Sustainability in Outdoor Living: How the Garden Furniture Industry is Going Green

by YOLO INC April 25, 2025

As climate change and environmental concerns become more pressing, industries across the board are being challenged to reassess their impact on the planet. The garden furniture industry is no exception. Once dominated by mass-produced plastic and chemically treated woods, the outdoor living sector is now embracing a more sustainable future, where beauty, comfort, and responsibility coexist.

From eco-friendly materials to circular production models, manufacturers and consumers are driving a green revolution in outdoor living. In this article, we’ll explore how the industry is going green, highlight innovations, and spotlight companies like Amazonas, which are leading the way in sustainable outdoor furniture and accessories.

The Rise of Eco-Conscious Outdoor Living

Modern consumers are more informed and selective about the products they bring into their homes and gardens. Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s an expectation.

According to a report by Deloitte, over 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This shift is profoundly impacting how garden furniture is designed, produced, and marketed. Sustainability in outdoor living now extends beyond recycled materials—it includes packaging, ethical labour, transportation, durability, and end-of-life recyclability.

Trends Driving Change

Minimalism and longevity: Buyers are choosing fewer, higher-quality items that last longer.
Natural aesthetics: Raw wood, earthy tones, and organic shapes are in demand.
Transparency: Consumers want to know the story behind the product, from source to sale.
Wellness focus: Outdoor living spaces are increasingly being seen as wellness retreats, with sustainability contributing to peace of mind.

Sustainable Materials Reshaping Garden Furniture

The most significant transformation in the garden furniture industry is in the materials. Traditionally, outdoor furniture was made from tropical hardwoods or synthetic materials that contributed to deforestation or created waste.

Teak and Alternatives

Teak has long been favoured for its durability and elegance. But unsustainable harvesting has raised serious concerns. Today, many companies only use FSC-certified teak, which ensures the wood is harvested responsibly.

Alternatives like acacia, eucalyptus, and bamboo are fast-growing and renewable, making them ideal sustainable choices.

Recycled and Reclaimed Materials

Furniture made from recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, or upcycled metal is gaining traction. Not only does this reduce landfill waste, but it also reduces the demand for virgin materials.

Companies like Amazonas are leading by example. Known for their ethically produced hammocks, Amazonas uses sustainably sourced wood for their hammock stands and recycled cotton for their hammock fabrics. This dual commitment—both in product and packaging—makes them a standout in the sustainable space.

Amazonas: A Case Study in Ethical Outdoor Living

Founded in Germany in 1995, Amazonas has made sustainability a cornerstone of its brand. With a focus on hammocks, hanging chairs, and stands, the company blends relaxation with environmental responsibility.

Eco-Materials

Recycled cotton: Many Amazonas hammocks are made from recycled cotton—collected from offcuts and pre-consumer waste. This not only reduces textile waste but saves vast amounts of water that would otherwise be used in growing new cotton.
FSC-certified wood: Their hammock stands are crafted using wood from responsibly managed forests, ensuring biodiversity and reforestation.
Recyclable packaging: Amazonas uses eco-friendly, minimal packaging, eschewing plastics wherever possible.

Social Responsibility

Amazonas goes beyond green materials. They partner with small, independent weaving cooperatives in Brazil, ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions. These relationships not only support local economies but also preserve traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Their production chain is transparent, short, and focused, showing how ethical choices can be both scalable and profitable.

Innovations Driving Green Outdoor Furniture

Sustainability doesn’t stop at materials. Forward-thinking companies are innovating across every stage of the product lifecycle.

Modular and Repairable Designs

Instead of a “buy, break, replace” model, many brands are creating furniture that can be easily disassembled and repaired. Modular garden sets allow users to replace individual parts rather than the whole unit, reducing waste and extending product life.

Water-Based and Natural Finishes

Traditional stains and sealants often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCS) that can be harmful to the environment. Water-based finishes and natural oils are becoming the norm, offering protection without pollution.

