AHFA manual helps companies create social responsibility programs

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 6, 2012

HIGH POINT — The American Home Furnishings Alliance has released its Responsible Sourcing Manual, designed to help home furnishings companies establish corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Many home furnishings companies source from around the globe, and even small companies may be doing business with a dozen or more overseas resources, AHFA said. Managing these supply chains - and ensuring that they comply with current and emerging labor and environmental standards - has fueled a growing interest in CSR programs, the organization said.

The 28-page manual outlines the benefits of CSR programs, defines key program components, provides tips on implementation and governance, and outlines a process for assessing and monitoring suppliers.

A resources section provides sample supplier codes of conduct as well as an overview of key regulations helping to define the role of social responsibility in corporate America, including the federal Lacey Act and the new California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which went into effect Jan. 1.

The Responsible Sourcing Manual is available in a downloadable PDF format for $249. AHFA member companies receive a significant discount. Orders can be placed online at www.ahfa.us.

The manual is available at no charge to participants in AHFA's Sustainable by Design program, which helps home furnishings companies extend sustainable business practices throughout their supply chain. The program includes social responsibility as one of the key areas for improving global environmental performance.

AHFA established a member task force to assist in developing and reviewing the manual. Participants included Ann Clepper, marketing manager for Legacy Classic; Roger Jones, vice president of global logistics for Century Furniture; Rod Miller, director of environmental affairs for La-Z-Boy; Leanne Teasdale, sourced products manager for Flexsteel Inds.; and Grace Weaver, manager of international trade/regulatory compliance for FBN Logistics.