Sustainability is the trend topic of the hour. And also in the interior industry. By Eco design More and more brands are showing how modern, chic and functionally sustainable Or in other words: furniture are. There are no longer any compromises here quality, Style and design needed. Sustainable furniture rather combines these points and shows how stylish environmental protection can look. Here we show you which criteria sustainable furniture has to meet.
Why sustainable furniture at all?
More and more interior brands from the high-end segment are specializing in sustainable furniture. The reason for this is the increasing customer need for aesthetic, modern designs that meet environmental protection requirements. This furniture is manufactured under new values of the modern understanding of luxury: quality instead of quantity, circular economy instead of disposable mentality and ethical working conditions instead of profit maximization. The brands ensure that they act sustainably and socially along the entire value chain and that they consciously treat the environment, people and nature. Under the premise of radical brand transparency.
What is sustainable furniture?
Sustainable furniture was manufactured taking ecological, social and economic aspects into account. They define themselves through environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient production processes and fair working conditions for the manufacturers. Sustainable furniture manufacturers also pursue the goal of reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources and at the same time achieving a positive social impact.
Sustainable furniture: what matters
But what should you pay attention to when choosing? Sustainable furniture brings these features with it:
1. Sustainable furniture materials
Whether wood, stone or cork - sustainable furniture should be made Natural materials and textiles consist. These are more environmentally friendly in their production and as soon as the sustainable furniture is in your own four walls, it is also an advantage to be made from organic materials. In addition to more sustainable value creation, these are also more health-friendly. It is always important to protect threatened resources, while recycled materials that are not 4% natural can also provide a productive basis.
2. Environmentally friendly and ethical value creation and production
In order for one to actually speak of holistically sustainable furniture, the material of the environmentally friendly pieces must not only be preferably organic, but also ecologically grown and processed. This means avoiding threatened resources and using raw materials responsibly - from value creation to production. Measures for this include, for example, campaigns to save water, energy or CO2 emissions. A particular focus is often on transport routes, as local value creation and supply chains significantly reduce a brand's greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable furniture and promote climate neutrality.
In addition to protecting the environment, the manufacture of sustainable furniture should also guarantee the protection of people. That means fair working conditions, pollution-free and therefore health-friendly jobs as well as adequate wages. Know-how, traditional craftsmanship and manual work are the focus of many producers of sustainable furniture.
3. Recyclability
When purchasing, it is important to make sure that a piece of furniture is made of recyclable materials or is intended for disassembly. Many manufacturers claim that their product contains 95 to 100 percent recyclable material. But it is not uncommon for the pieces of furniture to consist of different materials that are irreversibly glued or bonded together. If this is the case, then it is no longer possible to speak of sustainable furniture.
Even if the various materials are recyclable, actual recycling may not be possible. For example, a table can have a non-recyclable surface, or a chair can have non-recyclable foam that sticks to the seat base. Sustainable furniture should therefore be completely removable. The products from kovac family, A Swedish furniture manufacturer, for example, has the least possible impact on the environment, is made ethically and from sustainable and recycled materials. All products are stylish, sustainable furniture that is in harmony with nature and ethics.
Image source & Copyright by Kovac Family (sustainable designer chair made from recycled wood)
4. Durability means sustainability
One aspect that is often overlooked when looking for sustainable furniture is longevity. This is especially true quality not quantity. If something is built to last or can be easily repaired, the likelihood of it being thrown away is reduced. Before buying, it makes sense to make sure that the manufacturer guarantees a long service life and offers spare parts or refurbishment programs.
In addition, also insure Online platforms for antiques as well as other 2nd life models or sharing concepts like Furniture rental the sustainability of furniture. This is because life cycles are extended and timeless, high-quality, sustainable furniture is passed on from conscious consumers to like-minded people.
5. Freedom from pollutants
This is primarily about volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOC are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Various materials (e.g. wooden panels) or surface treatments (e.g. liquid paints) that are regularly used in the furniture industry contain VOCs, which release dangerous gases in the indoor climate. The smell of “new furniture” when the packaging is removed is often due to the fact that VOCs evaporate in the air.
If they accumulate in poorly ventilated areas, they can even be harmful. However, there is an easy way to avoid VOCs - the search for GREENGUARD certified Products. This is an assurance that products comply with a strict emission limit for chemicals and substantiate the sustainability claims with empirical scientific data from a third party organization. at Wall colors becomes the VOC content also listed on the package.
