Insights from RAW Workshop, Smile Plastics and Ocee & Four Design

Located in the heart of Oxford, RAW Workshop is far more than just a furniture manufacturer. It's a social enterprise with a mission to transform lives through meaningful employment, while creating beautiful, sustainable furniture that tells a story. Their three-pillar model – RAW Workshop, RAW Potential, and RAW Recycling – intertwines social impact, design excellence, and environmental stewardship in one compelling package.

Community Engagement

RAW stands out for its values-led employment model. 75% of its workforce are people who’ve overcome significant life challenges. This is more than a second chance – it’s a launchpad to thriving futures. With no zero-hour contracts, flexible working, and commitment to the Oxford Living Wage, RAW builds people up while building beautiful furniture.

Environmental Responsibility

The workshop is powered by a renewable energy grid, with future plans to introduce solar. Sustainability is embedded from concept to completion, including rigorous checks across the supply chain. With timber as a key material, RAW ensures all wood used is FSC-certified and responsibly sourced.

Material & Design Innovation

Craftsmanship and purpose go hand in hand at the RAW Workshop. RAW’s furniture reflects a deep understanding of both design and social value, backed by environmentally conscious materials and thoughtful production methods. With partnerships across various sectors - including GAIL’s and Oxford City Council – they’re dedicated to scaling up their impact, one design at a time.

In a very exciting update, our very own People Director, Charlotte Turner, has joined RAW Workshop as a Trustee Board Director, further strengthening this partnership and our commitment to socially responsible. In this role, Charlotte will support RAW Workshop in shaping their people vision and Provide guidance on employment legislation and best practices.

Wales is home to Smile Plastics – a pioneering team that transforms plastic waste into durable, design-forward materials. Their circular production line runs 24/7, with the potential to divert up to 3,000 tonnes of waste annually. But beyond the stats, it’s their passion for storytelling, design, and education that sets them apart.

Community Engagement

Smile Plastics lives its values through meaningful partnerships. One standout initiative is their collaboration with Surfability CIC – the world’s first inclusive surf school. Together, they collected plastic waste from local beaches and transformed it into decorative panels through the "Ocean Plastic to Fantastic" campaign.

Environmental Responsibility

Their factory operates a zero-waste-to-landfill model, and they prioritise local sourcing to minimise transport emissions. All raw materials are either post-consumer or industrial waste, giving second life to materials that would otherwise pollute the environment.

Material & Design Innovation

From concept to creation, Smile Plastics puts sustainability front and centre. Their highly durable panels are not just made from waste – they’re also fully recyclable at end-of-life. With fabrication guides, CPD sessions, and personalised client support, they help designers embed circularity into every project.

With a history dating back to the 1930s, Ocee & Four Design blends decades of design heritage with a clear commitment to sustainability. As an international furniture manufacturer, they’ve made impressive strides to reduce environmental impact while creating spaces that support wellbeing, collaboration, and longevity.

Community Engagement

Their impact goes far beyond design. In 2024, they planted over 450 trees to offset emissions and supported the Fortaleza Ituxi REDD Project in Brazil – an initiative that protects parts of the Amazon rainforest by empowering local communities. It’s sustainability that’s both global and grounded.

Environmental Responsibility

Data drives every decision at Ocee & Four Design. They use tools like the PEF Methodology using Malbar software to track the carbon footprint of each product and work closely with Planet Mark to report on Scopes 1, 2, and part of 3 emissions. It’s this level of transparency that helps push the industry forward.

Material & Design Innovation

Circular design is central to their product development. The Four People Sofa uses no glue or staples, making it easy to disassemble and recycle. Their Four Sure chairs recently earned the Eco Label – recognised for both their recycled content and recyclability. Smart materials, thoughtful design, and serious attention to lifecycle – perfectly describes Ocee & Four Design.