We take a look at what is ahead for the interiors sector in 2026

1. The UK Government’s Circular Economy Growth Plan. Over a year in the making, this is a key part of the Labour Government’s plan for economic growth and cost of living reduction, while decoupling growth from resource use and carbon emissions. The consultation workshops for the built environment stream looked at materials, products and infrastructure so interiors should certainly be included. It is expected to be released in early 2026, including a dedicated built environment roadmap.

2. New UK Government Buying Standards. The consultation process for these indicated that several product categories related to interiors were being reviewed, including buildings, furniture, appliances and computers. To support the Circular Economy Growth Plan, the consultation process revealed minimum reused/refurbished/remanufactured percentages were being contemplated – which would put public procurement to work to drive the Circular Economy. The Standards are also expected to be released in early 2026.

3. Net Zero Carbon Building Standard projects. Completion of the first projects designed to the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard are expected in 2026. We understand that there are at least two and we look forward to seeing the feedback on the NZCBS towards its wider use.

4. Digital Product Passports. While the EU has not yet mandated DPPs for interior fit-out materials or products, the SKArating Offices Environmental 2.0 released in September 2025 requires all materials and products to have Product Circularity Data Sheets (PCDS’s), which are a form of DPP. 2026 will see the production of PCDS’s and ongoing discussion of the role and content of Digital Product Passports.

5. Circular FF&E solutions. We know of multiple manufacturers teaming up with remanufacturers to share product knowledge, spare parts, capacity, expertise and routes to market, boosting customer and dealer confidence in remanufactured products. In furniture, Haworth and Senator have been offering options to remanufacture clients’ existing furniture for years, enabling them to out-bid their competitors for projects on price and sustainability and respond to client requirements to renew and reuse existing furniture. Vitra and Humanscale have recently announced that they are offering remanufactured furniture; more are sure to follow. Likewise, remanufactured lighting, ironmongery, raised access flooring panels and ceiling tiles are now available, as are revived carpet tiles.

6. Serviced office providers adopting Furniture-as-a-Service (FaaS) and Subscription furniture. With more and more landlords offering flex offices, full-service furniture offerings with monthly fees are being preferred. Up-front costs are avoided and everything is done by the provider for one monthly fee – including design, delivery, installation, maintenance, alterations to layouts, moves, repairs, and take-back. With software enabling tenants to request repairs or changes at the touch of a button on their smartphone and fulfilment outsourced, landlords avoid the hassles of furniture.

7. Sustainable clearances. All organisations face a reputational risk if their furniture ends up in landfill and is broadcast by the media. Sending to landfill is also expensive due to the government’s Landfill Tax which is deliberately designed to encourage more circular solutions. Instead, reusing and re-homing ensures that resources are preserved, reducing carbon emissions and waste. Look for furniture providers offering to take back the furniture that they sell at then end of each life for remanufacturing for further lives. They will even collect the furniture – saving the hassle of arranging a clearance company.

Read the 5 Must-Dos for Sustainable Office Clearances

The Rype team wishes everyone a prosperous and sustainable 2026.

Let us know if we can help with any of the above.