The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said nearly two and a half thousand years ago, “The only thing that is constant is change.” This statement is as true today as it was then. Change is especially important to adapt to sustainable lifestyles. Companies are constantly striving to change and reduce their environmental impact to keep up with the growing environmental awareness worldwide. The furniture industry is no different.
When thinking about the environment, the term ‘sustainable development’ naturally comes to mind. Sustainable development can be defined as an approach to the economic development of a country without compromising the quality of the environment for future generations.
The concept of sustainable development is more important in the field of environment because the maximum use of the raw materials from which products are made from the environment can be ensured only through sustainable development. The furniture industry is also trying to reflect the environment through sustainable development.
Start with the design
When a company begins to implement sustainability practices, the thinking is reflected in the design process early on. A customized design is possible using minimal but durable and high-quality materials. If it costs less energy to produce it, the company should focus on it. This helps lay the foundation for a sustainable product.
Although tasteful and at the same time the sustainable design is a big challenge for the furniture industry, it is constantly being worked on in different countries of the world including Bangladesh. When furniture comes to the market, the customer’s interest in it is initially created by looking at the design.
Therefore, the design should be attractive, as well as reflect environmental considerations. The great news is, top furniture brands in Bangladesh like Hatil have been working in this field for a long time, striving to create a blend of sustainable development and attractive design.
Hatil authorities said the company is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities through intelligent design, conservation and recycling. Every design here is carefully crafted, with energy consumption and sustainability in mind.
Image: Gulliver-101
Awareness of raw material and production process
When a brand works on product design, the raw materials used to make the product resonate with its thinking. In this case, you have to be careful in the selection of raw materials. In the fight for survival where global warming is a challenge, wood as the main raw material for furniture products must be used in a way that mitigates negative environmental impacts.
In this case, alternative ideas and renewable raw materials like hardwood trees like oak, ash, and elm can be used. Furniture brand Hatil has ventured into manufacturing furniture using German-based The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified oak and beech oak wood.
FSC certifies only the wood that is produced without harming the environment. At present Hatil uses FSC-certified wood as well as different types of boards and steel. Even their factory is FSC certified.
At the same time, one has to be careful about the use of chemical furniture in the production process which causes damage to the environment. Along with this, the use of renewable or non-renewable fuels can also show a positive future to reflect positive thinking in terms of energy consumption. In Bangladesh, for example, Hatil has been using scrap wood and wood dust to power the production process.
Image: Hatil Factory
How important is packaging and transportation?
The packaging idea would have been better if there was no packaging at all. But in many respects packaging is an important accessory for the furniture industry. For years, single-use plastics such as Styrofoam and airbags have been the norm for furniture packaging. But this trend is changing.
Recyclable packaging is becoming increasingly popular, as well as furniture companies focusing on lightweight biodegradable materials that reduce energy waste in transport and natural waste at the end of use. In terms of packaging, ensure that the packaging materials are easy to recycle or compost once the new furniture arrives safely at home. In this case, cardboard boxes, eco-friendly taps, and biodegradable yarn can be simple solutions.
Focusing on reducing carbon emissions and fuel costs in furniture transportation has now become part of the eco-conscious reflection. It is possible to have a positive impact on the environment in delivering furniture products from city to city or across country borders through sustainable transport systems. In this regard, a global furniture brand like Hatil is moving forward by setting a precedent for sustainable transportation.
By purchasing eco-friendly furniture, you as a customer can benefit more than just yourself. The world is also benefiting. Let’s continue this effort to save the earth from our own position through the proper use of limited natural resources.
