Category: News
With its significant use of timber, the furniture industry has been impacted by increased focus on sustainability in recent years, and sustainable wood is gaining popularity. Consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever and so brands that prioritise sustainability are winning favour and driving positive change within the sector.
Let’s take a look in more detail at the impact of sustainability, especially when it comes to handmade wooden furniture and timber joinery.
What is sustainable wood?
Sustainable wood is timber that can be used for construction and furniture production without having a damaging effect on the environment. It can be sourced in a way that does not harm the local ecosystem, for example from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)-certified forest.
These forests are managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards. You can be confident that wood sourced from them has not contributed to unsustainable deforestation or poor forestry practices.
The impact of sustainable wood on furniture construction
Furniture manufacturers are paying more attention to how timber is sourced and factoring environmental impacts into their purchasing decisions. This, coupled with a continued focus on quality, means that a much higher level of research is now involved at the early stages of the timber joinery process.
A focus on sustainability extends to the furniture manufacturing process, as well as the materials. This means avoiding harmful chemicals and incorporating recycled materials into every aspect of the construction process.
Furniture makers are also placing more emphasis on reducing waste, by reusing materials where possible, and minimising energy consumption. In this way, producers of handmade wooden furniture, like Tucker Joinery, are leading the way when it comes to sustainability.
The benefits of using sustainable wood
The obvious advantage of using sustainable wood in furniture production is the positive environmental and socio-economic effects it produces. Not only does this give consumers peace of mind and a sense of satisfaction in their product, but it shines a light on environmentally friendly practices within the wider sector, helping to drive change.
Sustainable wood also makes it easier for consumers to track the origins of their piece – a particularly attractive option for buyers of bespoke, handmade furniture who favour traceability. The FSC check mark is trusted around the world, and makes it easier to promote traceability and transparency within the supply chain and wider sector.
For example, all timber used by Tucker Joinery can be traced back to where it was sourced, with the documentation to prove it.
Sustainable products tend to attract a higher calibre customer, who is willing to pay more for a top-quality piece with green credentials. With this comes greater demand and appreciation for handmade furniture and premium timber joinery, and all its associated advantages.
Find out how Tucker Joinery can bring your vision to life – while helping protect the environment.
