Consumption patterns are constantly evolving, transforming markets as they adapt to new trends. These trends are driven by studies and other data that highlight the harmful nature of certain products. As a result, in recent years we have seen increased demand from consumers who, being better informed about product ingredients and production conditions, want to take appropriate action.
The food industry was the first to be affected by this trend. From organic, additive-free, and gluten-free products to plant-based items with nutritional ratings, manufacturers have had to offer healthier products and demonstrate transparency to remain competitive in the market.
But today, this desire to shop more sensibly is spreading to other sectors. Cosmetics, clothing, and furniture are also in the spotlight. Natural products are gaining ground everywhere; they’re good for you and for the planet, and they’re a guarantee of quality—as long as you don’t fall for greenwashing. Labels, certifications, and transparency in production—there are many signs that a company is trustworthy when it comes to environmental responsibility.
The furniture market is flooded with products of average or mediocre quality, made with materials that are harmful to health and the environment. Fortunately, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy indoor environment and minimize negative environmental impacts.
I - When Furniture Insidiously Pollutes Our Homes
We don’t always realize it, but pollution is everywhere—even in our homes, where it can be 5 to 10 times higher than outdoors. There are many sources of this pollution: smoke, paint, cleaning products… But did you know that the furniture we use at home can also release toxic substances? These are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Several studies have shown that VOCs are present in most indoor spaces. The French National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) published a report in 2015 stating that: “At least 661 substances may potentially be emitted by furniture products, according to the survey conducted.”(1) Among these VOCs, one is particularly prevalent in our indoor environments: formaldehyde.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a toxic substance classified as a Category 1B carcinogen (it is considered to have carcinogenic potential for humans according to ANSES) and can be found in every home to a greater or lesser extent. It is primarily released from building materials, furniture, and detergents.
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 pollution has become a major public health problem. And for good reason, according to a study by the French Agency for Environmental Safety and Occupational Health (Afsset): “Indoor air accounts for 98% of the population’s total inhalation exposure to formaldehyde” (2).
In addition, a survey conducted by the association Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF) in collaboration with 60 Million Consumers revealed that babies are particularly affected. The survey was conducted in four European countries, including France. Apparently, 40% of the nurseries analyzed had VOC levels (including formaldehyde) above internationally established limits. In fact, since their bedrooms are often completely renovated and furnished—primarily with new furniture from big-box retailers—this contributes to the release of substances harmful to health. Finally, the French Association for Health and the Environment (Asef) also conducted a study in 2009 to measure formaldehyde levels emitted by four different types of cribs available in retail stores(3).
The results indicate that all of the cribs tested emit one-quarter of the formaldehyde limit set by ASEF.
As you can see, it’s hard to avoid this substance these days, since formaldehyde is everywhere—not to mention other harmful substances. Furniture, which we might consider harmless, is one of themain sources of VOC emissions. Particleboard and plywood—used and processed in the production of a large portion of commercial furniture—are glued, varnished, treated, or even painted with these substances, causing them to emit VOCs in their final form, especially during their first few years of use.
In addition to toxic fumes,the vast majority of furniture is also an ecological disaster. Just as there is “fast fashion”—which involves frequently updating collections to get people to buy continuously—this phenomenon also exists in the furniture industry. This is called fast furniture. And just as in the “ready-to-wear” sector, quality isn’t really the top priority; instead, mass production is relied upon, which isn’t very ethical—neither for those involved in the manufacturing process nor for the environment.
Mass-market furniture has a short lifespan and is difficult to recycle. In any case, once it’s worn out, it can’t be used as secondhand furniture, as was the case with our grandparents’ furniture, which lasted a lifetime and beyond.
As with any mass-production process, there are many abuses. From the supply of wood to the distribution of the finished product, we find ourselves in an opaque market where quantity takes precedence over quality, with unscrupulous manufacturers.
II - Questionable Production with Disastrous Consequences
France has a considerable amount of forest. For good reason, we are the fourth-largest country in Europe in terms of forest area.
The most common type of wood found in the country is oak, which is sturdy and durable. However, the French furniture industry is facing a wood shortage. Surprisingly, French wood is in short supply in France. Exports to Asia and the United States are becoming increasingly significant (especially after the worst of the COVID crisis), which has led to a rise in the price of raw materials and, consequently, the final product. This is compounded by the fact that Russia has halted all oak wood exports. The National Wood Federation (FNB) has even launched a petition to halt the export of oak logs.
