Purchasing behaviors are constantly evolving, transforming markets that are adapting to new trends. These trends are driven by studies and other data thathighlight the harmful nature of certain products. As a result, we have seen increasing demands from consumers in recent years; as they become better informed about ingredient lists and production conditions, they want to take action on their own. The food industry was the first sector to be affected by this phenomenon. From organic to additive-free and gluten-free products, as well as those labeled with a Nutri-Score or plant-based options, manufacturers have had to offer healthier products and demonstrate transparency to remain competitive in the market. But today, this desire to make more informed purchasing decisions is spreading to other sectors. Cosmetics, clothing, and furniture are also coming under scrutiny. Natural products are gaining ground everywhere; good for you and good for the planet, they are a mark of quality—as long as you don’t fall for greenwashing. Labels, certifications, and transparency regarding production are just a few of the indicators that show a company is reliable when it comes to environmental responsibility.
The furniture market is flooded with products of average to poor quality that contain materials harmful to health and the environment. Fortunately , there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy home 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 outdoor pollution! There are many sources of this pollution: smoke, paint, cleaning products…
But did you know that the furniture in your home can also release toxic substances? These are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Several studies have shown that VOCs are ubiquitous in enclosed spaces. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) published a report in 2015 stating that: “According to the survey conducted, at least 661 substances can potentially be emitted by furniture products.”(1) Among these VOCs, one is particularly prevalent in our homes: formaldehyde.
We spend most of our time in our apartments, homes, and offices… Indoor 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 accounts for 98% of the population’s total exposure to formaldehyde through inhalation” (2). Furthermore, a survey 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. This survey was conducted in four European countries, including France. It appears that
40% of the nurseries tested had VOC levels (including formaldehyde) above international guideline values.
In fact, since their rooms are very often completely renovated and furnished primarily with new furniture from big-box retailers, this creates conditions conducive to the release of substances harmful to health. Finally, the Association Santé Environnement France (Asef) also conducted a study in 2009 to measure the levels of formaldehyde emitted by four different baby cribs purchased from big-box retailers.(3) The results indicate that all the cribs tested emitted one-quarter of the formaldehyde limit set by ASEF. As you can see, it’s hard to avoid formaldehyde these days—it’s everywhere, along with other harmful substances. Furniture that we might consider harmless is actually one of the major sources of VOC emissions. Since the particleboard or plywood used and processed to manufacture most commercially available furniture is glued, varnished, treated, or even painted, it becomes a source of VOCs in its final form—especially during the first few years.→ To learn more, check out our article on indoor air pollution.
In addition to emitting fumes that are harmful to health, the overwhelming majority of furniture also poses an ecological disaster. Just as there is “fast fashion”—which involves frequently updating collections to encourage purchases—this phenomenon also exists in the furniture industry. It’s called “fast furniture.” And just as in the ready-to-wear fashion industry, quality takes a back seat to mass production—a practice that is unethical both toward those involved in manufacturing and toward the environment. Mass-market furniture has a short lifespan and is difficult to recycle. In any case, once worn out, it cannot be reused as secondhand items, unlike the furniture our grandparents often had, which lasted a lifetime and beyond. As with any mass production, abuses are rampant. From the sourcing of wood to the distribution of the finished product, we take you into an opaque market where quantity takes precedence over quality, populated by unscrupulous manufacturers.
II - A Questionable Production with Disastrous Consequences
France has no shortage of forests. 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.
However, French furniture manufacturers are facing a timber shortage. As surprising as it may seem, French timber is becoming scarce within the country. Exports to Asia and the U.S. are on the rise (particularly following the height of the COVID-19 crisis), leading to higher prices for raw materials and, consequently, for the final product. This trend is exacerbated by Russia’s decision to halt all exports of oak timber from its own production. The National Timber Federation (FNB) has even launched a petition to halt exports of oak logs. According to customs data, between January and May 2021, 187,167 m³ of unprocessed French oak was exported to China, which seeks to preserve its forests. This represents a 42% increase compared to 2020. This wood, like other softwoods (pine, spruce, fir, etc.), is used both for the Chinese market and to be processed in Asia and then resold in Europe. This results in a disastrous carbon footprint for a piece of furniture to reach the end customer. This absurd situation is destabilizing the French timber market and undermining French sawmills and artisans.
