Welcome to the Ardea podcast, where we spotlight trailblazing women who are driving positive change in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable individual who is breaking barriers in the UK furniture industry and making waves in sustainability.
In an industry historically led by men, women are now taking the helm, and our guest today, Kate Wright, is at the forefront of this transformative movement. With a background that includes renowned brands like notonthehighstreet.com, Dunelm, The Sofa & Chair Company, and Sofa Workshop, Kate has established herself as a sustainability powerhouse.
In 2020, she took on the pivotal role of Head of Sustainable Product Development for DFS Group, encompassing DFS, Sofology, Dwell, and The Sofa Delivery Company. Under her leadership, DFS Group embarked on an ambitious journey, launching its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, with a groundbreaking initiative known as "The Sofa Cycle."
The Sofa Cycle represents a revolutionary circularity model, meticulously dissecting every facet of the business to gain a comprehensive understanding of its environmental impact. Over the past two years, Kate and her team have worked closely with suppliers and the supply chain to construct a detailed carbon footprint model. This circularity approach examines the entire lifecycle of their products, from raw materials and manufacturing processes to global shipping, customer usage, and end-of-life considerations.
Join us as we delve into Kate Wright's incredible journey and gain insights into how she's driving sustainability and diversity in an industry traditionally resistant to change. We unpacked her innovative vision and dedication to shaping a more sustainable future.