According to customs data, between January and May 2021, 187,167 m³ of unprocessed French oak was exported to China, a country that seeks to preserve its forests. This represents a 42% increase compared to 2020. This wood, like other softwoods (pine, spruce, fir, etc.), is used in the Chinese market, primarily for processing in and and then resold in Europe. This results in a disastrous carbon footprint for a piece of furniture to reach the end customer.
This aberration disrupts the French lumber market and harms French sawmills and artisans.
Sawmills are the primary wood-processing industries. The wood undergoes an initial processing stage before being sent to a carpentry or cabinetmaking shop.
The number of sawmills has dropped dramatically in France. In the 1960s, there were nearly 15,000; in the 1980s, nearly 5,000; and today, there are fewer than 1,500. It is a trade that is being lost to the industry’s giants.
Another problem affecting all timber-producing countries is the illegal timber trade. According to the WWF, between 15 and 30 percent of global timber production is harvested illegally. According to Interpol, this illegal market is worth between 51 and 152 billion dollars a year.
France is also affected by illegal logging, with oak being the most heavily impacted species, as it supplies parallel markets. In 2018, a Greenpeace report highlighted the fact that companies from France (and other countries) were involved in importing timber from illegal logging operations.(4)
Some major companies are even accused of sourcing materials illegally. This is the case with IKEA, which was investigated by the environmental NGO Earthsight. The company is alleged to be sourcing Russian pine from illegal logging, but it denies the allegations.
This is an environmental and ethical scandal that has a significant negative impact on the environment and also harms local communities that depend on forests, especially in tropical regions.
In fact, this phenomenon is accelerating deforestation and disrupting biodiversity.
This is a grim situation for which we are all responsible, to a greater or lesser extent. Once we are aware of the situation, we must take action, and each of us can do our part to limit the negative impacts of this industry.
III - A More Sustainable World Through Mindful Consumption
If there is abuse, it is because the market has to adapt to increasingly frenzied consumption. We are tempted to replace our furniture, which wears out quickly, or to change our interior decor. Encouraged by fast-fashion furniture brands that regularly release new collections
But as we have seen, the consequences of this consumption pattern affect both our health and the planet.
More and more people want to gradually change their habits so as not to indirectly contribute to these consumption patterns.
Fortunately, there are several ways to create a healthy environment.
This can start with small, simple steps, such as ventilating your home regularly or using an air purifier. For more information on this topic, you can consult the guide on indoor air quality: here
When you’re taking an eco-friendly approach and want to replace your furniture, there are certain guidelines you can follow to do your part a little more. First, you can shop at a secondhand market, although it’s not always easy to find furniture you like—and, above all, to know how it’s made
When it comes to new furniture, you can turn to companies that specialize in eco-friendly furniture. In general, there is transparency in the production chain, and you can find accurate information. This is usually the case if these companies are French and their production takes place in France as well. In KIPLI, all our furniture is manufactured locally. We work with artisans who use only wood sourced primarily from France, all of which comes from sustainably managed forests.
To be sure of the wood's origin, you can rely on two labels: FSC and PEFC.
The FSC and PEFC labels
- The label FSClabel, which stands for Forest Stewardship Council, is an international NGO whose goal is to ensure the use of sustainably sourced wood to preserve biodiversity.
- The label PEFC, Program for Forest Recognition and Certification, is an NGO that ensures the continuous improvement of forest management.
Choose furniture made of solid wood that has been minimally processed. It will be strong, durable, and much healthier. You can ask about the products used to assemble the pieces or about the finishes. As you can imagine, the fewer products used, the better. Glues, varnishes, or waxes can be water-based, 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 control the composition of these products.
Choosing products with a simple, timeless design will limit the impact of fast fashion. You’ll be less tempted to redecorate regularly, since these pieces of furniture fit into any type of interior. Choosing companies in the industry that are committed to transparency and environmental responsibility—and that work with local artisans—is a sure bet for furnishing your home with quality pieces.
Conclusion
We all have a responsibility to build a more ethical world and preserve our precious ecosystem. Although the excesses of some manufacturers have significant consequences, we must act individually and to the best of our ability to ensure that more environmentally friendly products are developed and that those containing harmful substances are banned.
Companies such as KIPLI, with strong values, have taken on the challenge of offering healthy and sustainable alternatives for home furnishings. Now more than ever, we can be proud to work with like-minded artisans to develop product lines made from high-quality materials that have been sourced in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our customers’ expectations drive us to be transparent and precise in the manufacturing of our furniture. We are delighted to see that the questions we receive are becoming increasingly specific about the composition of our products—a sign of thoughtful, informed purchasing that benefits both us and the planet.