Groovystuff achieves FSC certification
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, March 9, 2009
DALLAS — Reclaimed teak furniture producer Groovystuff will feature the Forest Stewardship Council-Recycled label from the Rainforest Alliance on a new line of products being introduced at the April High Point Market.
The company, which has sought the certification for more than a year, can place the FSC-Recycled label on select products beginning with upcoming rustic-styled Phoenix collection.
For more than a year, Groovystuff has been having its lines audited through the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood Rediscovered certification program.
The FSC's standards certify that products with the label come from responsibly managed forests and lands that are responsibly managed to conserve biodiversity and support local economies.
The FSC certification is valid through February 2014. The company also can use the certification logo from the Rainforest Alliance, which is accredited by the FSC to provide third-party certification.
Groovystuff purchases the reclaimed wood for its line — mostly teak and rosewood wagon wheels and oxen yokes — from a Thailand facility and then converts it into a wide range of occasional, accent and outdoor furniture.
To achieve certification, Groovystuff had to ensure that workers in the Thai facility had sufficient training on the FSC's chain of custody requirements for handling post-consumer reclaimed materials.
Groovystuff developed procedures, work instructions and a training manual to cover the handling of post-consumer materials from the time of procurement through production and final sale. The initiative was directed by Sheryl Saxton, sustainability officer for Groovystuff, who is responsible for managing the company's chain of custody program.
Chris Bruning, vice president of Groovystuff, said growing interest in green products should continue to increase demand for FSC-certified furniture.
“This interest has been driven, in part, by the success of the green building movement and the resulting emphasis on sustainable homes. Many design professionals and homeowners are now trying to create living spaces that reflect their commitment to sustainable living.” Bruning said.
Bruning said offshore production has left some buyers and manufacturers faced with possible uncertainty to the actual source of product they purchase.
Manufacturers with international facilities need to promote sustainable sourcing and management practices, he said.
“FSC certification ensures that your furniture product has been sourced and produced with responsible use of our forest reserves. It also differentiates your company and promotes these values in the marketplace,” Bruning said.
Groovystuff is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
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