In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, upholstered furniture retailer DFS shares its latest sustainability progress.
DFS
Upholstered furniture and living room retailer DFS recently reported a decline in full year sales and a reduction in profit. According to its preliminary results for the 53 weeks ended 30 June 2024, total gross sales fell 7.9% to £1.3bn from £1.4bn in 2023, while underlying pre-tax profit resulted at £10.5m, down 65.7% from £30.6m.
Detailed within its report, DFS shared further insight into its progress on its environmental goals, and were recognised as a Climate Leader by the Financial Times earlier this year. “This is a testament to our commitment to sustainable performance,” DFS said. “In June 2024 we took the next step on our journey and submitted our plan for Net Zero for validation to the Science Based Targets initiative.”
DFS has reduced its scope 1 missions by 20% while also increased certified timber (FSC/PEFC) used in its supply chains to 83%. Furthermore, it is consistently engaging with suppliers to start their own carbon reduction journeys, which covers 59% of its scope 3 emissions, and has set a target for suppliers to provide plastic packaging with a minimum of 50% recycled content by 2026.
Tim Stacey, Chief Executive Officer, at DFS commented: “We decided to shift our Net Zero target to before 2050, aligning with climate science and the UK government targets. I’m pleased to say that this year we have secured commitments from our manufacturing partners that cover 59% of our scope 3 emissions to commit to developing their own science-based Net Zero plans.
“Whilst making up a relatively low proportion of our total emissions I’m nevertheless proud that the consolidation of our delivery fleets, AI route planning tools, and driver efficiency training, as well as removing gas from our retail estate has delivered a significant reduction in our scope 1 emissions. We are already making great strides to ensure our business can make the most of the opportunities of a circular economy to deliver sustainable performance for the Group.”
Furthermore, the company has set a target for suppliers to provide plastic packaging with a minimum of 50% recycled content by 2026; and it is working to ensure all ranges have zero polystyrene in packaging by December 2024. From a product perspective, DFS has also introduced multiple ranges from Jay-Be, who are an accredited Zero to Landfill manufacturer.
“As the largest upholstery business in the UK, we are conscious that we have the opportunity and the privilege to lead in many areas, including sustainability, and we want to bring great design, comfort and value into every home in an affordable, responsible and sustainable manner,” the retailer said.
“Our Sustainable Sourcing Policy ensures greater transparency by requiring suppliers to provide certifications from recognised third-party service providers*, while our Science-based Net Zero strategy outlines our ambition and timeline to become a Net Zero business.”
*All suppliers are required to provide the following certifications:
SMETA 4 pillar audit (a 2 pillar audit will be initially accepted, provided it is followed by 4 pillar on expiry) – also applies to sub-contractors in the supply chain
FSC – Timber chain of custody
PEFC – Timber chain of custody
OEKO-TEX (OEKO-TEX STEP) – Textile Mill Auditing
