Consumer habits are gradually changing, and now sustainable production is becoming one of the main factors when choosing a brand. Whether companies want to follow the global trend or really care about the environment, a sustainable agenda affects everyone in one way or another. If you are a furniture company owner and want to adopt sustainability, getting an online MBA in Sustainability is highly recommended. The degree will help you execute relevant management practices, principles, and perspectives related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility that will significantly help your furniture business. Many companies seek to form an EU taxonomy summary of their activities to evaluate their performance and demonstrate it to the market. In this article, we will look at furniture manufacturers who are actively implementing eco-principles in their processes.
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Kvadrat
The Danish brand Kvadrat has been producing furniture upholstery, window textiles, carpets, and other products for architects, designers, and private consumers since 1968. In addition to running its factory and company headquarters in Ebeltoft entirely with renewable energy, Kvadrat places great emphasis on the wise use and recycling of textiles. For example, in 2017 the brand launched the Really campaign to recycle wool and cotton. In addition, almost all Kvadrat products are Greenguard certified, which confirms their safe composition: the brand uses only eco-labeled dyes. In 2019, the brand launched a line of eco-friendly outdoor furniture upholstery fabrics that are free from the toxic chemical compound, fluorocarbon.
Kartell
With the “Kartell loves the planet” manifesto, the Kartell brand underscores its commitment to sustainability and sustainability. The manufacturer strives to create durable products using recyclable raw materials. In addition, the brand also makes all packaging from materials that can be recycled and reused. The company is constantly developing technological innovations and new creative solutions that provide higher performance and environmental friendliness.
In 2019, for example, the furniture brand partnered with Italian bioplastic manufacturer Bio-on to introduce Componibili, a series of iconic cylindrical chests of drawers with drawers, in a new, more sustainable material.
Ernestomeda
For the Italian factory Ernestomeda, the pursuit of sustainability in design and production processes is one of the main components of the philosophy. The company creates personalized kitchens with special attention to detail and innovative technologies.
To demonstrate commitment to the principles of sustainable development and a responsible attitude towards the environment at the corporate level, the factory created the EM Environment project. In addition, Ernestomeda has received the Cosmob Qualitas Praemium certification. It confirms that 99% of kitchen elements and finishing materials can be reused. And all the energy needed to run the factory comes from renewable sources only, helping to avoid more than 700 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Artemis
Another manufacturer with a responsible approach to the environment is the Italian company Artemide, which in 2019 joined the UN Global Compact. In addition to minimizing carbon emissions, which the factory is committed to, in 2021 Artemide used energy only from certified renewable sources.
The main focus of the company is the creation of durable products, materials, and finishes that have a minimal impact on the environment. To do this, Artemide carefully monitors each stage of the product life cycle and develops solutions that ensure the effectiveness of products.
Cassina
To move towards a sustainable production model, the Italian brand Cassina, together with the Technical University of Milan, introduced the Cassina LAB initiative. The philosophy of the project is based on three principles – sustainable design, circular economy, and well-being. Under each of these pillars, Cassina is expanding its mission in the coming years in a sustainable way, including the exploration of new sustainable and recycled materials. Examples of Cassina’s sustainable design include the Dudet chair, made with organically sourced polyurethane foam; and a Soriana sofa and armchair with a recyclable wood panel that contains low levels of formaldehyde, a substance that has a negative effect on the human body.
Carl Hansen & Son
Danish furniture brand Carl Hansen & Søn sources the wood for its products from sustainable forests and proven sawmills. The company is also trying to use all the raw materials and use the rest to make accessories or process them into fuel, thereby providing heat to more than 400 homes in the area. In addition to the main focus on durability and quality of manufactured products, by 2025 the company plans to use only environmentally certified wood.
Flugger
In 2020, Danish paint manufacturer Flügger launched the Going Green initiative, in which it aims for continuous progress and increased production sustainability. As part of the strategy, the brand plans to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint by 2030, as well as use packaging made up of 75% recycled plastic. As for the products themselves, another goal of the brand is to produce environmentally friendly paint with international and Scandinavian eco-labels. Now the entire production cycle of the factory has a minimal impact on the environment, and the raw materials that the company uses comply with international quality standards (for example, ISO 9001).
Tacchini
Founded in 1967, the Italian brand Tacchini specializes in the production of furniture. The company is headquartered in Brianza, and this is where Tacchini manufactures all of its products. To minimize harmful emissions during transportation, the company supplies all materials from an area located approximately 50 km from the plant. Tacchini is also looking to use more recycled and secondary materials. For example, designer Giorgio Bonaguro’s Joaquim table collection is made using recycled marble sourced from waste from other industries
Vestre
Norwegian Vestre is one of the leading Scandinavian brands specializing in the production of environmentally friendly furniture. In pursuit of its goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable furniture company, Vestre has integrated the UN’s nine sustainability principles into its corporate culture.
In addition, the brand is currently building The Plus, an eco-friendly furniture factory designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. As envisioned by Vestre, the new factory will be a global demonstration of sustainable development and highly efficient production. Vestre’s main goals for the project are to inspire other companies to take a sustainable approach, create new jobs and make Magnor (the village where the factory will be located) an attractive destination for local and global tourism.
Summary
Many established and new companies are working hard to achieve environmental goals. Nevertheless, in the modern world, it is important for companies to have reports that will reveal indicators of compliance of the company’s activities with the EU taxonomy. Celsia is a company that provides tools to assess the consistency of a company’s activities with the EU taxonomy.