Sawmills are primary wood-processing facilities. The wood undergoes initial processing before being sent to carpentry or cabinetmaking shops. The number of sawmills has declined drastically in France. In the 1960s, there were nearly 15,000; in the 1980s, there were nearly 5,000; today, there are fewer than 1,500. This traditional craft is being lost to the industry’s 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 believed to be harvested illegally. And according to Interpol, this illegal timber trade accounts for between $51 billion and $152 billion per year. France is also affected by timber trafficking, which mainly involves oak and fuels a black market. In 2018, a Greenpeace report has highlighted the fact that companies in France (and other countries) were involved in importing timber from illegal logging operations.(4) Some major players are even accused of sourcing their supplies 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 Russian pine from illegal logging operations, but denies these accusations. An environmental and ethical scandal that has a significant negative impact on the environment In addition to harming local communities that depend on forests, particularly in tropical regions. Indeed, this phenomenon leads to accelerated deforestation and disrupts biodiversity. This is a grim reality for which we all bear some responsibility, to varying degrees. Awareness must be followed by action, and everyone can do their part to limit the harmful impacts of this industry.III - A More Sustainable World Through Mindful Consumption
If these problems exist, it’s because the market must adapt to ever-more-rampant consumption. We’re tempted to replace our furniture—which wears out quickly—or to change our interior decor, encouraged by the “fast furniture” industry, which regularly releases new collections. But, as we’ve seen, the consequences of this kind of consumption have repercussions on our health and on the planet. More and more people want to gradually change their habits so as not to contribute indirectly to this problem . Fortunately, there are various solutions for creating a healthy environment. This can start with small, simple steps, such as regularly airing out your home or using an air purifier. To take it a step further, if you’re committed to being eco-friendly and want to replace your furniture, there are certain guidelines you can follow. First, you can shop at a secondhand market, even though it’s not always easy to find furniture that suits your taste—and, more importantly, to know how it was made. When it comes to new furniture, you can turn to companies that specialize in eco-friendly furniture. Generally, there’s transparency regarding the production chain. You’ll find detailed information there. Ideally, look for French companies that manufacture in France. At KIPLI, all our furniture is made locally. We work with artisan carpenters who use only wood that is predominantly French and 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 Labels - The FSC label, from the Forest Stewardship Council, is an international nonprofit organization whose goal is to ensure the use of sustainably sourced wood that helps preserve biodiversity. - The PEFC label, from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is a nonprofit organization that ensures the continuous improvement of forest management.
Opt for solid wood furniture that has undergone very little processing. It will be sturdy, durable, and much healthier. You can ask about the products used to assemble the pieces or the finishes. As you might expect, the fewer products used, the better. Glues, varnishes, and 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 have control over the composition of these products.
By choosing products with a simple, timeless design, you’ll minimize the risk of getting tired of them. This way, you’ll be less tempted to redecorate your home regularly. These pieces will fit into any type of interior. Opting for socially responsible companies in the industry—ones that champion transparency and environmental responsibility by working with local artisans—is a sure bet for furnishing your home with quality pieces.
Conclusion
We all share the responsibility for building a more ethical world and preserving our precious ecosystem. Even though the irresponsible practices of some manufacturers have significant consequences, we must act individually and within our means to promote more eco-friendly products and ban those containing harmful substances. Companies like KIPLI, with their strong values, have taken on the challenge of offering healthy, sustainable alternatives for home furnishings. Now more than ever, we are proud to work with artisans who share our values to develop product lines made from high-quality materials that have been sourced in an environmentally responsible manner. Our customers’ high standards drive us to be transparent and precise about how our furniture is made. We’re delighted to see that the questions we receive are becoming increasingly detailed regarding product composition—a sign of thoughtful, conscious purchasing for both ourselves and the planet.
Sources cited →
→ (1) https://www.anses.fr/fr/system/files/AIR2013sa0040Ra.pdf
→ (2) https://www.anses.fr/fr/system/files/AIR2004etVG002Ra.pdf
→ (3) https://www.asef-asso.fr/attachments/article/199/Etude%20lit%20bebe%20bd.pdf
→ (4) https://www.greenpeace.org.br/hubfs/Greenpeace_Report_Imaginary_Trees_Real_Destruction_March_2018.pdf?_ga=2.17502969.1911370636.1642140123-1509281782.1642140123 → Indoor Air Quality Guide: https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Guide_INPES_Pollution_de_l_air_interieur.pdf