We are seeing eco-friendly and sustainability becoming a new trend nowadays. According to a new study conducted by IBM and the National Retail Federation polled about 19,000 customers from 28 countries, ranging from Gen Z to baby boomers (ages 18-73), nearly 70% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada think it is important that a brand is sustainable or eco-friendly. Globally, more than a third (40%) of respondents are purpose-driven consumers who select brands based on how well they align with their personal beliefs. Consumers are increasingly choosing products that are eco-friendly, transparent, and in line with their values.
This trend is also impacting the furniture and home décor industry. Customers tend to be more aware of the products they buy by applying conscious shopping. They conduct small research to know how and where the products they buy come from. However, before jumping more into it, have you ever questioned what actually sustainable furniture is?
According to Asean Sourcing’s merchandisers, sustainable furniture is not solely made from natural raw material, even though it has become a must for furniture to be called eco-friendly. It is more than that. Customers should consider several things before buying a piece of sustainable furniture, such as:
- The material. Where is the material coming from, whether it is from a renewable resource or made from recycled wood or reused material?
- The raw-material source. Where does the raw material come from, locally or imported? Due to the pollution caused by the transportation, it can affect the environment as well.
- The production processes. Does the manufacturer use chemicals that can pollute the environment or not?
How to choose the right sustainable furniture?
As a matter of fact, sustainable furniture has a high demand in the market. As a furniture retailer or wholesaler, you absolutely do not want to miss this opportunity, although sustainable furniture costs around 10%-30% more expensive.
This becomes one of the seller constraints for the green movement. As it is known, price is highly affected by demand. If retailers, wholesalers, as well as designers, seek more sustainable furniture to satisfy their customers, manufacturers will implement more sustainable ways in manufacturing their products. All of these works will bring the prices down and provide greater availability.
So, here is some ultimate guide for you to choose sustainable furniture:
Certifications
FSC and Greenguard are certifications to prove that the manufacturer company is applying sustainability in making the furniture in terms of where the raw materials come from and whether they use chemicals in the making process or not.
Durability
Sustainable furniture are furniture that are long-lasting and can pass down for generations. It is one of the investments because it not easily ends up in a landfill. Purchasing less and investing a little more money into your furniture will save both you and the environment in the long haul.
Recycled Material
Eco-friendly furniture means the products can be easily reduced, reused, and recycled. Choosing recyclable furniture will help keep them out of the landfill and will allow them to be remade and re-purposed.
Asean Sourcing as a trading and a sourcing company who is supporting local manufacturers, especially in Bali and Java, by buying products only from qualified and green companies. Contact us for more information.
Source:
https://www.barrons.com/articles/two-thirds-of-north-americans-prefer-eco-friendly-brands-study-finds-51578661728
https://www.furniturenews.net/resources/articles/2013/04/1995450091-avoiding-greenwash
https://www.ylighting.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-eco-friendly-furniture/#
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