5 Design-Forward Sustainable Furniture Brands

By Jaclyn Tracy

Image by Parachute

What makes a furniture company sustainable?

  1. Materials Used. Use materials that are sourced sustainably and that can be recycled or reused at the end of their lifespan. Some common sustainable materials include FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled plastic, and organic cotton.

  2. Manufacturing Process. Minimize waste and pollution anywhere they can, such as by using water-based finishes instead of solvent-based finishes or recycling or reusing materials during the manufacturing process.

  3. Packaging. Use packaging that is made from recycled or sustainable, natural materials and that can be easily recycled, reused or composted.

  4. Certifications + Commitment to Sustainability. Sustainable furniture brands are committed to sustainability in all aspects of their business, this includes sourcing. Some furniture brands are certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC).

 

Image by Parachute

Parachute

Parachute values quality craftsmanship with the use of high-quality goods without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.

Sustainability Efforts:

  • Uses a variety of sustainable materials in their products, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified materials, and FSC-certified wood.

  • Use water-based finishes instead of solvent-based finishes, and they recycle or reuse materials during the manufacturing process.

  • Climate Neutral Certified

  • Rugs are all Fair Trade Certified

Read More: Parachute Home: Step Inside the Laid-Back, Luxe California Brand

 

Image: Avocado

Avocado

You may know Avocado as a non-toxic sustainable mattress company but did you know they make more than mattresses!? Handcrafted luxury affordable and accessible products.

Sustainability Efforts:

  • Avocado uses a variety of sustainable materials in their furniture, including FSC-certified wood, organic cotton, and recycled foam

  • Net-zero carbon emissions across 100% of its operation

  • Manage own sheep flocks in the Himalayas to use only the finest renewable GOTS certified organic materials

  • Owns their own factory and much of their supply chain for organic materials which allows Avocado to manage the entire production from start to finish

 

Maiden Home

Design-driven luxury for the modern home—handcrafted to the highest standards by North Carolina artisans.

Sustainability Efforts:

  • Uses reclaimed wood in their furniture. Reclaimed wood is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings or structures to reduce the amount of new wood that needs to be harvested, reducing deforestation

  • Uses soy-based foam in their cushions. Soy-based foam is a renewable resource that is made from soybeans. This helps to reduce the amount of petroleum-based products that are used in furniture manufacturing

  • Packaging made from recycled materials

 

Image: Sabai

Sabai

Committed to bringing comfortable, affordable, and comprehensively sustainable furniture.

Sustainability Efforts:

  • Sabai Revive program takes used Sabai furniture and refurbishes it to like-new condition

  • You can order replacement components: cushion inserts, slipcovers, furniture legs etc. to extend the life of your furniture

  • Use sustainable materials and local production

 

Image: West Elm

West Elm

60% of West Elm’s product sales support at least one of their sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability Efforts:

  • Ethical, fair trade production

  • $13.2M invested in small American‑made businesses

  • $200M invested in artisan communities and local craftspeople. West Elm collaborates with artisan collectives around the world to help preserve their handcraft traditions and create opportunities for sustainable employment, especially in rural areas

  • 52% of wood furniture is sustainably sourced

 
 

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