What if your next furniture purchase could help combat climate change?
That’s a bit of an exaggeration, perhaps, but it’s not a total fantasy. The make and materials that go into contract-grade furniture matter. Sustainability is becoming a priority across just about every industry, and domestic furniture manufacturing is no exception. Choosing to work with a furniture supplier with strong sustainability standards means you’re not just investing in quality pieces—you’re also investing in our future.
Here’s why choosing locally produced furniture is better for the planet.
1. Domestic furniture manufacturing reduces carbon footprints.
When furniture is manufactured closer to home, it travels fewer miles to reach you. This results in a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
Fewer miles means fewer emissions. Domestic production cuts down on required transit for parts, talent, and final delivery, drastically reducing both fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Less distance traveled means less of an environmental impact, plain and simple.
2. Domestic furniture manufacturing promotes responsible sourcing.
Domestic furniture manufacturers follow extremely high environmental standards. In North America, furniture production is a tightly regulated industry for both safety and environmental reasons. This commitment to responsible sourcing means better practices and better products.
For example, Foliot Furniture’s use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood and recycled metals is part of our dedication to sustainable practices. These practices ensure nearly 95 percent of every tree is used efficiently, resulting in truly eco-conscious furniture production.
3. Domestic furniture manufacturing supports local economies.
Buying domestically doesn’t just benefit the environment; it also strengthens your community. When you choose North American-made furniture, you’re investing in untold numbers of local jobs—you’re supporting small businesses, keeping the economic benefits of your furniture purchase close to home.
Did you know? Foliot Furniture’s operations in North America not only minimize environmental impact but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of local economies.
4. Domestic furniture manufacturing enhances quality control.
When it comes to quality, domestic manufacturers tend to have the upper hand. Suppliers with operations based in North America can enact closer oversight over manufacturing procedures and ensure their pieces are meeting high standards, so domestic suppliers can be confident in their furniture’s quality. This level of control results in fewer defects and less material waste because stringent quality measures catch issues early in the production process.
5. Domestic furniture manufacturing minimizes resource cons
By keeping production local, North American furniture manufacturers reduce the need for both excessive packaging and natural resource use. Shorter domestic supply chains mean less packaging material is required, and efficient manufacturing processes minimize material waste.
Here’s just one example: Foliot Furniture’s efficient manufacturing processes ensure that 80 percent of factory waste is recycled—not tossed or left to degrade!
6. Domestic furniture manufacturing lowers deforestation rates.
Domestic sourcing of materials can play a critical role in protecting North American forests and their priceless biodiversity. By adhering to sustainable practices, domestic manufacturers reduce the demand for illegally logged timber and promote the use of reclaimed wood and certified materials.
7. Domestic furniture manufacturing promotes innovation.
Domestic manufacturers are well poised to innovate. North American furniture suppliers frequently and quickly adapt to new trends and technologies, pivoting rapidly to incorporate eco-friendly designs and processes that benefit both the environment and consumers. From energy-efficient production processes to the use of renewable energy sources, these companies are setting new benchmarks for sustainability.
Why? Proximity may once again be the magic ingredient. North American manufacturers are close to their research and development facilities and manufacturing plants, so they ideate and integrate new tech and adopt sustainable practices with more agility.
8. Domestic furniture manufacturing promotes ethical labor practices.
Local production isn’t just about environmental sustainability. It’s also about social responsibility. North American manufacturers adhere to stricter labor laws than many global suppliers, boosting safe working conditions, fair wages, and overall ethical practices for everyone involved.
When done right, domestic furniture manufacturing offers a holistic approach to sustainability. Today’s top furniture suppliers deliver furniture that allows you to take advantage of environmental benefits as well as economic and social advantages.
The next time you’re in the market for new furniture, consider partnering with Foliot Furniture, a choice that supports a healthier planet and stronger communities.
Have questions about our sustainability standards or furniture quality? Reach out for a chat.
In the meantime, check out our article about why great materials matter for the best contract-grade furniture.