Image source & copyright by Little Greene (Sustainable colors)
6. Not only the furniture but also its packaging must be sustainable
Packaging is an important aspect of sustainable furniture. Many goods are delivered in disproportionately large or large packaging. Some can be recycled, but many common variants such as styrofoam or certain plastics cannot. Furniture in suitable packaging, which mainly consists of materials such as cardboard or other recyclable plastic, is better. This point can often be a challenge, as customers demand undamaged goods, which can often be bulky. Nevertheless: More and more brands are making it possible, showing that sustainable furniture can actually be sustainable along the entire value chain.
7. Sustainable furniture and accessories should be plastic-free
Objects made of plastic or plastic can easily be replaced with products that produce significantly less waste and save our resources. This also applies to our interior in terms of eco design. Glass, metal, wood, fabric or porcelain are ideal materials for home accessories to decorate sustainable furniture.
Seal of approval for sustainable furniture
Checking seals prevents lengthy research. These seals ensure sustainability.
- Blue Angel: In addition to our tips for an environmentally conscious interior, there are defined quality standards. For example, the Blue Angel in Germany ensures the environmental friendliness of products and services.
- FSC seal of quality: As already mentioned, this seal ensures the promotion of responsible forest management. The “Forest Stewardship Council” controls the processing and trading chain as well as ecological and social principles. This is intended to promote the preservation of forests. Sustainable furniture made from FSC-certified materials Wood are therefore responsible, resource-saving and environmentally friendly. The same applies to PEFC-tested sustainable furniture.
- Eco Control: Öko Control is an association of around 50 committed furniture dealers. They have defined strict criteria for sustainable furniture that is healthy and free of harmful substances. Only those who comply with this receive the seal. The criteria not only refer to sustainable solid wood furniture, but also to upholstery and fabric coverings.
- Fair Trade Cotton certificate: Sustainable furniture must also meet environmental protection requirements when it comes to textiles. For example, the Fair Trade Cotton Certificate distinguishes products made from cotton that have been manufactured under fair working conditions. Organic cultivation and the use of chemicals are strictly controlled. Only those who are 100% fair are certified.
- Eco Design with the Environmental Product Declaration (EDP): A quick and easy way to determine the environmental impact of a piece of furniture is to check the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). This is an independently verified and registered document that provides transparent and comparable information about the effects of products on the environment. And that over the entire life cycle. While the EPD does not guarantee the environmental friendliness of a piece, it does provide a clear indication of the overall effect of the product.
Image source & copyright by hülsta Möbel (certified with the Blue Angel)
In general, it is important to do your own research before buying new furniture and to question its sustainability. If everyone starts with themselves and their own home, we are already one big step closer to an environmentally conscious way of life and a protected environment.
Sustainable furniture: facts at a glance
- Sustainable furniture is not only healthier and more environmentally friendly than conventional variants. In addition, they are often made with more mindfulness, which is why they are not only timeless and detailed, but also durable. Accordingly, a slightly higher investment will pay off in the future.
- Eco Design has long since shaken off its dusty image. In place of rough surfaces and scratchy fabrics, filigree craftsmanship, ultra-modern design and super-soft fabrics have emerged. In addition, sustainable furniture is often made in factories. Natural materials are used - and resource-saving, which is why the pieces are not only timeless and environmentally friendly, but also exclusive.
- In short: The comfort of a sustainable piece of furniture can be enjoyed to the fullest because neither people, nature, the environment nor other living beings have been and will not be negatively affected by its production. This way you can relax with a clear conscience.
Sustainable furniture made in Germany:
In order to ensure sustainability when purchasing furniture, a short supply chain also plays a major role. This means that you should also rely on German furniture manufacturers so that the ecological footprint due to transport does not increase unnecessarily. Furniture designers such as Thonet, Livom and Rolf Benz offer sustainable furniture and shipping within Germany. Sustainable furniture online shops such as connox or manufactum also offer sustainable furniture from various manufacturers. If you want to buy sustainable furniture, you can also support local manufacturers and small businesses. If there isn't one nearby, you can have a nice one here Brands for sustainable furniture discover to upgrade your home in a stylish and environmentally friendly way.
