Sustainable outdoor furniture is commonly constructed from materials that have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.
That could be materials from renewable sources or recycled, along with those that avoid using harmful chemicals and manufacturing processes that pollute the environment and cause us harm.
However, here at Lazy Susan, we think sustainability goes much further than that. Furniture that is built to last reduces the need for frequent replacements, which means fewer resources consumed over time.
Long-lasting garden furniture materials contribute less to landfill and help reduce the environmental impact associated with waste management and disposal.
And whilst the production of quality furniture can often involve significant energy use, resulting in carbon emissions, choosing those that are fit for purpose and built to last significantly helps to spread that energy use over a longer period.
We’ve read several articles recently claiming that this and that material are the most eco-friendly, so we want to take an honest look at the cast aluminium we use across our collection and assess how sustainable our garden furniture range is.
Why is it important to improve our carbon footprints?
Improving our carbon footprint - both as a business and as individuals - is a critical focus for the team here at Lazy Susan. It has a direct impact on our environmental health, economic sustainability, and our social well-being.
Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere continue to rise. Reducing our carbon footprint will help decrease the concentration of these gases, and lead to a reduction in global warming and the negative impact of climate change.
As a garden furniture company, we want to see warm summers, but we also want to see clearly defined seasons. Current levels of emission are leading to unstable weather patterns and greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
At Lazy Susan, we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint and focus on ways we can become more sustainable.
Our Do Some Good campaign is a great example of how we take Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously, and our staff charity initiative has helped us to get the whole team involved in making a difference.
It has been up and running since 2015 and it is well on its way to raising £500,000 by the end of 2024 for some wonderful charities. However, we, like most businesses in the UK garden furniture industry, are not perfect, and we all have a long way to go.
Reducing our carbon footprint is an ethical obligation, and in this article, we want to take a closer look at our cast aluminium range to highlight how we make it, if you can recycle it, and why we think - while not a fully "green" material yet - it is still a sustainable choice for your outside space.
What is cast aluminium furniture?
Here at Lazy Susan, we would define cast aluminium outdoor furniture as:
“Outdoor furniture made by pouring molten aluminium into moulds to create intricate and durable designs."
Aluminium is abundant in the Earth's crust, but its extraction process (primarily from bauxite ore) is energy-intensive and does have an environmental impact.
As a material for garden furniture though, it is fit for purpose and perfectly suited to the UK climate.
It is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for all four seasons we can see in one day. It can withstand inclement weather conditions, including heavy rain and hot sun, all with minimal upkeep.
The casting process we use for our outdoor furniture results in solid pieces that are intricately detailed, strong, and durable.
And whilst cast aluminium garden furniture is generally more expensive than recycled plastics or some ethically sourced wood alternatives due to its durability and design, its longevity and low maintenance make it a more cost-effective choice over time.
How is our cast aluminium garden furniture made?
The casting process we use here at Lazy Susan involves melting aluminium and shaping it in moulds to create the pieces we need (such as tabletops, legs, chair backs, etc).
Historically, this process required considerable energy, however, advancements in technology have made it more efficient and less polluting.
The basic process sees us pour molten aluminium into sand moulds to form the pieces we need to make our garden furniture.
This allows us to create our trademark classically styled metalwork in a host of detailed patterns and complex designs that would be difficult to achieve with other production methods.
Our production process involves several steps that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques.
The starting point is the design phase, where the shape, size, and intricate details of each piece of furniture are conceptualised.
Our design team create detailed technical illustrations of each part using CAD software, from which we can then make the wooden "patterns" needed to create the moulds.
The moulds are then created by placing these patterns in the sand, where we use a mixture of sand and a bonding agent packed around the pattern to make a cavity or impression in the shape of the piece we want to form.
A combination of aluminium ingots and recycled aluminium are then melted in a furnace at a temperature above melting point (just a touch over 660°C) and the molten aluminium is then carefully poured into the mould to fill the cavity created by the pattern.
The molten aluminium is allowed to cool and solidify inside the mould, and it is this cooling period that is critical in ensuring the metal sets properly and retains the desired shape.
Once the aluminium has cooled and solidified, the mould is broken open to remove the cast part. The cast piece is then cleaned to remove any residual mould material via a process of sandblasting and/or washing.
We then finish the parts by hand to enhance their appearance. This includes grinding, sanding, and polishing to remove any rough edges or surface imperfections.
Then to further protect the aluminium and add a stylish finish, we apply a durable powder coat. This involves applying a dry powder and curing it under heat to form a hard, durable, weatherproof finish.
