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Rather than discarding furniture due to worn fabric or outdated finishes, reupholstery allows high-quality frames to remain in use while refreshing the look and performance of each piece.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:

  1. Offering low VOC options when appropriate

  2. Clear communication about materials used

  3. Honest guidance without greenwashing

Aerial view of an industrial area featuring a brick building labeled 'The Fort', a tall water tower, and surrounding structures, with railroad tracks and a road nearby.

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.