Sustainability at Fortner

Responsible Craftsmanship for Hospitality, Healthcare, and Higher Education

At Fortner, sustainability is rooted in thoughtful decision making, quality materials, and furniture that is built to last. We work with designers, architects, and facilities teams to create solutions that balance performance, longevity, and environmental responsibility.

We do not overstate our approach. We focus on real practices that matter in commercial projects and help reduce waste while delivering products that perform.


Built to Last, Not to Replace

One of the most effective ways we support sustainable design is by building furniture that lasts. Long life cycles mean fewer replacements, fewer resources used, and less waste. Furniture that wears well in high-traffic environments like hospitality, education, and healthcare delivers better value and a smaller environmental footprint over time.

Sustainable Materials You Can Count On

We work with materials that are durable and responsibly chosen with project needs in mind. Examples include:

Vegan and all natural upholstery options
 We offer a range of performance fabrics, including vegan and all natural materials that provide durability and cleanability without compromising on look or feel.

Solid hardwood frames and responsible substrates
 Where appropriate, we select solid hardwoods and responsibly sourced materials that provide strength and longevity. Wood is a renewable resource that continues to store carbon throughout its life.

Low to no VOC materials for indoor air quality
 Many commercial environments require furniture materials with low emissions. We work with low to no volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes and adhesives when projects call for healthier indoor environments, and we help design teams evaluate options based on performance and sustainability goals.


Manufactured Locally, Close to the Heart of the Country

Fortner operates from Columbus, Ohio, a central location that puts us within about 500 miles of half of the U.S. population. This strategic positioning helps reduce transportation emissions for many domestic projects and provides faster turnaround when compared with global imports or distant manufacturing hubs.

Local production also means stronger relationships with suppliers, better coordination with trade partners, and tighter control over quality and timelines on your project.


A Practical Approach to Sustainable Design

Sustainability looks different for every project. We partner with design and facilities teams to create realistic strategies that align with budget, performance needs, and design intent. That may include:

  • Reupholstery for high‑traffic seating

  • Durable material choices like vegan fabrics and solid hardwood

  • Locally manufactured custom furniture

  • Low VOC options where required

We do not claim perfection. Instead, we focus on transparency, durability, and outcomes that support long term performance and environmental care.


Work With a Partner That Understands Sustainability in Commercial Projects

Together, we bring your vision to life with furniture built to last. Whether you are specifying new seating or refreshing existing pieces, we help you make informed decisions that support long-term use and responsible design.