Sustainability &
Circular Commitment
Built to Last · Made to Return
Since Steve and Charlie took ownership in 2022, environmental responsibility has become a core priority. We're proving that a small Nottingham workshop can lead an entire industry toward a more sustainable future.
At Ash Door Furniture, we understand the importance of reducing our environmental impact. As an industry leader and proud member of the Made in Britain network, we're committed to showing that manufacturing excellence and sustainability can work hand in hand. Our Nottingham workshop has been home to quality British craftsmanship since 1990 — now we're ensuring it's also a model for responsible production.
When Steve Adams took ownership of ASH in July 2022, it was the next chapter of a career that started right here on the workshop floor. Steve joined as an apprentice in 2002, worked his way through production manager to operations director, and now leads the business alongside Charlie Adams, our Sales and Business Development Director.
That hands-on journey matters. Steve knows every process, every material, every finish — and that understanding drives our approach to sustainability. When you've made products with your own hands for over two decades, you care deeply about what goes into them and what happens to them.
Every product we make is built to order by skilled craftspeople using high-quality materials. Our stainless steel handles, powder-coated finishes, brass, bronze, and timber products are designed to last — not to be replaced. That longevity is sustainability in itself.
Since 2022, we've transformed our operations — cutting 88% of our plastic, halving our waste, switching to FSC-certified timber, and introducing a permanent 4-day working week. Now, we're taking the next step: making our products truly circular.
"We decided to stop talking about what we should do and start doing it. Every change we've made has been good for the planet, good for our people, and good for business."
Our Environmental Initiatives
Tangible actions driving real change across our operations
Waste Reduction
50% reduction in both general waste and recycling volumes. Expanded recycling now includes canteen waste, office paper, ink cartridges, and coffee pods. Paper hand towels replaced with energy-efficient hand dryers.
50% Less WasteEnergy Efficiency
Annual energy audits guide our reduction efforts. All lighting upgraded to LED with motion sensors in key zones. Our 4-day working week has contributed to measurable reductions in overall energy consumption.
LED ThroughoutResponsible Sourcing
European suppliers prioritised for reduced emissions. Local purchasing supports smaller businesses. Bulk buying minimises delivery trips. All hardwood timber FSC-approved for sustainable forestry.
FSC CertifiedSustainable Packaging
88% plastic packaging eliminated. Paper space filler replaces plastic. Biodegradable wrapping on 80%+ of products. All boxes use recycled content. Recycled pallets and 30% recycled strapping materials.
88% Plastic FreeWorkspace Improvements
Organic cotton uniforms for workshop staff. Plants introduced throughout to improve air quality. Tablets and computers reduce paper waste. Refillable, ethically-sourced cleaning products used throughout.
Organic UniformsOur People
Permanent 4-day working week introduced January 2024. Results include reduced sick days, better work-life balance, and increased productivity. Breakfast provided to all staff for healthy, nutritious starts.
4-Day WeekCircular by Design
Being sustainable isn't just about how we run our workshop — it's about the products themselves. Our door hardware is built from high-quality stainless steel, brass, bronze, and timber — materials chosen for durability and longevity. Products made to last are inherently more sustainable than those designed to be replaced.
Now we're going further. We're working toward ISO-rated circular design certification on five of our core products — independently verifying their carbon efficiency, recyclability, and full lifecycle impact. Once certified, each product will carry its own carbon label.
Introducing
RehASH
Don't replace — refinish. Our new RehASH service gives your existing Ash door hardware a second life. Send your handles back to our Nottingham workshop and we'll restore them to their original standard — same quality, same craftsmanship, a fraction of the environmental impact.
Get in Touch
Contact us with details of your existing Ash hardware and the finish you'd like.
Return to Workshop
Send your hardware back to our Nottingham workshop. We'll assess condition and confirm scope.
Expert Rework
Our craftspeople strip, treat, and refinish your hardware using the same processes as new production.
Returned & Renewed
Your handles come back performing like new — with significantly less waste and carbon than buying a replacement.
Energy Efficiency Target
Through LED upgrades, motion sensors, and operational changes including our 4-day week, we're making measurable progress toward our energy efficiency goals.
Made in Britain
Proud members of the Made in Britain network. Manufacturing in Nottingham since 1990 means reduced transport emissions and ongoing support for British industry and skilled trades.
Rethinking Our Packaging
In 2024, we cut 80% of our plastic packaging. Throughout 2025, we reduced this by another 8%. While challenges remain around efficiency and costs, we're committed to eliminating the remaining 12%.
People, Planet & Profit
Creating a sustainable business means looking after the people within it
4-Day Week
Trialled April 2023, made permanent January 2024
Reduced Sick Days
Measurable improvement in staff health and attendance
Work-Life Balance
More time for families and personal wellbeing
Increased Productivity
Better rested staff deliver higher quality work
Our Sustainability Roadmap
Where we've been, where we are, and where we're heading — with specific commitments, not vague promises.
Operational Sustainability
88% plastic reduction. 50% waste reduction. Full LED conversion. FSC-certified timber sourcing. Permanent 4-day working week. Organic uniforms. Recycled packaging throughout.
ISO-Rated Circular Certification
Five products currently going through the certification process. Once complete, we'll be the first commercial door handle company to hold independently verified ISO-rated circular design certificates — covering carbon efficiency, recyclability, and full lifecycle impact.
RehASH Service
Our rework and refinishing service is now available, giving existing Ash hardware a second life. This makes our products truly circular — designed to be restored, not replaced.
Carbon Labels on Product Pages
As certification is achieved, each product page will feature its own carbon label and circular design certificate — giving architects and specifiers transparent, verifiable sustainability data.
100% Plastic-Free Packaging
Committed to eliminating the remaining 12% of plastic from our packaging. Ongoing work to find viable alternatives for strapping and pallet wrap without compromising product protection.
Questions About Our Sustainability?
We're happy to discuss our environmental initiatives, RehASH service, or how we can meet your sustainable specification requirements.
Get in Touch