The brand name mobelfakta.no will in the future provide information about whether the furniture that is found in the market is environmentally friendly or not. The Norwegian furniture industry has made the environment a top priority.
Original author:
Norway Exports
Published: 14.10.2010
Environmental concerns continually enter into more areas, and today one can choose environmentally friendly solutions from the basement to the roof when building or renovating. The Norwegian furniture industry has now taken measures in relation to the environment, something which will lead to consumers being able to furnish their homes in an environmentally friendly way.
Great Ambitions
Through the establishment of mobelfakta.no, which is a merger of Møbelfakta (quality standards for furniture) and the furniture industry’s Environmental Project, the Federation of Norwegian Industries, Furniture Industry, has developed an environmental and quality programme which all Norwegian furniture producers are invited to participate in. Participation in and completion of the programme leads to environmental certification of the company and environmental documentation/declaration and a quality certification of the product.
On the Agenda
In the course of a very short time environmental issues are quite relevant for Norwegian furniture producers. In the project market, which includes supplying to business and the public sector, it is nearly a prerequisite to have environmental certification in order to be taken into consideration when bidding. In recent times, companies have experience increased demand after receiving it.
Environmentally Friendly Furniture
The demand for the environmental documentation of furniture from average consumers is not so great now, but the industry is preparing for it and is adapting the brand mobelfakta.no, which is documentation that the producer is environmentally certified. Mobelfakta.no documents whether the furniture is approved in regards to the environment and quality. Everyone that is interested is referred to the website which states which criteria apply.
More than Recirculation
The environment is still not yet a big theme at furniture fairs in Europe and has until now mainly been about a focus on materials. Norwegian furniture producers which are members of mobelfakta.no and have gone through an environmental and quality programme have taken environmental issues a step further. This concerns bigger and more whole thinking in the form of both environmental certification of production and the environmental documentation/declaration of the product. In this way the Norwegian furniture industry takes on societal responsibility.
Returns on the Investment
The will to do this is great. It may be somewhat costly for the companies go through with it, but it is expected that there will also be a return on this investment. In addition to entry into bidding in the project market, this also involves cleaning house in one’s own company and consequently a better work environment, the satisfaction of offering environmental awareness and quality to the customer and an increased competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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Product developer at Fora From, Arnór Sigurvinsson, conducts and EPD analysis early in the product development phase in order to ensure the best possible basis for the choice of environmentally friendly materials and processes in new products.
© Marius Beck Dahl |