There is a strong connection to nature in the Nordic countries and the protection of natural resources is a key concern.
As a result, Scandinavia has established itself as an international pioneer in sustainability and climate protection.
We would like to illustrate how this influences furniture production using the following aspects.

Use of sustainable materials & principles of the circular economy

A key aspect of sustainability in Scandinavian furniture production is the use of sustainable materials.
At holm°, we attach great importance to ensuring that the producers we work with are committed to sustainable material procurement.
This includes, for example, the use of certified wood and recycled materials.

Scandinavian furniture production is increasingly integrating the principles of the circular economy.
This means that products are designed in such a way that they can be easily dismantled and recycled.

Promotion of the regional timber industry

In the Nordic countries, wood has traditionally played a central role in furniture production.
The industry relies on local resources where possible and promotes the use of local wood to achieve both environmental and social benefits.
Many production sites are located close to forests, which strengthens the local economy and reduces transportation costs.

Energy-efficient production methods

Many Scandinavian furniture manufacturers are investing in energy-efficient production methods.
Solar and wind power are increasingly being used to power the production facilities.
And some producers, such as PP Møbler, use wood waste from production to support their heating systems.

Use of bioplastics

The use of bioplastics is also becoming increasingly important.
Biodegradable materials based on corn starch are used to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics.

Use of water-based paints

Montana Furniture is a pioneer in the furniture industry by being an early adopter of water-based paint.
Water-based finishes contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based finishes, which can affect air quality and be harmful to the health of both customers and employees.

Social responsibility and fair working conditions

In addition to ecological aspects, Scandinavian furniture manufacturers attach great importance to social responsibility and fair working conditions, due to a long political tradition with a strong focus on social justice.

Labels and certifications

In the furniture industry, there are several labels and certifications that characterize sustainability.
holm°’s suppliers usually carry several of the following labels and certifications:

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Certifies wood products from sustainable forestry.
• PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): Similar to FSC, promotes sustainable forest management.
• EU Ecolabel: European Ecolabel for products with a reduced environmental impact.
• Blue Angel: German eco-label for environmentally friendly products.
• GREENGUARD: Certifies products with low chemical emissions to improve air quality.
• Certified B Corporation: B Corps are committed not only to making a profit, but also to having a positive impact on society and the environment.
• ISO 14001: international standard for environmental management systems.
  Certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to sustainable practices.
• The Indoor Climate Label (ICL): a certification for products used indoors to ensure that they meet strict requirements for low emissions of chemicals and particles.
• OEKO-TEX certifications: various certifications attest to textile and leather products that are free of harmful substances or sustainable production processes

Overall, it is clear that Scandinavian furniture production is making a significant contribution to sustainability through diverse and innovative approaches.
Companies in the region rely on environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient production methods and social responsibility to minimize their environmental and social footprint while producing high-quality and durable furniture.