Consumer behavior is constantly changing and reshaping markets, which are adapting to these new trends. These trends are driven by studies and other data that warn of the harmful properties of certain products. As a result, in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in consumer expectations; now that consumers are better informed about product ingredients and production conditions, they want to make informed choices.
The food industry was the first sector to be affected by this phenomenon. From organic products to additive-free and gluten-free options, to Nutri-Score and plant-based products, manufacturers had to offer healthier products and demonstrate transparency in order to remain competitive in the market.
Today, however, this willingness to shop more consciously extends to other areas as well. Cosmetics, clothing, and furniture are also coming under scrutiny. Natural products are gaining ground everywhere; they’re good for you and good for the planet, and they stand for quality—provided you don’t fall for greenwashing. Quality seals, certifications, and transparency regarding production—there are numerous indicators that demonstrate a company’s reliability when it comes to environmental responsibility.
The furniture market is flooded with products of medium to poor quality and made with materials that are harmful to health and the environment. Fortunately, there are a few guidelines you should follow to ensure a healthy home and minimize negative environmental impacts.
I – When Furniture Gradually Pollutes Our Interiors
You might not always realize it, but environmental pollution is everywhere—even in our homes, where it can be 5 to 10 times higher than outdoor pollution! The sources of this pollution are varied: smoke, paint, cleaning products… But did you know that even the furniture you use at home can release toxic substances? These are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Several studies have shown that VOCs are ubiquitous in indoor spaces. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) published a report in 2015 stating: “According to the survey conducted, at least 661 substances can potentially be emitted by furnishings”(1).
Among these VOCs, one is particularly common in our indoor environments: formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde: What Is It?
It is a toxic substance classified as a Category 1B carcinogen (according to ANSES, it is suspected of having carcinogenic potential for humans), which is found in varying amounts in all homes. It is released primarily from building materials, furniture, and cleaning products.
In addition to its carcinogenic potential, chronic exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
We spend most of our time in our apartments, homes, and offices … Indoor air pollution has become a major public health concern. And for good reason: according to a study by the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Afsset), “Indoor air is estimated to account for 98% of the population’s total exposure to inhaled formaldehyde” (2).
In addition, a survey conducted by the organization Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF) in partnership with 60 Millions de consommateurs highlighted the fact that babies are particularly affected. The survey was conducted in four European countries, including France. It found that 40% of the baby rooms tested had VOC levels (including formaldehyde) above international guidelines. Since their rooms are very often completely renovated and furnished mainly with new retail furniture, this contributes to the spread of harmful substances. Finally, the Association Santé Environnement France (Asef) also conducted a study in 2009 in which the formaldehyde levels of four different retail cribs were measured(3).
The results show that all of the beds tested emit one-quarter of the formaldehyde level set by ASEF.
You’ve realized that it’s hard to avoid it these days: Formaldehyde is found everywhere, mixed in with other harmful substances. Furniture that one might consider harmless is among the main sources of VOC emissions. Since the particleboard or plywood used to manufacture most commercially available furniture is glued, varnished, treated, and even painted, it becomes a source of VOC emissions in its final form, especially during the first few years.
Aside from the harmful fumes, the overwhelming majority of furniture also poses an environmental disaster. Just as there is “fast fashion,” where collections are frequently updated to encourage purchases, this phenomenon also exists in the furniture industry. It is known as “fast furniture.” And just as with ready-to-wear clothing, quality is not really a priority; instead, it is replaced by mass production, which is unethical both toward the workers involved in manufacturing and toward the environment.
Mass-market furniture has a short lifespan and is difficult to recycle. In any case, once it’s worn out, it can no longer be used—unlike the furniture our grandparents had, which often lasted a lifetime or longer.
As with any form of mass production, there are numerous problems here as well. From the sourcing of the wood to the distribution of the finished product, we take you on a journey through an opaque market where quantity takes precedence over quality and unscrupulous industrialists are at work.
II – A Questionable Production with Catastrophic Consequences
There is no shortage of forests in France. And for good reason: we rank fourth in Europe in terms of total forest area.
The most common type of wood found in the country is oak, which is sturdy and durable. Nevertheless, French furniture manufacturers are facing a wood shortage. As surprising as it may sound, French wood is in short supply domestically. Exports to Asia and the U.S. are becoming increasingly important (especially in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis) and are leading to a rise in raw material prices and, consequently, in the prices of the final product. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the fact that Russia has halted all exports of oak timber from its production. The National Timber Association (FNB) has even launched a petition calling for a ban on the export of oak logs.
