Norwegian Vestre – pioneers in furniture made from fossil-free steel
The Norwegian furniture company Vestre has been creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor furniture for over 75 years, always guided by environmental responsibility, design, and quality. They are at the forefront of the green transition and are eager to test new technologies that can reduce their environmental impact. Now, they are the first in the world to manufacture a park bench made from fossil-free steel. The raw material is sourced from Tibnor.
You may have rested your legs on one of their park benches, enjoyed a coffee at one of their outdoor tables, or parked your bicycle in one of their racks. The Norwegian furniture manufacturer Vestre can proudly say that their products are found in numerous public spaces around the world—from Times Square in New York, via Milan, all the way to the city park in Karlstad, where the world’s first fossil-free park bench now takes pride of place.
“We are very proud and happy to be the first furniture company in the world to manufacture furniture in fossil-free steel when it becomes commercially available in 2026. This aligns perfectly with our goal of being known as the world’s most sustainable furniture company and always being at the forefront of sustainability efforts,” says Vestre’s Head of Sustainability, Øyvind Bjørnstad.
Sustainability and environmental focus are deeply embedded in Vestre’s DNA. This dates back to when the company was founded in Haugesund in 1947. When producing outdoor furniture designed to withstand harsh weather and the demanding climate of Norway’s west coast, it is essential to create long-lasting products. This requires high-quality raw materials.
“We have always had a strong focus on quality materials and on moving away from a throwaway culture. So when we implemented sustainability as part of our corporate strategy in 2016, it wasn’t really anything new—more a way to build on the solid foundation we already had.”
In addition to the fossil-free steel from SSAB used in the first fossil-free park bench, Vestre is now also testing SSAB Zero—a steel made from 100% recycled material—in several of its products.
“If we are to reach our goals and maintain high credibility, we must lead in many areas. One of the most fundamental is the materials we use. That’s why both of these steel products from SSAB suit us so well. They match the quality of traditional steel while significantly reducing emissions,” says Øyvind Bjørnstad.
Globally, steel production accounts for about seven percent of all carbon emissions, but for Vestre, steel represents 65–70 percent of the company’s total carbon footprint.
“Our projections show that if we succeed in converting all our steel to fossil-free by 2030, Vestre could reduce its emissions by more than 60 percent. That is the most important part of our plan to phase out fossil fuels and a crucial part of our strategy,” says Øyvind Bjørnstad.
In August 2023, the first piece of outdoor furniture made from fossil-free steel was introduced. The park bench Tellus, designed by award-winning Swedish designer Emma Olbers, was inaugurated by the Swedish royal couple and Vestre’s CEO at the end of August.
“It was a big day for us at Vestre when we were able to present the first fossil-free steel bench to Karlstad City Park,” says Øyvind Bjørnstad, adding that he appreciates that SSAB and Tibnor see the value in partnering with Vestre.
“Being able to partner on the same level as companies like Mercedes, Volvo, and other industry giants is incredibly valuable. Because the truth is, together we can make a difference. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
In brief
Challenge
To design and manufacture high-quality outdoor furniture that lasts for many years while minimizing environmental impact.
Solution
Vestre has partnered with Tibnor and SSAB, which supply both SSAB Zero (steel made from 100% recycled material) and fossil-free steel based on HYBRIT technology.
Result
In August 2023, Vestre introduced its first outdoor furniture item—the park bench Tellus—made entirely from fossil-free steel and designed by award-winning Swedish designer Emma Olbers. The same year, Vestre also presented the first version of its decarbonization plan, in which fossil-free steel plays a key role.
Vestre at a glance
Vestre is a leading manufacturer of outdoor furniture for cities, parks, and public spaces. The company collaborates with renowned Scandinavian designers and has received numerous design awards. Its products are manufactured in Sweden and Norway using high-quality materials. Vestre is a family-owned company, now run by the third generation.
