HOWE prioritizes eco-friendly furniture
The EU Ecolabel, or Flower label, is a voluntary certification awarded to products that meet the European Union’s strict environmental and performance criteria. Regarding furniture products, obtaining the EU Ecolabel certification proves a manufacturer's commitment to sustainability. To earn this certification, makers must adhere to stringent criteria for materials sourcing, production processes, energy efficiency, etc. The label also helps customers make informed buying decisions. It awards environmental excellence, realizing that our choices have far-reaching consequences for our planet.
EU Ecolabel criteria for furniture products
Materials and Resources:
- The use of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials is encouraged, including FSC-certified wood and recycled metals.
- Recycled and recyclable materials should be used whenever possible.
- Restriction on the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and certain flame retardants.
Design and Durability:
- The design of furniture should take into account modularity, ease of disassembly, and repair.
- Furniture should have a specified lifetime and durability criteria to promote long-lasting products.
Emissions and Indoor Air Quality:
- Restrictions on the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
- Requirements for low formaldehyde emissions, which contribute to better indoor air quality.
- Stringent criteria are in place to limit harmful emissions, ensuring that manufacturing processes are as clean as possible.
Packaging:
- Packaging should be minimized and designed for maximum recyclability.
- Promote the use of eco-friendly packaging materials.
Waste Reduction:
- Furniture should be designed with an emphasis on reducing waste during manufacturing and end-of-life stages.
Life Cycle Assessment:
- In some cases, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is required to evaluate the environmental impact of a product.
Information and Transparency:
- Provide consumers clear information about each product's environmental characteristics and performance.
Compliance and Verification:
- Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with the EU Ecolabel criteria through testing and documentation.
Ongoing Improvement:
- Manufacturers are encouraged to continuously improve the environmental performance of their products.
Driven by a sustainability ethos, HOWE is in the process of earning EU Ecolabel certification for our 40/4 and SixE chairs as well as our Tempest table.
Benefits for Customers
As the urgency of environmental issues mounts, the EU Ecolabel is a beacon of hope for the furniture industry. Its holistic approach to sustainability sets a high standard for manufacturers, accelerating the adoption of practices that benefit both the environment and a company’s bottom line.
As consumers, we hold the power to drive sustainable practices by supporting brands that proudly bear or ambitiously pursue the EU Ecolabel, and ultimately contribute to a more harmonious world.
Environmental Sustainability
Customers who choose furniture with the EU Ecolabel can rest assured that they are making a responsible choice for the natural world. Ecolabel-certified furniture has minimal environmental impact at every stage of its life cycle — from raw material extraction to production, transportation, and disposal.
Health and Safety
EU Ecolabel-certified furniture undergoes rigorous testing to meet uncompromising health and safety standards. Customers can trust that a certified product is free from harmful chemicals and substances, making it safe for use in homes and offices.
High Quality and Durability
The EU Ecolabel impels furniture makers to prioritize the quality and durability of their products. As a result, customers can expect furniture that not only meets environmental standards but also boasts a longer lifespan.
Transparency
Ecolabel certification provides customers with transparency regarding each manufacturer’s ecological and ethical practices.
Cost Savings
While Ecolabel-certified furniture may be slightly pricier, in most cases, long-term benefits offset the upfront cost. Energy savings, reduced maintenance expenses, and the avoidance of premature replacement costs make certified furniture a cost-effective choice with time.
Driven by a sustainability ethos, HOWE is in the process of earning EU Ecolabel certification for our 40/4 and SixE chairs as well as our Tempest table. By diligently pursuing the EU Ecolabel, we pave the way for a greener future one piece of furniture at a time.
