case study

Crafting a corporate sustainability strategy
for Symphony

Contemporary Symphony kitchen installations positioned within a forest landscape to illustrate sustainable design inspired by nature.

Long-standing partnership delivers exciting new challenge

We’ve partnered with Symphony, the UK’s largest privately owned kitchen manufacturer, for over a decade. When asked to develop its latest sustainability brochure, we saw an opportunity to really showcase the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. We produced Symphony’s first sustainability brochure a few years ago, and this new, more comprehensive corporate document was designed to further emphasise its pioneering investment in environmental credentials.

74%

of cabinet chipboard from recycled material

100%

FSC® certified timber materials

41%

reduction in carbon emissions per £1m turnover (2017-2023)

Contemporary kitchen showcasing Symphony sustainable cabinetry with material samples and water-based paint sustainability graphic.
a brochure for sustainability

balancing corporate credibility with visual appeal

Symphony approached us with a clear vision, to create a brochure that would clearly present its responsibilities and commitments to sustainability – highlighting all areas of innovation. The challenge was striking the right balance between engaging visual design and the corporate data stakeholders expect from industry leaders.

Key requirements included:

  • Structure around ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles
  • Integration of UN Sustainability Goals
  • First-time publication of Symphony’s carbon footprint data
  • Showcase of product-specific carbon calculations
  • More mature, corporate tone while maintaining visual appeal
Sustainability Strategy 2025 brochure cover displayed on a wooden desk featuring a green globe and leaf illustration.
Open Sustainability Strategy brochure highlighting ethical and responsible sourcing with FSC-certified materials messaging.
Sustainability Strategy brochure spread featuring Symphony's 2024 business, people and environmental performance figures.
Open Sustainability Strategy brochure explaining Symphony's ESG priorities across environmental, social and governance commitments.
Open Sustainability Strategy brochure highlighting employee wellbeing, ESG performance metrics and workforce statistics.
strategic approach

data-driven design

We crafted a visual identity that complemented Symphony’s corporate branding while introducing guest colours to reflect the environmental theme, created in close collaboration with Symphony’s team to engage multiple stakeholder groups.

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework

We designed the document around ESG principles and aligned each section with relevant UN sustainability goals. This framework provided the corporate consistency that Symphony needed while clearly demonstrating their commitment to internationally recognised standards.

Carbon transparency

This would be the first time that Symphony revealed their carbon footprint data publicly. Our presentation of their scope 1 and 2 emissions data was presented carefully alongside their net zero commitments – ensuring that complex information remained accessible and impactful.  

Integration of key achievements

We chose Symphony’s Freedom range to highlight its market leadership in accessible kitchens and showcased its membership in the Future Homes Hub. These achievements, combined with their Yorkshire Wildlife Trust partnership, demonstrated Symphony’s committed approach to sustainability.

Visual identity

The UN Goals’ colour palette was incorporated throughout the design, while simultaneously maintaining Symphony’s brand identity. Wood textures, backgrounds and other materials reinforced its connection to the use of sustainable materials while creating a more mature, corporate aesthetic.

strategic approach

delivering results

The final brochure successfully positions Symphony as a serious player in corporate sustainability reporting, and proudly presents its achievements in limiting its impact on the planet. Key outcomes include:

  • Enhanced corporate standing: The document elevates Symphony’s position relative to competitors, providing shareholders and partners with the detailed sustainability data they expect.
  • Clear ESG communication: Complex sustainability metrics, from carbon calculations to circular economy principles, are presented in an accessible yet authoritative format
  • Stakeholder engagement tool: The brochure serves multiple audiences, from customers interested in sustainable products to partners evaluating Symphony’s environmental credentials
moving forward

to a sustainable future

This project represents a significant evolution in Symphony’s sustainability communications, transforming the business  from sustainability participants to industry leaders. The brochure not only meets immediate corporate reporting needs but establishes a framework for future sustainability communications as Symphony progresses toward its Net Zero goals.

Through strategic thinking and careful execution, we’ve helped Symphony create a powerful corporate statement that matches its substantial environmental investments and ambitions.

Magazine advertisement and mobile phone promoting Symphony's Sustainability Strategy 2025 campaign.

74%

of cabinet chipboard from recycled material

100%

FSC® certified timber materials

41%

reduction in carbon emissions per £1m turnover (2017-2023)

We wanted to completely revamp our old sustainability brochure, and tasked Vivid to create a new strategy document from scratch. Vivid perfectly captured our brand’s vision and turned our long-complicated text and statistics into a stunning, visual, easy to follow document. We’ve received fantastic feedback from our customers, and we couldn’t be happier with the final result!

George Burtoft - Sustainability Analyst ​​​​