DI Design Ltd – Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policy
Our values
At DI Designs, we are committed to operating the business as sustainably and environmentally friendly as possible and have made several changes towards achieving this aim.
How we have reduced the environmental impact of our people
As an online furniture retailer, all of the administration and clerical side of the business is run from our home/offices. This has always been the case as we wanted to reduce our impact on the environment by embracing technology when communicating and making decisions.
As far as possible, we engage professional services remotely to help reduce our carbon footprint. This includes our accountants, bank, graphics design team, web hosts and various businesses who support our IT functions.
We have installed LED lighting where possible and thermally insulated areas of the business as far as possible.
Sustainable sourcing
We care deeply about the planet and creating a business that gives back to nature where possible. We’re delighted to be partnering with One Tree Planted and have pledged an annual donation to cover the cost of planting several trees for every item sold. Trees clean our air and water, create habitats for biodiversity, contribute to our health and wellbeing and create jobs for social impact. We’re honoured to have reforestation through One Tree Planted as an integral part of our business model. Read more about the amazing work carried out by One Tree Planted here or take a look at their brochure.
Our wood is sourced from USA and Europe and the majority is sustainable and traceable. We have several collections crafted in recycled wood and reconstituted wood (mdf). Take a look for example at our Hackwoodand Frensham collections which are crafted in recycled pine. As far as possible, we will aim to offer more items made from recycled materials in the future.
Recycled cardboard is used in our packaging and we are looking into alternatives for any plastic packaging. We recycle our cardboard packaging as far as we are able to.
The paint used on our products meets toxicology standards for lead and formaldehyde.
Producing long-lasting, hard wearing items
We have always aimed to make products that are built to last, from our show home furniture to our higher-end collections. Our furniture is designed for many years of use, reducing consumption and effects on landfill.
Supply Chain & Carbon Offsetting
We have started sourcing products from UK-based manufacturers and from early 2023 our offering will include a collection of chairs made in the UK. As far as possible, we are keen to reduce our carbon footprint through having less reliance on international supply chains. Some of our furniture is sourced & shipped from the Far East and we use a truck in the UK to deliver to customers, both of which contribute to a carbon footprint which we are working hard to reduce.
We rent space in a warehouse, located centrally in Leeds and this doubles up as the base for our delivery van & team. The truck delivery slots are planned to ensure deliveries are made as efficiently as possible, covering as few miles as possible.
Our suppliers
We have been advised that the factories we use in Vietnam, China and the UK adhere to national labour laws regarding maximum of hours worked per day, agreement of both parties to work overtime, regular breaks and wages paid in accordance with national labour laws. We visit the factories to carry out QC checks and can vouch that the working conditions are satisfactory.
Diversity
At DI Designs we are committed to recruiting diversely and constantly nurturing our talent, including IT training, keeping abreast of industry developments and offering flexible working patterns to suit our people. We always look to work with people who share our values and ethics. Our way of working and determination to invest in our people ensures we have a high retention rate of which we are very proud.
For more information on our ESG policy and sustainability programme, please contact us on [email protected] or call 01962 771725
DI Designs Ltd Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Below are the steps DI Designs Ltd has taken and pledges to continue to take to understand and minimise the risk of modern slavery in its business and supply chains. We publish this statement in accordance with section 54 (1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
About DI Designs Ltd
DI Designs Ltd supplies contemporary furniture to the trade. The business is based and registered in the UK and is 100% privately owned by UK individuals.
DI Designs Ltd commitment to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
The business is committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking.
As an equal opportunities employer, DI Designs Ltd is committed to creating and ensuring a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment for all our staff where people can speak up without any risk to themselves.
Our recruitment procedures ensure that our employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and we safeguard employees from any coercion, exploitation or abuse.
We do not enter into business with any organisation with an involvement in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
DI Designs Ltd policies
The DI Designs Whistleblowing Policy is communicated to all employees during their induction and outlines the process for reporting any incidences of modern slavery or human trafficking. Any suspected instance can be reported without fear of repercussions.
Supply Chain
We have assessed the exposure of our supply chains to modern slavery and consider ourselves to be at low risk.
Our supply chains are extremely limited and we procure furniture from a restricted number of UK and overseas suppliers.
Embedding the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
DI Designs Ltd is committed to continually uphold the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 through:
- ensuring staff with recruitment responsibilities are aware of and follow modern slavery procurement guidance on GOV.UK
- adopting and embedding a zero tolerance policy towards modern slavery
- ensuring staff are informed of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and understand the procedures to follow should they suspect a case of modern slavery or human trafficking
- undertaking retrospective checks on key existing suppliers to ensure they comply with the requirements of the new supplier process
This statement has been approved by Ian Thomson, Director, for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 and will be reviewed and updated every year.
