Why one of London’s greenest venues sees seating as more than just a procurement decision
When 15Hatfields decided it was time to replace over 500 of its conference chairs, the team didn’t just swap out old furniture for new. Instead, they treated it as an opportunity to set a new sustainability benchmark for the events industry, showing how even routine procurement choices can drive real environmental impact.
As one of London’s most eco-conscious venues, 15Hatfields is known for embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations. So when it came to seating, there was no compromising.
“We view sustainability not as a checklist, but as a shared responsibility,” said Joe Harris, deputy general manager at 15Hatfields. “Every purchasing decision needs to align with our values. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.”
Shared values, not just shared logistics
To meet that standard, the venue partnered with Chart Interiors, a supplier experienced in sourcing with sustainability, functionality and longevity in mind.
“Sourcing sustainably isn’t just about the headline material,” explained Cate Kennedy, associate director at Chart Interiors Ltd. “It’s about asking deeper questions – how something is made, how long it lasts, and what happens at the end of its life. That’s exactly where 15Hatfields were focused, and that’s where we thrive as partners.”
After a thorough review of options, Casala’s Lynx X1 emerged as the best fit. The chair combines ergonomic comfort with 80% recycled steel construction and full recyclability and is manufactured in the Netherlands using energy from solar and European wind farms.
But it was the Take-Back Guarantee that sealed the deal: all outgoing chairs from 15Hatfields would be returned to Casala for responsible disassembly and reuse or material recovery, ensuring nothing ends up in landfill.
“Sustainability doesn’t stop at delivery,” said Alex Grogut, Country manager at Casala. “It’s about taking responsibility for the full lifecycle and keeping materials in use as long as possible. Our Take-Back Guarantee means venues like 15Hatfields don’t just get a sustainable product, they become part of a sustainable system.”
Even more unusually, 15Hatfields will be able to track where their old chairs go next, closing the loop in a way few venues currently consider.
“What you do with materials after their primary use matters just as much as how they’re made,” added Harris. “Knowing our old chairs are getting a second life, and being able to follow that journey, is the kind of traceability we want to see as standard in the events industry.”
More than a seating upgrade
Beyond environmental benefits, the new Lynx X1 chairs offer practical gains too, including faster room turnarounds, improved comfort for delegates, and safer linking technology for high-capacity setups.
“This is a project that proves good design and good values don’t have to compete,” said Kennedy. “With the right approach, you can have both and we’re proud to have delivered that alongside 15Hatfields and Casala.”
The success of the project underscores how cross-industry collaboration, when built on shared principles, can drive both innovation and accountability.
“Sustainability is not something you bolt on,” Harris concludes. “It has to be embedded and that starts with who you choose to work with. We hope this inspires other venues to look at every procurement decision, no matter how small, as a chance to lead. Because the details are where real change begins.”
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