Several general eco-labels and certifications are applicable to outdoor furniture products. These certifications and labels focus on various environmental aspects, including sustainable sourcing, material composition, energy efficiency, and overall environmental impact.
The SIMEXA Experts present here some of the widely recognized eco-labels and certifications that encompass outdoor furniture :
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC certification ensures that the wood used in the furniture comes from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental and social standards.
The FSC certification ensures that forests are managed in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. It considers factors such as biodiversity conservation, protection of indigenous rights, community engagement, and sustainable harvesting practices. The FSC standards are developed through a multi-stakeholder process that involves input from environmental organizations, indigenous peoples, forest industry representatives, and other interested parties.
Forests and companies that seek FSC certification undergo a rigorous assessment by independent third-party certifiers to ensure compliance with the FSC’s principles and criteria. If a forest or company meets the standards, it can receive FSC certification and use the FSC logo on its products, indicating to consumers that they come from responsibly managed sources.
The FSC label on a product, such as wood or paper, assures consumers that the product has been sourced from forests that meet the FSC’s strict environmental and social standards. By choosing FSC-certified products, consumers can support sustainable forest management, promote biodiversity conservation, and contribute to the well-being of forest-dependent communities.
Rainforest Alliance Certified
This certification guarantees that the wood or other materials used in the furniture are sourced sustainably, with an emphasis on protecting biodiversity and promoting the well-being of local communities.
The Rainforest Alliance label is a certification mark that indicates a product has met the environmental and social standards set by the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-profit organization focused on conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The Rainforest Alliance works to address environmental challenges by collaborating with farmers, forest communities, and businesses.
The Rainforest Alliance certification encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and tourism. When you see the Rainforest Alliance label on a product, it signifies that it meets the organization’s rigorous criteria for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability.
The Rainforest Alliance certification is granted to forests and outdoor furniture businesses that undergo a comprehensive assessment by independent auditors.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified: C2C certification focuses on the entire lifecycle of a product, including material health, material reutilization, renewable energy usage, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified is a comprehensive sustainability certification program that evaluates and recognizes products and materials based on their environmental and social impact throughout their entire lifecycle.
The core concept of Cradle to Cradle is based on the idea of designing products with the intention of creating a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused and regenerated rather than ending up as waste. The C2C Certified program assesses products in five key categories:
- Material Health
- Material Reutilization
- Renewable Energy and Carbon Management
- Water Stewardship
- Social Fairness
C2C Certified products are evaluated by independent assessors who assess the product’s performance against these criteria. Depending on the level of achievement, products can receive a basic certification or a higher-level certification (Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
By obtaining the C2C Certified label, products demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, circularity, and responsible production practices. The certification provides transparency and assurance to consumers that the product has undergone a rigorous evaluation and meets specific sustainability standards.
Energy Star
While primarily associated with appliances, the Energy Star label can also apply to outdoor furniture that incorporates energy-efficient features, such as solar-powered lighting or heating elements.
There are instances where outdoor furniture may incorporate energy-efficient features, such as solar-powered lighting or heating elements. In such cases, the energy efficiency of those specific components may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification if they meet the program’s criteria for energy savings and performance.
To determine if a particular outdoor furniture product has ENERGY STAR certification or energy-efficient features, it is advisable to check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer directly.
Check MAIORI’s website for Green Labels for outdoor lighting.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
While mainly applicable to textiles, the GOTS certification ensures that organic fibres used in outdoor cushions or upholstery meet strict environmental and social criteria.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is a globally recognized standard for textiles made from organic fibres. While GOTS certification primarily applies to materials, including apparel and home textiles, it may also be relevant to specific outdoor furniture components, such as cushions, upholstery, or fabric coverings.
When outdoor furniture is GOTS certified, it means that the organic fibres used in the textile components of the table meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout the entire production process. Here are the critical aspects of GOTS certification:
1. Organic Fiber Content: GOTS requires a minimum percentage of the textile product from certified organic fibres. These fibres are derived from plants without genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.
2. Environmental Criteria: GOTS sets stringent environmental standards for textile processing, including restrictions on toxic chemicals, dyes, and auxiliaries. It promotes responsible wastewater management, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
3. Social Criteria: GOTS ensures that the social aspects of textile production are considered. It requires compliance with labour rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions and prohibits forced or child labour.
4. Supply Chain Traceability: GOTS certification ensures that the entire supply chain, from the organic production of fibres to the final product, meets the required standards. It includes provisions for traceability and labelling to provide transparency to consumers.
While GOTS certification primarily focuses on the organic fibre content of textiles, it also encompasses environmental and social aspects of textile production. By choosing GOTS-certified outdoor furniture, consumers can support organic farming practices, minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, and promote socially responsible manufacturing processes.
It’s important to note that GOTS certification specifically applies to textile components and not necessarily the entire outdoor furniture product. Therefore, when considering GOTS-certified outdoor furniture, it’s advisable to check which specific parts or materials are certified to ensure compliance with the standard.
Check the LAFUMA MOBILIER website for more on fabrics and sustainable materials