Solar Integration

Some garden furniture brands are incorporating solar-powered features like built-in lights or USB chargers. This reduces the need for outdoor wiring and makes eco-living a seamless experience.

Circular Economy: The Next Step

The linear model of “take, make, dispose” is unsustainable. In its place, the circular economy is gaining momentum. This approach keeps products and materials in use as long as possible, extracting maximum value and then regenerating them at the end of life.

For garden furniture, this could mean:

Buy-back or return schemes
Furniture rental or subscription models
Second-hand marketplaces
Recycling services for old products

Amazonas aligns well with this thinking. Their high-quality products are built to last, and the company encourages customers to reuse or repurpose packaging and products creatively.

Garden Accessories and Soft Furnishings

It’s not just furniture that’s going green. Accessories like cushions, rugs, throws, and shades are following suit.

Cushion covers made from hemp, linen, or recycled polyester
Outdoor rugs made from recycled plastic bottles
Shade sails using upcycled sailcloth or biodegradable materials

Amazonas hanging chairs and hammocks often double as décor pieces. Their soft, breathable fabrics—dyed with low-impact dyes—add both comfort and character to outdoor spaces without compromising the planet.

The Role of Retailers and Wholesalers

It’s not only manufacturers pushing the change, but retailers and wholesalers are playing a critical role in promoting sustainable outdoor living.

Forward-looking businesses are:

Curating collections with strict sustainability criteria
Highlighting eco credentials on product pages
Partnering with ethical brands like Amazonas
Educating consumers through blog content and in-store signage

Retailers can amplify their impact by working with drop-shipping partners who emphasise eco-packaging and carbon-neutral shipping methods.

Challenges and Considerations

While the shift to sustainability is positive, it’s not without challenges:

Greenwashing

Some brands use “eco” buzzwords without real action behind them. This erodes consumer trust and hurts truly sustainable businesses.

To combat this, certifications like FSC, OEKO-TEX, and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) help verify claims.

Higher Initial Costs

Sustainable materials and ethical labour can increase production costs. However, the long-term value, durability, and peace of mind often outweigh the upfront investment for conscious consumers.

Supply Chain Complexity

Ensuring sustainability across an entire supply chain requires effort, transparency, and sometimes tough choices. Companies like Amazonas are succeeding by keeping their chains short and partnerships tight.

Tips for Consumers: Creating a Sustainable Outdoor Space

Whether you're a homeowner or a business designing an outdoor space, there are simple ways to go green.

1. Choose Long-Lasting Materials

Look for hardwoods like eucalyptus or certified teak, or weatherproof metals and recycled plastics.

2. Invest in Multi-Use Pieces

Hammocks from Amazonas, for example, can be used in the garden, balcony, or even indoors, offering flexibility and value.

3. Avoid Cheap, Disposable Furniture

It’s tempting to buy budget pieces, but they often end up in the landfill after a season. Prioritise quality over quantity.

4. Buy from Ethical Brands

Support companies that care about their workers, materials, and the planet. Certifications help validate your choice.

5. Go for Green Accessories

Cushions, throws, and rugs made from recycled or natural fibres help green your garden aesthetically and ethically.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Garden Furniture

The future is bright—and green. As more companies embrace circular models and consumers demand transparency, we can expect:

Increased innovation in plant-based materials
Greater accessibility of eco-friendly options
A shift in design language to reflect nature and mindfulness
More local production to cut down transport emissions

Amazonas and similar companies will likely continue setting the pace, proving that sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive.

Final Thoughts

Sustainability in outdoor living is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a defining movement. The garden furniture industry, once reliant on fast-fashion-style production, is undergoing a profound transformation.

Companies like Amazonas remind us that ethical, eco-friendly design isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Their approach to materials, production, and partnerships shows what a greener future can look like.

Whether you're a retailer, garden designer, or homeowner, your choices matter. By investing in sustainable garden furniture and accessories, you're not just creating a beautiful space—you’re planting the seeds for a better world.