Designing with Purpose: How Five Leading Brands Are Shaping the Future of Materiality
As material choices take centre stage in the sustainability-driven shift of the design industry, five leading commercial interior furnishing suppliers—Panaz, Ulster Carpets, Newmor Wallcoverings, Hypnos, and Harlequin—are at the forefront of redefining what it means to design with purpose.
In anticipation of Material Impact: Designing with Purpose, a compelling live panel event hosted by Design Insider, we sat down with senior leaders from each brand to explore how they’re aligning material performance with environmental responsibility. From pioneering product innovation and circular design strategies to advancing transparency through certifications, these companies are responding to changing expectations and helping to shape the future of sustainable commercial interiors!
Material Impact: Designing with Purpose takes place on Tuesday 20th May at 4.30pm at Ulster Carpets’ London showroom – Register to attend HERE
Rollie Attard, CEO, Panaz
How is Panaz responding to increased demand for textiles to achieve/support a wide selection of sustainable accreditations and certifications?
“Firstly, at Panaz we believe in ‘tangible sustainability’, which to us means having a real and positive impact on our local environment while developing our sustainability credentials as a company. As part of that Panaz is proactively meeting the growing demand for sustainably certified textiles, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. As sustainability becomes central to commercial design, we are going beyond industry standards to drive real change.
With ISO 14001 accreditation, Panaz operates an internationally recognised Environmental Management System that reduces its environmental impact while keeping pace with evolving regulations. For example, as part of our journey to net-zero we have measured our carbon footprint and have a number of initiatives to reduce it – for example, we have committed to transitioning our entire fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles, with a complete move away from fossil fuels by 2026. We are also pursuing OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, ensuring its fabrics are free from harmful levels of over 100 substances—giving designers confidence in both safety and sustainability.
Sustainability within our product range is also important. For example, take the recent launch of Silkie – this luxury velvet is made from around 500 recycled certified post-consumer plastic bottles per metre, proving sustainability can be beautifully designed.
We also provide certification to our customers. We plant a tree in Lancashire for every 100m of fabric we sell so give them certificates to show how many trees they have planted per year!”
Do specifiers need to weigh sustainability against performance when selecting commercial fabrics, and how is Panaz supporting that balance?
“In the world of commercial interiors, customers are often challenged to balance performance with sustainability. At Panaz, this isn’t a choice – it’s an integrated approach. As pioneers in contract fabric design, Panaz has set the benchmark in safety, performance, and sustainability.
Sustainability choices in commercial fabric need to be made with a holistic view and are more than just recycled content or not. For example, Panaz is committed to transitioning all product developments to be PFAS-free. By eliminating PFAS, we are delivering fabrics that perform without compromising on safety or environmental responsibility while eliminating the use of forever chemicals and microplastics.
We are now also harnessing halogen-free technology, removing bromine and chlorine-based treatments that can release toxic gases when burned. Combined with our advanced PFAS-free stain-resistance, Panaz fabrics offer exceptional durability and sustainability, ideal for the demands of healthcare, hospitality, and cruise environments.
As well as using recycled content designers need to look for whether something is recyclable or not. We focus on all our products that are made from recycled content also being recyclable at end of life which pushes further towards our products being fully circular. This goes hand in hand with our ‘take-back’ scheme where customers can return polyester fabrics to us and we will recycle them. End of life solutions are just as important as product content. You also need to consider the manufacturing processes used, we power our factory using solar energy, so our production methods are more sustainable.
A standout example of Panaz’s planet-friendly innovations is Nature—a groundbreaking faux leather crafted entirely from plant-based materials. As the first of its kind, it delivers exceptional durability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% versus conventional, fossil fuel-based alternatives.
By merging technical performance with tangible sustainability, Panaz empowers designers to specify fabrics that meet the demands of contract spaces, while aligning with the values of today’s eco-conscious design community.”
Joyce McIvor, Contract Sales Director UK & Ireland, Ulster
How does Ulster Carpets’ fully integrated UK manufacturing model support material transparency and traceability for commercial specifiers?
“As a family business, we acknowledge the significance of sustainable and responsible sourcing practices in our supply chain. Our fully integrated UK manufacturing enhances transparency and traceability.
The majority of our wool is sourced from British and Irish farmers and processed in Yorkshire. Our looms are built in the North East of England, and our manufacturing operations take place in Northern Ireland. This comprehensive control enables us to provide detailed and accurate information regarding all materials and processes, aiding specifiers in meeting sustainability targets, safety and quality regulations, and brand standards.
Furthermore, vertical integration within UK-based production guarantees adherence to strict environmental and quality regulations, instilling confidence in specifiers regarding both the ethical sourcing and quality of the product.”
Are hospitality designers challenging commercial suppliers to offer more sustainable choices and for them to utilise increasingly sustainable production methods?
“Yes, but hospitality designers are not just looking for sustainable products, they’re increasingly interested in the full story behind our products. The conversation has moved beyond recyclability to a much broader focus on transparency around sourcing, manufacturing, and the wider environmental and social impact.
Designers are asking the right questions: Where is your wool sourced? How does a wool and nylon blend enhance durability? What kind of energy powers your production? Sustainability is no longer just about the finished product, it’s about the entire journey. At Ulster, we welcome this shift. It allows us to share the depth of our fully traceable process and build meaningful partnerships with customers who care about making informed and responsible choices.”
