168 A sustainable product or service forms part of a supply chain that can remain efficient over the long term, without having harmful effects on the environment or people involved. Many companies would like to claim that their products fit that description but in the absence of a 360° protocol for sustainable maritime interiors with clear requirements for interior products, businesses are left to find their own way through the maze of regulations, best practices and evolving norms for greener production. The most sustainable interior products are those that provide environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health and the environment over their whole life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials until final disposal. This can include developing sustainable manufacturing solutions by designing products out of waste, working with the circular economy, reducing emissions, making supply chains more transparent, or reducing the carbon footprint. Other options are to specialise in longer-life products, reduce energy usage in production processes, target 100 per cent CO2 neutral energy usage, or base production in one location. Some suppliers even offer sustainability score cards for their products, allowing designers to gain a sustainability rating by choosing them. Those specifying products for interiors in cruise ships and ferries are looking primarily for products that meet existing IMO fire-load criteria and fit weight and durability requirements. Choosing items with sustainability as the main deciding factor is still something of a ‘nice to have’ in many of these environments, although this is changing fast. And with sustainable products often carrying a price premium, it is clear that the companies selling them need to have very compelling eco-stories to tell about their green offerings. The companies and products profiled in this section have undertaken to comply with an impressive range of certification and verification systems, from IMO and MED Wheelmark to LEED and BREEAM certification, Cradle to Cradle, various ISO standards and more. What is perhaps surprising is that some of those most passionate and active in their pursuit of sustainability are not global giants with entire sustainability departments to call on but rather, are small local businesses that have elected to carve a niche for themselves in greener commerce. Some of their stories are included in this section of the report. PRODUCTS AND MATER I ALS Striving for sustainability: featured suppliers and products
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