According to customs data, 187,167 m³ of unprocessed French oak was exported to China—a country seeking to preserve its forests—between January and May 2021. This represents a 42% increase compared to 2020. Like other softwoods (pine, spruce, fir, etc.), this wood is used both for the Chinese market and processed in Asia before being resold in Europe. The carbon footprint involved in getting a piece of furniture to the end customer is catastrophic.
This misguided approach is throwing the French lumber market out of balance and putting pressure on French sawmills and craftsmen.
Sawmills are industries that primarily process wood. The wood undergoes initial processing and is then sent on to joineries or carpentry shops.
The number of sawmills in France has declined dramatically. In the 1960s, there were nearly 15,000; in the 1980s, there were nearly 5,000; and today there are fewer than 1,500. It is a craft that is being lost in favor of industry giants.
Another scourge affecting all timber-producing countries is the illegal timber trade. According to the WWF, 15 to 30 percent of global timber production is harvested illegally. And according to Interpol, this illegal timber market is worth 51 to 152 billion U.S. dollars per year.
France is also affected by the timber trade, which primarily involves oak, enabling the supply of a parallel market. In 2018, a Greenpeace report revealed that French companies (and those from other countries) are involved in importing timber from fraudulent operations(4).
Some major players are even accused of sourcing materials illegally. This is the case with IKEA, which was the subject of an investigation by the environmental NGO Earthsight. The company is alleged to have sourced pine wood of Russian origin from illegal logging, but it denies these allegations.
An environmental and ethical scandal that has significant negative impacts on the environment and also harms local communities that depend on forests, particularly in tropical regions.
In fact, this phenomenon leads to accelerated deforestation and a disruption of biodiversity.
A grim reality for which everyone bears some degree of responsibility. Everyone can do their part to limit the negative impacts of this industry.
III – A More Sustainable World Through Responsible Consumption
If discrepancies arise, it is because the market must adapt to increasingly unrestrained consumption. We are tempted to replace our furniture, which wears out quickly, or to change our interior decor. This is encouraged by “fast furniture,” which regularly offers new collections.
But as we have seen, this kind of consumer behavior also has an impact on our health and our planet.
More and more people want to gradually change their habits so they aren't indirectly involved.
Fortunately, there are various ways to create a healthy environment.
This can start with small, simple steps, such as regularly ventilating your home or choosing an air purifier.
To take it a step further, if you're committed to an eco-friendly approach and want to replace your furniture, there are certain guidelines you can follow.
To start with, you can stock up at a secondhand market, even though it's not always easy to find furniture that suits your taste—and, above all, to know how it was made.
When purchasing new furniture, you can contact companies that specialize in eco-friendly furniture. These companies typically provide transparency regarding their supply chain, and you can find detailed information there. Ideally, these are French companies that manufacture their products in France.
At KIPLI, all of our furniture is made locally. We work with artisanal woodworkers who use only wood that comes primarily from France and is sourced entirely from sustainably managed forests.
To verify the origin of the wood, you can rely on two certifications: FSC and PEFC.
The FSC and PEFC Certifications
The FSC label—the Forest Stewardship Council—is an international NGO whose goal is to ensure the use of sustainably sourced wood that supports the preservation of biodiversity.
The PEFC seal—the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification—is an NGO that ensures continuous improvement in forest management.
Opt for solid wood furniture that has undergone minimal processing. It is sturdy, durable, and much healthier. You can also ask about the products used to assemble the pieces and in the finishing process. As you can imagine, the fewer products used, the better. Adhesives, varnishes, and waxes can be made with water-based formulas that are phthalate-free and VOC-free. Don’t hesitate to ask the manufacturer for details. The more transparent they are about the manufacturing process, the more confident you can be that they have the composition of these products under control.
If you choose products with a simple, timeless design, this will reduce the risk of getting tired of them. As a result, you'll be less tempted to redecorate regularly. They'll complement all kinds of interior styles.
Relying on dedicated industry players who promote transparency and environmental responsibility and collaborate with local artisans is a sure way to furnish your home with quality furniture.
Conclusion
Every individual bears responsibility for building a more ethical world and for preserving our precious ecosystem. Even though the misconduct of some industrial companies has far-reaching consequences, each individual must do what they can to bring more environmentally friendly products to market and ban products that contain harmful substances.
Companies like KIPLI, with strong values, are committed to offering healthy and sustainable alternatives for interior design. Now more than ever, we are proud to collaborate with like-minded artisans to develop product lines made from high-quality materials that have been sustainably sourced.
Our customers’ expectations drive us to prioritize transparency and precision in the manufacturing of our furniture. We are pleased that the questions we receive are increasingly focused on the composition of our products—a sign of thoughtful and responsible purchasing, both for themselves and for the planet.