Why we only use Biofoam (and as little as possible) and never plastic foam in our sofas
Posted posted on October 02, 2025
Another thing makes makes Schplendid virtually unique in the sofa industry is our avoidance of foam. But in the few places we do have to use a bit of it, we insist on the best possible kind: biofoam. Here’s why…
Most sofas are stuffed full of petrochemical foam — plastic blocks designed to last a few years before heading to landfill. At Schplendid, we think foam is a bad habit. We replace it withcoconut husk and sheep’s wool wherever we can. But when we can’t, we use the best foam there is: plant-based biofoam.
The problem with foam
Foam has stealthily taken over the sofa industry. Look under the cover of almost any sofa in Britain and you’ll find a slab of polyurethane. It’s made from fossil fuels, doesn’t breathe, and eventually breaks down into a nasty lump that ends up in landfill.
It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s everywhere. But it’s also plastic — and it doesn’t belong in a sofa that’s meant to last.
We’d happily never use foam again – and mostly, we don’t.
So why use foam at all?
Occasionally, design demands it. A couple of our models — like the Lionel — have sleek, modern profiles that need a thin layer of foam to hold their sharp lines. And some cushion constructions benefit from a slim foam core to stop them collapsing completely.
In those rare cases, we insist on biofoam.
What makes biofoam different?
Biofoam looks and feels like regular foam. It’s just as comfortable, just as squidgy. But it’s made from plant oils (castor and soy) instead of petrochemicals.
Renewable ingredients: derived from plants, not fossil fuels.
Carbon neutral supplier: we source from a company that offsets its impact.
Recyclable and biodegradable: not perfect, but far better than polyurethane.
Performance: every bit as resilient and comfortable as standard foam.
Or, as we like to put it: still squidgy, just not evil.
How we make biofoam affordable
Plant-based foam costs more than the plastic stuff. But unlike other brands, we don’t multiply that cost by percentages. If an ingredient like biofoam adds £50, we pass on exactly £50. Nothing hidden, nothing inflated.
That’s why we can insist on biofoam where foam is unavoidable — without charging silly money for the privilege.
The Schplendid Difference
We don’t love foam. In fact, we’re trying to banish it. But we’re realists — some designs still need a little. So when foam is unavoidable, we make it as good as it can be: plant-based, sustainable, biodegradable biofoam.
It’s not perfect. But it’s a whole load better. And paired with coconut, wool and down, it means every Schplendid sofa is as natural, comfortable and long-lasting as possible.
Why do you use foam at all if you don’t like it? Because some sofa shapes and cushion styles need it for structure. But only in thin layers, never throughout the whole sofa.
What exactly is biofoam made from? Mostly castor oil and soy. Natural plant oils instead of petrochemicals.
Is biofoam biodegradable? Yes. It will break down naturally over time, unlike regular polyurethane foam which lingers for centuries.
Is it comfortable? Every bit as squidgy as normal foam — you won’t notice the difference under your cushions.
How much of a Schplendid sofa is foam? Very little. Most of the comfort comes from coconut husk, sheep’s wool, and goose down. Foam is a last resort, not the main ingredient.
Why we only use Biofoam (and as little as possible) and never plastic foam in our sofas
Another thing makes makes Schplendid virtually unique in the sofa industry is our avoidance of foam. But in the few places we do have to use a bit of it, we insist on the best possible kind: biofoam. Here’s why…
Most sofas are stuffed full of petrochemical foam — plastic blocks designed to last a few years before heading to landfill. At Schplendid, we think foam is a bad habit. We replace it with coconut husk and sheep’s wool wherever we can. But when we can’t, we use the best foam there is: plant-based biofoam.
The problem with foam
Foam has stealthily taken over the sofa industry. Look under the cover of almost any sofa in Britain and you’ll find a slab of polyurethane. It’s made from fossil fuels, doesn’t breathe, and eventually breaks down into a nasty lump that ends up in landfill.
It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s everywhere. But it’s also plastic — and it doesn’t belong in a sofa that’s meant to last.
Our first choice: Coconut and Wool
That’s why, wherever possible, we upholster with natural materials instead. Coconut husk for resilience, sheep’s wool for softness. Together they make a breathable, springy comfort layer that leaves foam for dead.
We’d happily never use foam again – and mostly, we don’t.
So why use foam at all?
Occasionally, design demands it. A couple of our models — like the Lionel — have sleek, modern profiles that need a thin layer of foam to hold their sharp lines. And some cushion constructions benefit from a slim foam core to stop them collapsing completely.
In those rare cases, we insist on biofoam.
What makes biofoam different?
Biofoam looks and feels like regular foam. It’s just as comfortable, just as squidgy. But it’s made from plant oils (castor and soy) instead of petrochemicals.
Renewable ingredients: derived from plants, not fossil fuels.
Carbon neutral supplier: we source from a company that offsets its impact.
Recyclable and biodegradable: not perfect, but far better than polyurethane.
Performance: every bit as resilient and comfortable as standard foam.
Or, as we like to put it: still squidgy, just not evil.
How we make biofoam affordable
Plant-based foam costs more than the plastic stuff. But unlike other brands, we don’t multiply that cost by percentages. If an ingredient like biofoam adds £50, we pass on exactly £50. Nothing hidden, nothing inflated.
That’s why we can insist on biofoam where foam is unavoidable — without charging silly money for the privilege.
The Schplendid Difference
We don’t love foam. In fact, we’re trying to banish it. But we’re realists — some designs still need a little. So when foam is unavoidable, we make it as good as it can be: plant-based, sustainable, biodegradable biofoam.
It’s not perfect. But it’s a whole load better. And paired with coconut, wool and down, it means every Schplendid sofa is as natural, comfortable and long-lasting as possible.
Read more about Schplendid's sofa ingredients here.
FAQs
Why do you use foam at all if you don’t like it?
Because some sofa shapes and cushion styles need it for structure. But only in thin layers, never throughout the whole sofa.
What exactly is biofoam made from?
Mostly castor oil and soy. Natural plant oils instead of petrochemicals.
Is biofoam biodegradable?
Yes. It will break down naturally over time, unlike regular polyurethane foam which lingers for centuries.
Is it comfortable?
Every bit as squidgy as normal foam — you won’t notice the difference under your cushions.
How much of a Schplendid sofa is foam?
Very little. Most of the comfort comes from coconut husk, sheep’s wool, and goose down. Foam is a last resort, not the main ingredient.
Comparison: Schplendid vs. the Rest
Feature
Schplendid
Most High-Street Sofas
Foam Use
Minimal, only where unavoidable
Foam throughout
Foam Type
Plant-based biofoam (castor & soy)
Petrochemical polyurethane
Sustainability
Biodegradable, recyclable, carbon neutral supplier
Non-biodegradable, fossil fuel derived
Comfort
As squidgy as regular foam, plus natural coconut/wool layers
Entirely dependent on foam
Craft
Mostly natural upholstery, foam only for structure
Quick-cut foam blocks everywhere
Honesty
Transparent about where and why we use it
Hidden under pretty fabrics
See also:
The unique, radical pricing model that makes Schplendid sofas affordable
Why we use Eight-Way Hand-Tied Coil Springs in our sofas
Solid beech hardwood and proper joinery: Why we build Schplendid sofa frames the old-fashioned way
Why we upholster our sofas with coconut and wool instead of foam
Why we only use pure Italian linen and velvet fabrics for Schplendid sofas
Why we use goose down in Schplendid sofa cushions