The final products then undergo a rigorous quality control check to ensure they meet our design specs and to ensure they are free from casting defects such as cold shuts, for example.
Can cast aluminium outdoor furniture be recycled?
One of the big advantages cast aluminium outdoor furniture has over other metals and so-called sustainable materials like eco-plastics is that it is easy to recycle.
Recycling aluminium uses only about 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium from ore, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. It is an infinitely recyclable material too, and according to Aluminium For Future Generations:
“It takes up to 95% less energy to recycle it than to produce primary aluminium, which also limits emissions, including greenhouse gases. Today, about 75% of all aluminium produced in history, nearly a billion tons, is still in use.”
We hope to increase our use of recycled aluminium in our furniture range in the future as improvements are made to the metal purification process. However, the recycling process for aluminium itself is considered to be both efficient and environmentally safe.
The first step involves collecting old or unwanted cast aluminium furniture. This can be done through recycling programs, scrap metal dealers, or the waste collection services provided by your local council.
At the recycling facility, the aluminium is then sorted from other materials. This ensures that the recycling process is as pure and efficient as possible.
Aluminium furniture will often need to be broken down into smaller pieces to make handling and processing easier. This will also involve removing the powder-coated finish.
The sorted aluminium is then shredded into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area and makes the melting process more efficient. Larger pieces like tabletops are often crushed first to facilitate handling and processing.
The shredded aluminium pieces are then melted in a furnace. Aluminium melts at a relatively low temperature (around 660°), making the process more energy-efficient than other metals.
During the melting process, any impurities are removed, and sometimes alloys or additives are added to improve the quality of the recycled aluminium.
The molten aluminium is also refined to remove any remaining impurities via processes such as filtration and fluxing.
The purified aluminium is then cast into ingots, which are the industry-standardised shape for transporting and reusing in the manufacturing of new products.
How long will cast aluminium last when left outside?
One of the main reasons cast aluminium is a sustainable choice is its durability and how long it can last in your garden with very little protection and maintenance.
Of course, it is difficult to put an exact figure on how long our outdoor furniture will last. It depends on several factors - such as protection, maintenance, level of use, location, etc - all of which we discussed in detail in our How many years does outdoor furniture last? article.
Cast aluminium garden furniture is known for its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, and its long lifespan means it doesn't need to be replaced frequently, thus reducing waste and the need for new resources.
More extreme conditions, such as saltwater exposure found at the coast, will impact longevity too. Using covers, for example, is one way we can help protect and prolong its lifespan in this instance.
We use high-grade aluminium and apply a durable powder coating to finish it and further contribute to the furniture's overall durability.
The quality of the material combined with a robust casting process and finish, will ensure our furniture lasts longer than lower-quality alternatives.
With proper care and maintenance, such as cleaning, covering, and touching up any chips and scratches, there is no reason our cast aluminium garden furniture will not last for 15+ years. In optimal conditions, it could last even longer.
If you do find any chips and scratches or missing parts such as our screw-in protective feet, then rectify and repair them immediately. You will find touch-up kits and packs of replacement foot pads in our Spare Parts Shop.
Why cast aluminium being low maintenance is good for the environment
Recycled plastic, bamboo, and FSC-certified and reclaimed woods are often considered some of the most sustainable choices, but what appears environmentally friendly, can often be a little misleading.
For example, the flip side of wood, be it reclaimed or FSC certified, is that it will require high levels of maintenance to keep it weatherproof.
Recycled plastics are receiving a lot of press, however, the recycling process is a highly energy-intensive process, while the finished furniture is lightweight and prone to weathering.
Bamboo is another highly renewable resource that is often sold as eco-friendly. Whilst it grows quickly, so easy to farm sustainably, it requires a chemical treatment to make it weather-resistant and transportation to the UK is carbon-intensive.
We don't want to say that this material is more sustainable than that, but what we would say, if this is a critical decision-making factor, do a little research to confirm it ticks all the boxes.
The big advantage cast aluminium has over the above materials is that it has the best weather resistance and requires very little upkeep.
A simple wash with soapy water will generally suffice. No need to get out the paintbrush and re-stain. That means fewer chemicals, volatile compounds, resources, etc are needed to keep the furniture fit for purpose. You're further reducing long-term environmental impact.
Unlike other types of metal furniture, such as steel, wrought iron and cast iron, cast aluminium naturally resists rust and corrosion too, even in humid or rainy environments. This significantly extends its lifespan and it needs no additional protection to do that.
Our powder coating is moisture and UV-resistant and it will prevent it from oxidising when exposed to the elements.
