Sustainable Commercial Furniture by Fortner
Responsible Craftsmanship for Hospitality, Healthcare, and Higher Education
Sustainability at Fortner is rooted in thoughtful craftsmanship, long-term durability, and responsible decision-making.
As a commercial furniture manufacturer with nearly a century of experience, we help designers, architects, and institutions create sustainable furniture solutions that balance performance, longevity, and environmental responsibility.
From commercial reupholstery to fully custom furniture, our approach focuses on reducing waste, extending product life cycles, and producing furniture that is built to last.
Commercial Reupholstery as a Sustainable Solution
Commercial reupholstery is one of the most effective ways to support furniture sustainability.
Rather than discarding furniture due to worn fabric or outdated finishes, reupholstery allows high-quality frames to remain in use while refreshing the look and performance of each piece. This process significantly reduces landfill waste and minimizes the environmental impact associated with new furniture manufacturing
Benefits of commercial reupholstery:
Keeps furniture out of landfills
Reduces material waste and disposal costs
Preserves existing craftsmanship and structure
Supports sustainability goals for hospitality, healthcare, and university projects
For many hospitality, healthcare, and higher education environments, reupholstery is both a sustainable and cost-effective furniture solution.
Sustainable Furniture Built for Longevity
True sustainability is about durability.
Whether producing pieces from our furniture collection or creating fully custom commercial furniture, Fortner designs with long-term use in mind. Furniture that lasts longer reduces replacement cycles, lowers overall environmental impact, and delivers better value over time.
Our sustainable furniture manufacturing process prioritizes:
Commercial-grade construction
Repairable and serviceable designs
Materials selected for performance and sustainability
Furniture suited for high-traffic environments
Low VOC Options and Material Transparency
Many commercial projects require low VOC furniture materials to support indoor air quality and sustainability standards. When desired, Fortner works with low VOC finishes, adhesives, and materials to meet project requirements.
We also believe in transparency. Not every project uses VOC-free materials, and not every application allows for the same specifications. We work closely with design teams to evaluate material options based on performance, durability, and sustainability goals.
Our commitment includes:
Offering low VOC options when appropriate
Clear communication about materials used
Honest guidance without greenwashing
A Practical Approach to Sustainable Design
Sustainable furniture solutions look different for every project.
We partner with designers, architects, and facilities teams to develop realistic, achievable sustainability strategies that align with budget, performance needs, and design intent. That may include reupholstery, durable material selection, or locally manufactured custom furniture.
Our role is to help you make informed decisions that support long-term use and environmental responsibility.
Let’s Build Responsibly
Together, we bring your vision to life with furniture built to last. Fill out the form below to get started on your next project with furniture partner that believes in a cleaner future.

