Sustainability at RFK Kitchens: Making Responsible Choices For a Greener Future

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important when planning a new kitchen. From the materials used to manufacture your cabinets to what happens to your old kitchen, every decision can have an environmental impact.

We believe that creating beautiful, functional kitchens and making responsible choices should go hand in hand.

While there’s always more we can do, we’re committed to finding ways to reduce waste, work with responsible suppliers and make more environmentally conscious decisions throughout our business.

Here’s how we’re doing our part.

Thoughtful Kitchen Design Starts With Good Planning

One of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary waste is to get things right from the beginning.

Poor planning can result in wasted materials, while rushed decisions can lead to changes after products have already been ordered.

That’s why we take the time to understand how you use your kitchen, discuss the options available and help you make informed decisions before anything is ordered.

It's an approach that helps minimise unnecessary changes, reduce potential waste and create a kitchen that works for you for years to come.

Quality Kitchens Designed to Last

When it comes to sustainability, longevity matters.

A kitchen is a significant investment, and choosing quality products that stand the test of time can help reduce the need for premature replacements.

We carefully select the manufacturers and products we work with, focusing on quality materials, reliable construction and designs that offer lasting appeal.

Working With Responsible Suppliers

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the manufacturers and suppliers we choose to work with.

We look closely at the ranges we specify and consider the environmental practices of the businesses behind them.

Where available, we review information such as certified timber sourcing, recycled material content and manufacturing waste management to help us make more informed decisions.

One example is Kitchen Makers by Burbidge, a British kitchen manufacturer that has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Responsible Sourcing of Materials

Kitchen Makers by Burbidge is committed to sourcing timber and other materials responsibly, ensuring they come from legal and well-managed forests certified to internationally recognised standards.

More Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing

The manufacturer has also taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of its production processes.

Water-based paints are used wherever possible. Where these aren't suitable, its paint-drying system is designed to break down environmentally harmful organic compounds.

They’ve also invested in a state-of-the-art Eco-Gate dust extraction system, which helps minimise energy consumption during manufacturing.

Alongside these improvements, most of its vehicles are electric or hybrid, and the business predominantly uses energy generated by its own solar panels.

These are examples of how manufacturers can make meaningful changes to their operations, something we value when selecting the brands we work with.

Recycling, Reusing and Reducing Waste

Sustainability doesn't end when your new kitchen has been installed.

Kitchen renovations can generate considerable waste, from old cabinets and worktops to packaging and leftover materials.

We’re conscious of the waste produced during our projects and the importance of recycling wherever practical.

Giving Old Kitchens a New Home

One way we're helping to reduce waste is through our relationship with ReHome, a company that specialises in finding new homes for pre-owned kitchens.

Rather than sending a perfectly usable kitchen to landfill, ReHome offers clients the opportunity to sell their existing kitchen, allowing someone else to enjoy it for years to come.

It's something we've experienced first-hand, having recently sold one of our own showroom displays through ReHome.

Not only does this approach help extend the life of quality kitchen furniture, but it also offers a more sustainable alternative to simply disposing of an old kitchen.

Our Plans For a Greener Future

We recognise that sustainability is an ongoing commitment, and there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

As a business, we’re continually looking at practical ways to make our operations more environmentally responsible.

Our plans include exploring the introduction of electric vehicles and charging points, alongside reviewing other opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint.

We also intend to continue working closely with our suppliers, keeping up to date with improvements in manufacturing processes, materials and environmental practices.

We don't claim to have all the answers, but we believe that making thoughtful, achievable changes is an important part of moving in the right direction.

Creating Kitchens For the Future

If you’re planning a new kitchen and would like to explore the available materials, products, and design options, our team would be delighted to help.