Regular cleaning with soapy water (car shampoo is our solution of choice) will help remove dirt, pollen, and other debris that can wear down the painted finish over time.
Applying a protective coat of car wax or a sealant once or twice a year will also just help maintain the finish and add an extra layer of protection against the elements.
However, the most important step is to just make sure you periodically inspect the furniture for chips or scratches in the finish and address them promptly to prevent any bigger issues from taking hold.
What can you do with cast aluminium furniture when it reaches the end of its life?
As we’ve already stated, at the end of its life, cast aluminium outdoor furniture can be recycled, ensuring that the material can be reused and reducing the need for virgin aluminium extraction.
Recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from raw materials (bauxite ore). This reduces the need for mining, conserves natural resources, and minimises environmental pollution.
It can also be recycled indefinitely without losing the properties that make it perfect for making garden furniture, and there are several ways you can recycle old aluminium garden furniture in the UK.
Most local recycling centres in the UK will accept aluminium. Check with your local facility to confirm they do and what they do with it but it will generally just go in the metal section to be smelted.
Scrap metal dealers will also take old aluminium for recycling. The industry is highly regulated, so it is important to check, regardless of whether it is a mobile collector or a large multinational operator, that they are correctly licensed with either the Scrap Metal Dealer Licence or a Waste Carrier Licence.
The British Metals Recycling Association is the trade association that represents all metal recyclers in the UK, and on their website, you can search for recyclers and scrap yards in your local area.
Local councils will also often offer a collection service for large metal items. Check with their waste management department but there is often a fee of around £10/15 to take it away from the front of your property on a set day/time slot.
If the furniture is structurally sound but the powder coating is looking a little tired, then another environmentally friendly option is to consider repurposing or up-cycling it.
A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into old garden furniture. Remove the old powder coating and use outdoor metal primer and paint to create a new weather-resistant finish.
Alternatively, if you did want to purchase new, then you could maybe repurpose the old furniture and turn it into another functional garden item. For example, an old garden table can become a potting bench in your shed or greenhouse.
Give pre-loved furniture a new home with Lazy Susan in partnership with the British Heart Foundation
Many charities also accept furniture donations, which they either sell to raise funds or give to those in need.
Here at Lazy Susan, we have partnered with the British Heart Foundation to help you give your pre-loved Lazy Susan furniture a new home.
You can donate via our free collection service and help support the amazing work they do to fund life-saving research into heart disease, strokes, and vascular dementia.
Please note, that for quality and safety reasons, the BHF can only collect pre-loved garden furniture that is in a useable condition (e.g. not broken/damaged), so please do not be disappointed if they are unable to accept items for safety and quality reasons.
By considering these options though, you can responsibly manage the end-of-life disposal of your cast aluminium patio furniture to minimise environmental impact and help others.
Our recent update has more info about the work we do with the British Heart Foundation.
Another part of our Do Some Good campaign is the vital work we do with Tree-Nation.
As well as making monetary donations to our charity partners, we give customers the option to plant trees in return for their photo submissions.
Last year we planted over 1,600 trees, with a further 2,400 planted in 2024 as part of the "Plant to Stop Poverty" project in Tanzania.
Our final thoughts on sustainable garden furniture…
Improving our carbon footprint is vital for maintaining environmental health, fostering economic sustainability, and fulfilling our social responsibilities.
Whether through reducing energy consumption, adopting renewable energy sources, improving efficiency, or supporting green initiatives, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
By doing so, we are not only mitigating the adverse effects of climate change but also helping to create a healthier, more prosperous planet.
As consumers, choosing furniture from manufacturers that prioritise sustainable practices and use recycled materials is a great way to help.
However, it is important to understand that all materials have benefits and drawbacks, even those that claim to be green.
Cast aluminium outdoor furniture, especially if it is made from recycled aluminium (an area we are investing time and resources to increase the amount we use), is not an obvious green choice, but even materials sold as fully sustainable have an impact.
For us, it is the durability, end-of-life recyclability, and low maintenance needs of cast aluminium that are the positive factors.
The long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacement but the high energy consumption in extraction and production is something we have to improve.
Ours is an industry that has made big strides in the last 5 years or so. We have seen environmental standards rise quite dramatically.
Yes, much more needs to be done, and here at Lazy Susan, we want to make good choices where we can, to raise the bar for all in the UK garden furniture industry.
That is why our Do Some Good campaign and the work we do with organisations like the British Heart Foundation and Tree-Nation is so important to us!
If you have our cast aluminium outdoor furniture then we would love to see a few photos of it in situ for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
