Furniture Industry Set To Go Green

By Chad Isenberg

For years, the threat of global warming has been predicted by scientist to become increase. Unfortunately, there were only a few who heeded the call for more eco-friendly products. Today though, the awareness regarding climate change has increased. This increase in awareness has paved the way for different industries to produce green technologies and products.

The furniture industry is also taking strides in joining the ranks of industries battling global warming. Heading this initiative is furniture importer Palecek. The company pointed out that retailers can support the sustainable furniture movement without sacrificing profits. Allan Palecek expressed his message to retailers at the Sustainable Furniture Council meeting in Atlanta recently.

Held at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, the meeting is centered on informing retailers on what they can do to balance support for sustainability and profits. Palecek pronounced that there is a way to keep a balance between the two. He said that it is possible especially with consumers also becoming aware of the threat of climate change. Palecek also went on to say that this awareness is more apparent on younger generation of buyers.

"The job for you is to understand and to help educate the consumer," said Palecek during the conference. The consumer needs to be aware of what is going on...There is an opportunity for younger people to get behind this."

During his speech at the said event Palecek related that his company started out with manufacturing bamboo baskets way back in the 70s. And as part of the company's dedication towards a sustainable future, they started offering products made from sustainable materials such as sea grass, wicker, rattan, and abaca. With the diversity in materials used for their products, the company was able to stay true to their commitment of protecting the environment.

"I brought this kind of material to the marketplace and people responded to it," said Palecek. "Recycling and using sustainable products go hand in hand. It makes all the sense in the world," he added.

Although Palecek said that there are ways through which furniture manufacturers can balance sustainability and profit, he said that there is still room for improvement. He pointed out that in packaging of items, plastics are still being used. Foams are also potentially dangerous to the environment and are also used in packaging furniture and other related goods such as crane mirrors.

"There is an unbelievable amount of energy wasted for packaging - it's billions of dollars," said Palecek. "Some of it is recycled, but for the most part, it is wasted product," he added.

During the SFC meeting, setting a standard can help retailers tell their consumers which products are manufactured without harming the environment. This shows that the industry is working hard to make the world a better place for future generations.

Chad Isenberg is an antique collector. This 33-year old is based in the Midwest constantly on the road looking for antiques. He is also venturing on his own furniture business. On his free time, he can be found designing new furniture/fixtures.

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