastate communities, harm biodiversity, and accelerate soil erosion. Opting for FSC-certified goods also minimises our carbon footprint and supports companies prioritising ethical sourcing and high-quality production processes.
The benefits of choosing FSC-certified materials extend beyond environmental responsibility. Companies committed to sustainable sourcing often exhibit the same care in their production processes, resulting in higher-quality final products with enhanced durability. This longevity can help ensure that bathroom furniture, an increasingly popular addition to smaller spaces, maintains its allure and functionality over time.
Bespoke cabinetry, reflecting the trend to declutter bathrooms, has gained traction, with homeowners expressing a preference for natural materials like wood. Finding bathroom furniture crafted from certified materials has become more accessible, with numerous brands and retailers offering diverse styles and finishes, often accompanied by a lifetime guarantee. Caution should be exercised if a product doesn’t have FSC certification; this could be a red flag regarding its environmental and ethical credentials.
Wall panels: an alternative to ceramic tiles
Another notable trend in bathroom design involves the growing use of wall panels and coverings as an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. The appeal lies in their varied waterproof finishes, rapid and straightforward installation, and recyclability at the end of their life. Recycling also contributes to reduced landfill waste, contributing to circular economy principles. Wall panels, lacking grouting, also offer easier maintenance and are incredibly simple to install. For those seeking the timeless elegance of natural marble tiles, there are options available that are also exclusively manufactured using FSC-certified materials.
Architects and designers in the UK have the capacity to reshape bathroom projects with a commitment to sustainability. Professionals can champion environmentally responsible choices without compromising style and quality by opting for sustainably sourced and certified bathroom products, including wall panels. Subsequently, their clients can rest easy, knowing that their functional and stylish bathroom has not contributed to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
As the nation becomes increasingly eco-conscious, embracing sustainable practices is the responsible decision and a testament to the industry’s dedication to a greener, more harmonious future for our planet.
Tom Reynolds is chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association