Sustainability
Responsibility for generations
The term sustainability is interpreted very differently in this day and age. We, the BW Group with the brands BW Bielefelder Werkstätten and ipdesign, define sustainability with the keywords “durable”, “environmentally friendly” and “sensible”. With regard to our products, the durability of our products, the choice of materials and our production methods show how deeply rooted the basic idea of sustainability is in the BW Group. Order-related production, manual work, regional suppliers and carefully selected materials are just some of the aspects.
Sustainable energy production
We not only design our products to be as durable as possible but also continually optimize our processes. That’s why, since 2004, we have been using a large-scale photovoltaic system for sustainable energy production. Additionally, our biogas combined heat and power plant (CHP) has been providing us with eco-friendly energy since 2012. But we go even further. To certify our commitment to climate-friendly energy supply, we regularly undergo energy audits according to DIN EN 16247-1. Transparency and openness build trust and help us identify further potential.
Awards
In 2014, the city of Bielefeld recognized BW Bielefelder Werkstätten as an ÖKOPROFIT company. This project brings municipalities and businesses together to collectively combat climate change. The goal is to operate resource-efficiently and implement sustainable measures in the long term. In 2021, BW Bielefelder Werkstätten was also awarded as a climate-neutral furniture manufacturer. As a partner in the ‘Climate Pact for the German Furniture Industry,’ we are committed to thoroughly accounting for our CO2 emissions and reducing them in the interest of climate protection. At the same time, we take responsibility towards the environment, society, and the climate goals of the federal government.
Together for a Better Climate
Through our commitment, we support the United Nations (UN) goals for sustainable development. A key objective is to significantly reduce global warming to levels seen before the industrial era. For this reason, we are involved in both the international 'UN Global Compact Network' and the 'Alliance for Development and Climate' initiated by the Federal Ministry.
Only the Best from Nature
Our Woods
Few materials represent the value of a natural product as well as wood does. The annual rings reveal how many years it takes for a tree to grow strong and substantial. Therefore, this valuable material should be handled with the utmost respect. Additionally, to support local suppliers and reduce long transport distances, we exclusively use wood from regional forestry.
Textiles are our passion
Our Fabrics
All of our upholstery fabrics are tested by our specialists for light and color fastness, abrasion resistance, and durability. We want you to enjoy your piece of furniture for a long time. As a subsidiary of the JAB ANSTOETZ Group, we also offer many other unique colors and textures, as well as innovative solutions. This allows us to find the ideal upholstery fabric for every living situation and environment, from private living rooms to elegant hotel lobbies or trendy bars. After all, every interior concept requires a customized solution.
The natural quality of leather
Our Leather
The best qualities of leather cannot be simulated: it is, after all, a natural product. Leather breathes and adapts to the humidity of the room, making the seating experience on leather-upholstered furniture especially comfortable. Those who understand this also appreciate the uniqueness of the material. Like a fingerprint, every piece of leather is distinctive: with a texture that rarely repeats its pattern and always has a varying density. Even the color emphasizes the naturalness, sometimes becoming more concentrated in certain spots.
WE CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Insects like bees, bumblebees, and butterflies make a fundamental contribution to maintaining a healthy environment. However, human intervention in nature has increasingly taken away their habitats. Through a large wildflower meadow, beehives, and insect hotels that help small insects with nesting and overwintering, we aim to contribute within our capacity to ensure that these vulnerable beneficial insects find a place in our region.
Portel-Para REDD Project Brazil
The Portel-Pará REDD Initiative in Brazil not only advocates for stricter forest management in Pará but also actively supports the local communities. The goal is to promote the sustainable development of small businesses in order to combat poverty and hunger in the Pará region, which is located in the Amazon. Since 2013, additional school facilities have been put into operation to provide children in the Brazilian state of Pará with access to high-quality education.
Matthias Anstoetz Stiftung
Founded in 1979 by Heinz Anstoetz in honor of his father, the charitable foundation supports people in need in developing countries. The heart of the foundation is the 'Jeevan Jyoti School' in the large Indian city of Varanasi. Over the years, the foundation has built a large complex with several schools there, including a boarding school for around 200 visually impaired girls who have no future prospects in their own families. There is also a school for children with multiple disabilities and a general day school for 530 children, where around 30 visually impaired children are taught inclusively.