Sustainability
Beautiful interiors shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense
At Vanessa Arbuthnott, sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly practices are central to everything we do. We continually work to minimise the impact of our production and operations.
Our aim is to create practical, thoughtfully designed interiors while producing long-lasting pieces with minimal impact on the environment. We work with carefully chosen ethical and accredited suppliers, always considering the wider impact on people and the planet. Sustainability is something very close to Vanessa’s heart, and her love of the natural world is reflected throughout her designs.
Our promises
We use linen and certified organic cotton across all our collections.
All paper and wallpapers come from managed forests.
We limit printed brochures and encourage digital versions wherever possible.
Wallpapers are printed using water-based inks—no solvents or vinyl.
Handmade in Gloucestershire with solid beech from managed forests.
Shredded paper becomes bedding for our ducks and chickens, then compost for the veg patch.
We heat our HQ with an air-source heat pump, with solar panels coming soon.
We work with local craftspeople to reduce transport and our carbon footprint.
Nearly all our packaging is compostable, with recycled paper and biodegradable cardboard.
Thoughtfully Sourced,
Responsibly Made
We believe in being transparent about where and how our fabrics are made.
- Our printed linens and linen unions are woven in Northern England using certified organic cotton from Turkey and Belgium and European linen.
- We also work with skilled weavers in Kerala, India, who use traditional methods and chemical-free processes, including natural starching. All dyes and pigments are sourced from trusted suppliers who are members of ETAD, ensuring high safety and environmental standards.
We believe in being transparent about where and how our fabrics are made.
- Flax is one of the most sustainable crops, requiring no irrigation and absorbing up to 3.7 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare each year.
- By choosing organic cotton, we help reduce harmful pesticide use, protect biodiversity, and support healthier farming communities.
Vanessa has lived in the Cotswolds for over 35 years and works closely with local craftspeople to produce our made-to-measure pieces in the UK.
- We also partner with: Solva Woollen Mill in Wales
- Together, we create rugs and tweeds using 100% British wool, supporting heritage skills and small UK businesses.
“The fair and ethical treatment of employees is fundamental to my business, and I expect the same standards from my clients and suppliers. I am also committed to upholding the principles of ethical trading as defined in the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code”
Sustainable Interiors
Inspired?
Start your own project
Visit our Fabrics section to explore collections, or learn more about our Made-to-Measure service to bring your vision to life.
Lattice Leaf
Moss & Cornflower