David Johnston, Managing Director, Newmor Wallcoverings
How does Newmor’s commitment to UK production reduce the environmental impact of your vinyl wallcoverings?
“We have invested heavily in refining our UK-based manufacturing processes to reduce its environmental impact of vinyl as a raw material. At the same time, it’s important we recognise that vinyl is a practical choice for commercial interiors due to its inherent durability. A vinyl wallcovering will withstand high-traffic areas better than other alternatives, so significantly reduces the frequency and cost of refurbishments over the lifetime of the interior installation. By producing everything in our Welshpool facility, we significantly lower the carbon footprint for UK-specified projects through reduced transport emissions. And as one of the area’s main employers, our local production also supports the regional economy and shortens the supply chain for greater environmental efficiency.”
Are EPDs influencing the specification of wallcoverings for hospitality interiors, and how has Newmor responded to this demand?
“Absolutely, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are now a key part of the specification process, especially in hospitality where sustainability credentials are under increasing scrutiny. Specifiers want full transparency on materials and production methods, and EPDs provide exactly that. At Newmor, we’ve committed to certifying all our standard wallcovering ranges with third-party verified EPDs and are continuing this process across our entire product portfolio. EPDs are a crucial part of our sustainable strategy, as without these credentials our products will simply not be considered for specification.”
David Baldry, Group Managing Director, Hypnos
How is Hypnos leading British-made design through the use of sustainably sourced, locally manufactured components?
“Hypnos has been handcrafting mattresses and beds in Buckinghamshire for over 120 years, proudly championing British design, quality, and sustainability. Each mattress is handmade by our skilled craftspeople. We reduce our environmental impact and support British manufacturing by sourcing locally where possible. This ranges from our specially engineered pocket springs to our eco-friendly packaging and natural fillings, which are all made in the UK. We’re especially proud of our investment in British wool through the Responsible Wool Standard, ensuring full traceability and fair pay for farmers. This breathable, biodegradable fibre comes from well-managed farms and supports high animal welfare, reinforcing the sustainable comfort our mattresses are known for.
To meet the needs of our global hospitality clients, when UK manufacture is not viable our international manufacturing capability allows us to supply beds where they are needed without adding excess transport emissions. Our beds are globally made to the same exacting specifications using local craftspeople and regionally sourced materials, ensuring the same high standards of quality, sustainability, and comfort are maintained wherever in the world they are made.”
How are clients in the hospitality sector using investment in higher quality, sustainable sleep solutions to elevate their brand with guests?
“Ultimately our hospitality clients are selling sleep, and choose Hypnos because they know they are investing in sleep quality that their guests will remember. A high-quality, sustainably made mattress not only reflects care and craftsmanship, but also enhances the guest experience, and so boosts our clients guest satisfaction, loyalty, and brand reputation.
Clients also benefit from our ongoing partnership, as we showcase their properties through dedicated case studies and through our Hotel Hypnos social media platform and video series, giving them additional opportunities to highlight their values and commitment to guest comfort. Hypnos are proud to be carbon neutral since 2011, and certified by PlanetMark and EcoVadis (Silver). Our latest introduction, the Eden Project Harmony mattress demonstrates our commitment to offering clients the most sustainable sleep choices.”
Harlequin, Sanderson Design Group
How is Harlequin showcasing the value of British heritage through responsibly produced fabrics and wallcoverings for hospitality spaces?
“Harlequin is a proudly British brand and is committed to designing and producing products that are responsibly sourced and manufactured across its portfolio. From the design studio, which blends artistic techniques and forms inspired by the natural world, to our British manufacturers, Anstey Wallpaper Company and Standfast & Barracks, our fabric and wallpaper is produced through a considered and collaborative approach between designer and technician to ensure the best results for hospitality spaces.
Hand-drawn and painted in the studio, our printed fabric and wallpaper products are made in the UK. From mixing colour to texture embossing, each step of the design process is rooted in our British tradition with our UK-made products.
When selecting global mills for woven fabrics and embroideries, Harlequin takes a discerning approach to sourcing and working with producers for the finest results that reflect the brand’s values.”
What progress has been made in offering EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) or similar sustainability declarations for your products, and how is that being received by designers?
“We believe in creating expressive designs that stand the test of time while protecting the world that inspires us. We are proudly FSC™ certified across our wallpapers.
Recognising that designers want responsibly sourced and made products, Harlequin, as part of Sanderson Design Group, is certified by Planet Mark. This internationally recognised sustainability certification certifies businesses that report and measure carbon emissions. Empowering businesses to achieve targets through meaningful action, this accountability through a specific programme ensures that products are responsibly made, with transparency across the brand and Group. 2025 marks our 7th year of certification.
Our sustainability commitments are intrinsic to our brand values, while meeting the expectations of our designers and customers, where sustainability and responsible sourcing are built into their project specifications as a standard for the future of design.”
The insights shared by these industry leaders underscore a powerful message: sustainability in commercial design is no longer a bonus—it’s a baseline. Whether it’s Panaz’s PFAS-free textiles, Ulster’s traceable wool sourcing, Newmor’s EPD-certified wallcoverings, Hypnos’s low-impact sleep systems, or Harlequin’s celebration of British craftsmanship through FSC™ certified wallpapers, each brand is proving that design excellence and environmental accountability can—and must—coexist. As the industry gathers at Material Impact, these stories set the stage for a new era of purposeful, transparent, and enduring design.