Brand of the Year 2023: Vestre Sustainability Pioneer in Furniture Manufacturing

© Daniel Banner

Vestre’s ambition is to be recognised as the world’s most sustainable furniture manufacturer. Vestre believes that focusing on quality is the only sustainable way forward over time. While it used to be taken for granted that quality was to be valued and things should be repaired when they broke, it is apparent that present-day products have a much shorter lifespan. We live in a throwaway society. Therefore, when Vestre wants to be at the cutting edge of developments towards a zero-emission society, this will involve drawing inspiration from the past and developing good solutions where they do not already exist. Vestre has linked their ambition to contribute to positive change to nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The family business Vestre was established in 1947 and, through its park furniture, helped to create more inclusive and open public spaces across Norway. The benches that were delivered in the early 1950s, for example to Rådhusplassen in Haugesund, to this day are testament to the qualities of design and durability that were established from the very start of Vestre’s existence.

Sustainability Pioneer

Photo by Matteo Gastel

For more than 75 years, Vestre has continued to create urban furniture with a unique and beautiful design. Their goal is to ensure that everything we do enriches people’s lives, and has a long life and the least possible impact on the environment. This is only possible if we work with the right people. Many of Scandinavia’s leading designers have helped to create social meeting places which offer room for short breaks and chance meetings in urban environments around the world. By 2050, 70 percent of us will live in a city—and as cities become increasingly crowded, public meeting places will become ever more important. With the opening of The Plus in the forests of Magnor, Vestre is taking a giant stride into the future. This is the largest investment in the Norwegian furniture industry for decades. The factory will be a global showcase for sustainability and highly efficient manufacturing. Nature, the architecture signed BIG—Bjarke Ingels Group and the Forest Camp recreation area will also help to develop the location into an attractive destination for visitors from around the world.

Jury Statement

Photo by Einar Aslaksen

“The Norwegian brand “Vestre” stands for contemporary furniture design and a particularly sustainable brand development. Management within the family business that is as passionate as it is wise has strengthened the brand for 70 years. Today the company is one of the furniture industry’s pioneers in terms of sustainability, with CO2 neutral production in its own factory and exceptional commitment to positive climate development. The brand not only stands for outstanding quality and environmental sustainability, but also for “Social Design” in particular. The Norwegian manufacturer’s outdoor furniture has an equally decisive influence on the development of urban spaces, bringing people together and the design discourse. “

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