The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Products
Teknion’s vice president of sustainability, David McDivitt, shares how responsible design and manufacturing can drive global change.
By Metropolis Editors I Metropolis
The supply chains behind the materials and products that shape our buildings are full of opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
Improving product design and manufacturing can often have a broader impact than incremental gains in building energy efficiency. Both matter—but because products are made by people, companies that make consistent strides in design, sourcing, and production can influence communities around the world. From the people who use these spaces to those who help create them, this networked effect has the power to shift entire industries and cultures.
In the latest episode of Deep Green, created in partnership with Teknion, host Avi Rajagopal speaks with David McDivitt, Teknion’s vice president of sustainability. Known for its transparency and responsible manufacturing practices, Teknion continues to explore new ways to expand its impact.
On Staying Focused on Impact
“There is always something new happening—new chemicals of concern, updated certifications, evolving standards. It’s easy to get lost in it,” says McDivitt. “We focus on real-world, practical actions, while listening closely to customers, peers, and partners. That helps us learn, build on what’s working, and continuously improve.”
On Rethinking Plastics
Over the past 50 years, furniture design has become heavily reliant on plastics, contributing to higher carbon emissions and increased material complexity.
Teknion approaches this challenge with transparency first—understanding exactly what materials are used, and their impact on health, ecosystems, and climate.
From there, the focus is on action:
Replacing high-impact materials like PVC and PFAS-based components
Reducing overall plastic use
Increasing recycled content wherever possible
Prioritizing lower-carbon alternatives such as polypropylene
“We need to challenge the status quo,” McDivitt notes. “Real change requires meaningful shifts.”
On Waste and Circularity
Manufacturing inefficiencies create waste, but Teknion looks at this as an opportunity.
Fabric off-cuts, for example, are repurposed into durable protective wraps used during production and transportation—reducing reliance on single-use plastics and extending material life.
These visible initiatives also inspire teams internally, encouraging new ideas and reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
On Supply Chain Impact
A significant portion of Teknion’s carbon footprint—approximately 85%—comes from its supply chain.
To address this, the company works closely with suppliers through:
Workshops and shared resources
Emissions tracking tools
Collaborative initiatives to reduce waste and emissions
From consolidating deliveries to developing lower-carbon materials, these efforts have already reduced hundreds of tons of carbon.
“Our impact grows through collaboration,” says McDivitt. “It’s about building a shared mindset across the entire ecosystem.”
On Supporting Designers and Specifiers
Transparency remains central to Teknion’s approach.
Certifications like BIFMA LEVEL®, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) help designers and clients make informed decisions without unnecessary complexity.
By maintaining consistency across product lines, Teknion simplifies the specification process while continuing to raise the bar for sustainability.
The Takeaway
Thoughtful products create ripple effects.
Through intentional design, responsible sourcing, and collaborative action, companies have the ability to influence far more than the products they make—shaping better outcomes for people, communities, and the industry as a whole.
