In 2024, we are witnessing significant growth in sustainable furniture products as modern consumers seek not only comfort and aesthetics in their workspaces but also prioritize eco-friendliness and environmental protection.
Sustainable furniture helps mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gases and contributes to creating a healthier and safer living environment. In the following article, let's explore the concept and importance of sustainable furniture, as well as the principles for choosing suitable sustainable furniture for the office.
1. What is Sustainable Furniture?
According to the United Nations, sustainability is defined as “Meeting the demands of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (1) For today’s businesses, sustainability can be understood as maintaining success while positively contributing to environmental and social well-being.
Sustainable furniture is made from materials that have the least possible impact on the environment. Characteristics of sustainable furniture include: using materials from renewable or recycled sources, avoiding harmful chemicals, prioritizing local or domestically produced materials to reduce transportation, and selecting materials that are durable and not easily outdated.
As stated by Associate Professor, Architect Hoang Manh Nguyen from the Green Urban Science and Technology Institute during the "Sustainable Furniture Scientific Seminar" at Hanoi University of Architecture:
“Sustainable furniture has three main impact categories:
Impact on human health – focusing on people;
Contribution to the community;
Meeting user preferences.
Therefore, a sustainable interior space must ensure the following factors: air quality, lighting comfort, and noise reduction.” (2)
2. The Importance of Sustainable Furniture
Using sustainable furniture not only improves the quality of life today but also contributes to building a better living environment for future generations through three key characteristics:
2.1 Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Furniture:
Sustainable furniture is made from materials that have minimal environmental impact, such as recycled materials, natural materials, and locally sourced materials. Utilizing these readily available resources helps reduce new extraction activities, thus decreasing the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment.
2.2 Safer Living and Working Spaces:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), materials used in current furniture often pose risks of indoor air pollution and directly affect users' health. Most materials are not tested for harmful emissions before reaching the market, even though people spend 80-90% of their daily time indoors.
Specifically, any materials, including furniture, fabrics, and building materials, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that negatively impact health in both the short and long term, such as allergies, asthma, and migraines. However, these compounds are present in much smaller amounts in sustainable furniture, making it a better choice for creating a more breathable and safer environment.
2.3 Addressing Climate Change:
Sustainable furniture is made from high-durability materials like composites (synthetic materials), which ensures longevity and stable performance over time. This allows manufacturers to build more efficient supply chain processes. As a result, it helps reduce climate change issues and protects the planet from the depletion of natural resources.
3. Principles for Choosing Sustainable Furniture
Sustainable furniture is a concept that is not yet entirely mainstream, making it challenging for consumers to choose. To select the right sustainable furniture for your home or office, you can consider the following principles:
3.1 Choose Recycled Materials:
Using recycled materials helps reduce the demand for natural resource extraction and the amount of non-biodegradable waste on the planet, thus minimizing environmental destruction and preserving biodiversity. Additionally, furniture made from recycled materials often features unique and creative designs, adding a fresh and personalized touch to your living space.
For example, when choosing office chairs, you might consider models made from Re:net fabric by the premium furniture brand Okamura. This material is made from recycled PET fibers and used fishing nets, providing good elasticity and optimal comfort for users.
3.2 Choose Materials with Fewer Chemicals and Environmental Impact:
Furniture made from materials with fewer chemicals does not harm human health and minimizes negative environmental impacts. Some materials to consider include:
Natural Composite Materials: Materials made from plant fibers (such as flax, hemp, or coconut) combined with biodegradable plastics or non-toxic adhesives are environmentally friendly options.
Organic Fabrics: Fabrics made from organic cotton, flax, hemp, or wool are not only eco-friendly but also safe for health as they do not contain pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Recycled Metals: Recycled iron, aluminum, and steel from old products can be used to create new furniture, reducing the need for new metal ore extraction and saving energy.
3.3 Choose Durable Furniture for Long-Term Use:
Selecting high-durability furniture reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby lessening the strain on natural resources and the environment. You should prioritize products that meet standards like the Green Wave program (an internal initiative by Okamura aimed at sustainable development), which can be recycled and reused to conserve natural resources.
3.4 Having a Good Material Supply Chain:
When selecting sustainable furniture, the supply chain of materials is paramount. Consumers should thoroughly research the origin, production process, and transportation of the materials used. A robust supply chain ensures that:
Materials are sourced and produced sustainably: As evidenced by certifications like GOTS for organic textiles, guaranteeing organic cultivation, the absence of harmful chemicals, and adherence to labor and social standards.
Transparent production process: Manufacturers should maintain transparency regarding their suppliers, production processes, and environmental mitigation measures.
Optimal transportation: To minimize carbon emissions, consumers should prioritize locally produced furniture.
3.5 Having Green Certifications or Labels:
You should choose furniture with green certifications or sustainability labels such as LEED or ENERGY STAR. These certifications help ensure the sustainability and safety of the product. For instance, Okamura has received the "24th Environmental Communication Award," which guarantees that the furniture produced by the brand is created safely and environmentally friendly.
Following these principles not only helps you choose high-quality and health-safe furniture but also contributes to environmental protection. You can also refer to the following article for more knowledge about sustainable furniture products. |
4. Okamura - The Sustainable Furniture Brand from Japan
Founded in 1945, Okamura has undergone continuous development and innovation. With designs that are both creative and luxurious yet maintain simplicity, Okamura has not only conquered the market but also established a brand that perfectly combines quality and style. Additionally, Okamura is dedicated to improving product quality while also focusing on social and environmental responsibility.
From the early days, Okamura's designers have been committed to the mission of "Contributing to society by creating environments where people can thrive with rich ideas and reliable quality." Okamura is now a leading company in sustainable furniture production, trusted and favored by many customers. Okamura's success is the result of applying the following principles:
Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The company strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing the transportation and distribution processes of raw materials and products to customers. Energy-saving measures and a shift to renewable energy are also encouraged to meet the electricity needs of the factory.
Monitoring CO2 Emissions: Okamura maintains strict monitoring of CO2 emissions throughout the product lifecycle, from raw material procurement and production to sales and disposal. This enables the company to proactively control and minimize negative environmental impacts.
Developing Green Wave Standard Products: According to the Green Wave program (Okamura’s internal initiative aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2050), products must meet seven criteria, including resource conservation, recyclability, durability, use of recycled materials, reusability, safety and environmental protection, and energy conservation.
Application of Re:net Fabric: Okamura has pioneered the use of Re:net fabric – a material recycled from used fishing nets. This new material not only helps reduce ocean plastic waste but also offers high utility value. Okamura’s office chairs, multifunctional chairs, and executive chairs made from Re:net fabric are preferred by many customers for their stylish design, environmental friendliness, and contribution to preserving clean and beautiful marine environments.
The article has provided you with the latest information on sustainable furniture as well as guidelines for choosing sustainable furniture for your living and working environments. To create a safe, comfortable, and stylish space, premium sustainable furniture is an option you should not overlook.